Glades County, FL

Yesterday after my 7:00 am doctor's appointment at MacDill we packed up for "moving day."  Billy drove the motor home, and I followed towing the boat.  It was the first time I have towed anything for 30 years, and doing so was way out of my comfort zone.  I did great however, only took out one curb.  We are staying at Twin Palms RV park in Glades County, FL.  There are only about 10 RVs parked here along with a few small cabins that fishermen rent for short terms.  Glades County was created in 1921 and was named for the Florida Everglades. It is located in south central Florida on the western bank of Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee is the largest fresh water lake in Florida and adds tremendous value to the quality of life in Glades County. Glades County is known for tourism, cattle, fishing, sugar cane, produce, and citrus industries. The total area of Glades County is 986 square miles; 774 square miles is land and 213 square miles is water. The population of Glades County is approximately 11,100 with approximately 2,780 families.

Moore Haven is the County Seat and has a population of approximately 1800. Moore Haven is located on the banks of Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. The river is part of Florida's Intracoastal Waterway. Moore Haven was named after the founder of the community, James A. Moore. There are five unincorporated communities in Glades County, Buckhead Ridge, Lakeport, Ortona, Palmdale, and Muse. The Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation is in northeast Glades County.  We will have to go over (a few miles away) to the Reservation to do our laundry.  Hope they have slot machines in the laundry area.  :)

Glades County is an amazing place that's home to great people, an abundance of natural resources, and a diverse agricultural landscape. The people of Glades County are diverse in their heritage, colorful in their history, and strong in their faith. People get along with one another as evidenced by low instances of crime.  Billy and I both felt a calm feeling come over us as soon as we set up camp yesterday.  We are backed up on a fresh water pond with wild life all around.  I started to take Maggie for a long walk around the pond to check her pee mail, but stopped short because we were too hot.  Glad I did as later in the evening our neighbor pointed out 2 of the 3 alligators to me.

Glades County residents appreciate the serenity found in the abundance of natural resources throughout the county. Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River are key natural resources that provide for a variety of recreational activities. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail winds its way through the county. Bird watching is an important pastime to many so I will start taking our camera with me when I go for long walks. Residents and tourists are attracted to the boating, fishing and wildlife. Fisheating Creek sports a marvelous canoe trail. Walking and bicycling are enjoyed by many.  Lake Okeechobee and the rim canal are across the street from us and Maggie and I discovered that the rim is a great place for a long nature walk.

Billy is going fishing with Ray Freeman tonight, and I plan to hang around camp and work on my sewing.  Pictures to come later......"Life is Good Today."