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On the Big O Hike near Port Mayaca

Big O Hike

Nine days, 109 miles: that’s the circuit around Lake Okeechobee to complete a walk around the second largest lake inside American borders on the Big O Hike.

HIKE INFORMATION

3x3x3

Nubbin Slough

November 20, 2011    Sandra Friend

Okeechobee’s history runs deep. Today’s walk slips past many ghosts, of fish camps and fish canneries, an early Florida toll road and more shoreline where the lake waters once lapped.

A Year with Primrose

Us and Primrose

January 6, 2014    John Keatley

It’s been a year since we purchased Primrose, our 1982 VW Vanagon. Here’s a recap of where we’ve been and what we’ve seen.

Aloft

Chauncey Bay Okeechobee

November 18, 2012    Sandra Friend

It isn’t rare for winds to streak across the surface of Lake Okeechobee, picking up speed as they travel. But some mornings are windier than others, and this was one of them.

Back from the Big O

Big O Pahokee

November 26, 2007    Sandra Friend

During the 2007 Big O Hike, Ocala resident Cliff Moody set a new bar for future hikers by walking all the way around Lake Okeechobee at age 90.

Braising Cane

Sugar Cane field aflame

November 24, 2011    Sandra Friend

As I hike the Florida Trail past Moore Haven, a sugar cane field bursts out in flame after my discussion with my friend Steve, a sign from above that he’s along for the walk.

Day Eight: Torrey Island

Walking by Torrey Island on the Florida Trail

November 24, 2007    Sandra Friend

After a moonlight walk the night before with fellow hikers, I arise early for a walk to Torrey Island on Day 8 of the Big O Hike.

Day Five: In the pink

Sunrise over Eagle Bay Okeechobee

November 21, 2007    Sandra Friend

On Day Five of the 2007 Big O Hike, sunrise over Eagle Bay was the event of the morning before a move to our southerly campground in the afternoon.

Day Four: Halfback

Rosie and Gordon at Buckhead Ridge

November 20, 2007    Sandra Friend

Day four of the 2007 Big O Hike evolved into a relaxed walk from the halfway point back into the campground in Okeechobee, greeting hikers along the way.

Day Nine: Pelican Bay

Sunrise on Pelican Bay

November 25, 2007    Sandra Friend

The final day of the 2007 Big O Hike sweeps us around the curve of Pelican Bay into Pahokee as the details sink deep into my memories.

Day One: Kickoff!

Never pass a restroom on the Big O Hike!

November 17, 2007    Sandra Friend

Day 1 of the 2007 Big O Hike around Lake Okeechobee starts off with sunshine and a walk to Port Mayaca along the glistening lake waters.

Day Seven: Surreal

Powerboat on the Rim Canal in Clewiston

November 23, 2007    Sandra Friend

Day seven of the 2007 Big O Hike is a counterpoint to the previous day, entertaining family with the highlights of Clewiston.

Day Six: Giving thanks

Sunrise and fog at Moore Haven

November 22, 2007    Sandra Friend

Sunrise unfolded ever-so-slowly through the fog-shrouded marshes at Moore Haven, making for the perfect start of Thanksgiving Day during the 2007 Big O Hike.

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