We are off to the Okefenokee Swamp in southeastern Georgia. A 45 minute drive to Folkston through lush green countryside with pine forests. The swamp is a National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area which is administrated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We visited the small visitor center and saw a good movie and then went on a guided boat tour. We cruised the grand canal and saw zillions of gators sunning themselves in the 18" deep water. Lots of folks paddling in canoes and kayaks. Saw very few birds as it was the middle of the day and hot. We did see Black Gum and Cypress Trees covered with Spanish Moss. Lots of pines too. Also saw dragonflies, butterflies, turtles and beautiful blooming lily pads.
Later we visited the Chesser Homestead. This family lived in the swamp and produced turpentine and syrup. We walked a 3/4 mile boardwalk to a 50' observation tower and saw a water moccasin in a stream - a safe distance away.
On the way home we stopped in Folkston to see the train funnel. This area has two tracks and all trains going to and from Florida come through the town. They get about 60 trains each day and have constructed a covered viewing patform with ceiling fans and chairs. We met two guys there with a computer to follow the trains and it is a great way to spend some spare time.
The best was yet to come as our friends, Lynn and Neal Mooney, arrived at the campground and we went to dinner at Sonny's BBQ. Great ribs and chicken! Then we continued to the tiny town of Woodbine, GA, and the home of the Woodbine Opry held at the "Old School." We found seats in the auditorium and were amazed when the curtain opened to see a seven piece band who made great music. It was all country and the guys ranged from their forties to an 82 year old lead guitar. After the opening number people got up to dance in the pit area. Lots of two stepping going on and some good dancers. The people sitting next to Neal started giving him a blow by blow on all the people and we were having fun. Next to Jeff was a guy who looked half asleep, but when the dancing began he got up and asked several ladies to dance. Then he asked me and we two stepped and I found he (Quentin) was quite a character. He then asked Lynn to dance and then Jeff and I got up a few times. Quentin asked Lynn and me again and we all had a great time. Most of the attendees come here every Saturday night and it is a big part of their social life. They also raffled off cakes which were brought by some of the ladies, and had a 50/50. One of our favorite characters was a 92 year old who loved to dance. He was boogeying all around and partnered with several of the ladies. Gotta love small towns and good, solid people enjoying life.
Later we visited the Chesser Homestead. This family lived in the swamp and produced turpentine and syrup. We walked a 3/4 mile boardwalk to a 50' observation tower and saw a water moccasin in a stream - a safe distance away.
On the way home we stopped in Folkston to see the train funnel. This area has two tracks and all trains going to and from Florida come through the town. They get about 60 trains each day and have constructed a covered viewing patform with ceiling fans and chairs. We met two guys there with a computer to follow the trains and it is a great way to spend some spare time.
The best was yet to come as our friends, Lynn and Neal Mooney, arrived at the campground and we went to dinner at Sonny's BBQ. Great ribs and chicken! Then we continued to the tiny town of Woodbine, GA, and the home of the Woodbine Opry held at the "Old School." We found seats in the auditorium and were amazed when the curtain opened to see a seven piece band who made great music. It was all country and the guys ranged from their forties to an 82 year old lead guitar. After the opening number people got up to dance in the pit area. Lots of two stepping going on and some good dancers. The people sitting next to Neal started giving him a blow by blow on all the people and we were having fun. Next to Jeff was a guy who looked half asleep, but when the dancing began he got up and asked several ladies to dance. Then he asked me and we two stepped and I found he (Quentin) was quite a character. He then asked Lynn to dance and then Jeff and I got up a few times. Quentin asked Lynn and me again and we all had a great time. Most of the attendees come here every Saturday night and it is a big part of their social life. They also raffled off cakes which were brought by some of the ladies, and had a 50/50. One of our favorite characters was a 92 year old who loved to dance. He was boogeying all around and partnered with several of the ladies. Gotta love small towns and good, solid people enjoying life.
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