Lake Kissimmee State Park

[esprit]

A while ago, my husband had the bright idea that we ought to use the lake around the back of our house. So off we went and bought an Indian style canoe ( think the red indians in Fantasmic and you've got it) We soon got fed up of our lake and now have to cart this thing on the roof of the car somewhere new every visit. That is how we discovered Lake Kissimmee State Park which is a totally unspoilt wilderness gem in the middle of nowhere.
As well as the lake, walks, BBQs, picnic tables etc, there is a reconstruction of a 'Cow Camp' from when the area was a ranching centre. It is based on a turn of the century pioneer camp and on certain days ( weekends I think) there are cow catchers in costume on hand to tell you about life as it was way back when.

Julie Carty

[blott]

Where is it Julie and can you tell us when you're going for your next outing in the canoe? This we have gotta see!

Blott

[caroline]

If it's in October, I'll have my telephoto lens with me <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Caroline

[esprit]

Down 27 to Lake Wales, turn left (?) onto 60 ( the opposite direction to Bartow anyway) from there, you take to the B roads. Sorry dont know the nos ( the good map is in our owners cupboard) but I would think it is signposted.

The canoe is currently chained up in our garage where it takes up most of the space. It is so heavy that we cannot carry it to Lake Davenport and Terry constructed a little trolley on pram wheels on which we wheel the thing down. I wear a rather natty life jacket from WalMart and we all push this thing across the estate and look right p...s so son and I fight against it whenever possible. It is just possible that Caroline with a telephoto lens may be lucky ( if I am unfortunate) but January is a bit too cold for it, Blottie. When we are going further afield, we strap the thing to the car roof ( no proper roof rack on hire cars so again it is improvisational) and you should see some of the odd looks we have got from passing Americans.

Julie Carty

[blott]

Ah, yes, well I can just imagine what the Americans must be thinking and having it confirmed they were correct that the British are a bit eccentric on their Florida hols! Watch out for Caroline in October but shame it'll be too cold in January but... there's always another time! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Blott