Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

with… Derek… Dennis… Carlos… & John. Of course I was outnumbered by three Bostonians to one Philly boy (me). Dennis is actually a Florida native who has lived in Boston.

Lake Okeechobee is a small ocean. Waves were 1+ ft & breaking all day. Winds were 20+ mph. Perfect cloudless day in 70's. Even saw the local 3 or 5K run winner posing for selfies. So we get to hear the gentle waves crashing throughout the morning. Very peaceful.

Lot's of wildlife. Egrets. Osprey. Cranes. 1 Alligator. Sugar Field fires. Palm Beach canal. 15 ft. on lake side. 7-9 ft. on land side. Draining slowly into SW Florida Water Management canal system. The canal winds through Carlos' residential neighborhood some 30 miles away. We thought of tubing back. :)

We opted to go the full 3.5 miles (7m RT). Did not see any of the Army Corp reconstruction. The local marina restaurant was closed & we headed back after about a 3h leisurely walk.

**** AFTER DISCUSSION SEEMS THERE'S A PART OF THE TRAIL THAT'S ON THE LEVEE!

This will be a leisurely lollygag along the shores of Lake Okeechobee. From **Pahokee Marina** north. Then return. TOTAL 5 miles.

**We're moving the start point 15 miles south to Pahokee Marina. This section is levee trail & not under construction.** Possible a stop for lunch at a local eatery if one looks appealing after the hike before heading home.

The Florida National Scenic Trail runs from South Florida to the panhandle area. This short leisurely stroll will cover 2.5 miles. (5 miles round trip). We'll start ** at the Pahokee Marina**. This will be UNshaded for the entire hike. WATER: 2 LITERS recommended. Freezing (2) 1-liter bottles the night before will provide cool water most the day. Sun block, sunglasses & hat to protect from the sun. Bug spray. Temps likely in the mid 80's but will feel like low 90's. Good STURDY hiking shoes are recommended for comfort and stability. NO PETS. The trail around Lake Okeechobee is paved, or two-track gravel roadway. (I've been in Florida 13 years & have not been to the shores of Lake Okeechobee!). Hoping for a spectacular day, lots of sun & not too warm for scenic views and peaceful outdoors.

FYI: As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertakes repairs on the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee, agency officials are reminding hikers and bikers that major portions of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) remain closed.

Hopefully this construction activity will not affect our plans.