Okefenokee Swamp, West Side

After a morning of cattle gazing, we headed east for the Okefenokee Swamp.

On the drive, J mentioned it looked like we were driving into a painting.  I snapped a picture and have to agree, but maybe more of a postcard instead of painting. 

Apparently, the west entrance is actually a State Park. 

Here is a description of the symbiosis between the State Park and National Wildlife Refuge.  

It was a small area, some camping spots, the little visitor center and a pond area for boats to dock.  You could rent a motor boat, canoe or kayak or take a guided boat tour. 

We decided to start off with a little hike and then see what we wanted to do next.  J was loving the flat ground, no rocks and easy walking. 

There was a beautiful 0.7 mile boardwalk out into the swamp. 

On the way back, we saw our first alligator.  He definitely had an eye issue going on. 

Then, decision made, we rented a tandem kayak for 4 hours for only $20.  The park ranger said, "pick up your seat cushion, life vest and paddle on your way out.  Your in kayak #9."  And out we went on our own.  

J didn't seem as happy being off dry land. 

But the scenery was gorgeous. 

And there was plenty of wildlife.  I'm going with Little Blue Heron for this one.  I'm sure E will correct me if I am wrong. 

We paddled to Billy's Island which is only accessible by boat.  Hebard Cypress Company had a lumber camp on the island in 1918 that supported up to 600 people.  We also saw a couple of deer on the island. 

Red Headed Woodpecker. (plenty of those here too)

I had a little visitor in my seat when we got back to the kayak. 

We found out on the way back, that what looked like still water actually had a current.  Paddling back was much easier that going out. 

Snowy Egret.

I highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area.  Definitely a good value, plenty to see, lots of wildlife and beautiful landscape.  

From here we headed to around the swamp to the east entrance, spending the night in Folkston, GA.  There, we were actually able to have a meal in a restaurant that still had an all you can eat buffet. Yum!

Next up, Okefenokee Swamp - Main entrance.