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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Farewell Okefenokee

Even though it has been raining most of the day, I’ve been busy finishing my pack up chores.  Basically, all I have left to do tomorrow is unhook the water and electric, pull in the slides, raise the levelers, hook up the toad, and head down the road.  My plan is to drive a little more than I like to a campground 259 miles away in the panhandle of Florida.  I hope to arrive in Scott, LA, on Wednesday, and that’s about 670 miles from here.

Since I don’t even have a chair to sit on outside under the awning this evening, I decided to look through my 900 saved pictures from my time at Okefenokee and reminisce.  I have so many wonderful memories that it was hard to choose.  I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did picking them out.

71 Okefenokee NWR 2012-1353

From the birds, to the alligators, to the Chesser Homestead, each day provided a new memory or learning experience.  And I certainly couldn’t forget Nurse Ratchet and my hip replacement surgery.  I’ve never had an adventure like that, and I was so lucky to have my brother by my side.

71 Okefenokee NWR 2012-1354

Then there were all of the friends, new and old, who added such excitement and fun to my days.  That little ditty from my Girl Scout days often played in my head:  “Make new friends, but keep the old; One is silver and the other’s gold.”

71 Okefenokee NWR 2012-1355

As unforgettable as the people and the wildlife are, it is the Okefenokee Swamp NWR that calls to one’s soul.  I can now so relate to the feelings of those early ‘swampers’ who loved this place and never wanted to leave.  It’s so hard to explain the draw of the swamp unless you’ve been out there in that wilderness.  It will remain one of my favorite places in this country.  I never thought this place would grab my heart so much.  Perhaps I’ll return again some time in the future…

IMG_2550                                                                               THE END!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

28 comments:

  1. Love the collage and am honored to be part of it! It's a difficult contest - but the winner would have to be either the Great Horned Owl or Nurse Ratchet.

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  2. I'm a little partial to Nurse Ratchet myself!!! LOL.

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  3. You've sure had some experiences there. Even the surgery was a good one, because worked so well and now it's over and you can move on - more comfortably.

    I look forward to your next adventure! :)

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  4. Safe travels and you'll soon be enjoying your new adventures.

    It's about time.

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  5. If you are going to be anywhere near Ft Walton Beach-Gulf Breeze, FL, you are invited for dinner!

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  6. Don't suppose you'll be anywhere near St. George Island in Florida on your way to Louisiana tomorrow. Let me know if you will. I need a lesson in great collage making. Those are fabulous! I couldn't agree more about how a swamp can tug at your heart. Both Okefenokee and the Everglades are magical places that I love. I know we will both return.

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  7. Always love traveling with you.... thanks for a great experience! I'm looking forward to the next!

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us! What an unforgettable adventure we have had right along with you.

    I so agree with everyone else....can't wait for you to relocate in Minnesota. Praying you and Emma have safe travels!

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  9. You are blessed with so many beautiful memories of your time at Okefenokee. Happy traveling.

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  10. What a great way to remember all the wonderful times you have had while there. Loved the collages. Safe travels!!

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  11. Great memories ... and I see that we are part of them ... safe travels.

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  12. I have to vote for Nurse Ratchet, too. So lucky to have him for family.

    I'm glad you found a place to love so much. I hope your stint in Minnesota at least comes close to giving you good memories. When do you have to be there? It's still snowing up there, you know. :(

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  13. Had an enjoyable time with you.
    Looking forward to the next adventure.

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  14. Thank you for all the time you spent sharing your photos and stories from the swamp. I learned alot from you and look forward to your new adventures. Great header photo of the tortoise.

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  15. I sure have enjoyed this adventure and all those wonderful pictures and stories.
    I can't wait to see pictures of your next adventure. Be safe don't over due the driving.

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  16. Have never visited a swamp. Have now, because of your experience, decided that this is something John and I should do. Be safe out there.

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  17. Thank you for introducing me to your swamp. So many beautiful pictures. This is still something I have to see in person. Happy and safe travels as you journey to your next "new home"

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  18. My father traveled all over the world. The favorite spot he returned to again and again was the Okefenokee Swamp. It winds it way into one's soul. So glad you were able to experience this.

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  19. Absolutely gorgeous photos! Safe travels.

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  20. I enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed your entire time at Okefenokee.

    Safe travels.

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  21. I bet all the flora and fauna is glad to see you leave, they were probably getting tired of you ruining their peace and quiet with all the noise of your camera clicking as you took pictures.

    So, I want to know what kind of friend you consider me to be. Gold? Silver? Or lead because I haven't washed your motorhome yet? :cD

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  22. Loved the pictures. You and FJ have a safe trip.

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  23. Cannot wait until we get to Minnesota...I sure would like to see a Wolf.!

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  24. I so hope I can get an assignment there this fall or next spring. Swamps are my favorite places and one of the least respected wild places, although they are responsible for much more biomass than other habitats.

    Thanks so much for sharing your life there with us.

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  25. Thank you for the memories, you got me all emotional! Or is that the glass of red wine on an empty stomach speaking? ;)
    Be safe and take your time, you'll get there eventually!

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  26. Great collages, love the kingfisher

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