Who Really Won the Battle of Okeechobee?

Saturday, February 22, 2014

It is Christmas day in 1837, and a historic battle of the second Seminole War is about to take place on the northern edge of Lake Okeechobee.  The US Army is determined to drive the Seminole Indians off the peninsula, and has been chasing them south for two years.  By the time they reach Lake Okeechobee, the US Army has about 800 men led by Col. Zachary Taylor.  The Seminole Indians have about 300 warriors led by Coacoochee (Wildcat), legendary medicine man Abiaca, Alligator, and the Black Seminole leader John Cavallo.  This sounds like a mismatch, but when you read the rest of the story, you may have a different opinion about who really won this battle!

The land just north of Lake Okeechobee was a densely wooded hammock.  In front of the hammock was a large sawgrass swamp that the soldiers would have to cross in order to reach the cover of the hammock. The Seminoles used the hammock as a place to hide and to steady their rifles.  They also cut a path through the swamp so the soldiers would stay bunched up making them easy targets.  The warriors knew they could not defeat the soldiers but planned to delay the soldiers long enough for their women and children to paddle down Lake Okeechobee to the safety of the Everglades, and they stashed canoes for their own retreat.

The Missouri Volunteers led by Col. Richard Gentry was the first unit to slog through the swamp.  The Seminoles took careful aim targeting the officers.  With nearly all of their officers killed, including Gentry, the Volunteers moved back.

The 6th Infantry led by Lt. Col. Ramsey Thompson, marched bravely to the hammock.  Once again the warriors took careful aim concentrating on the officers.  The 6th Infantry stood bravely as their officers were cut down with deadly fire power.

The wounded are tended to, and moved to the rear.

As the 6th Infantry bravely held their ground...

Lt. Col. William Foster led a charge of the 4th Infantry pushing the Indians deeper into the hammock.

After about two hours of fighting, the Indians retreated to their canoes and headed to the safety of the Everglades joining their women and children.

At the end of the day, the army held the ground and declared the battle a victory, and Col. Zachary Taylor would later become the commander of the army during the Mexican war.  But, the army casualties were horrific.  Nearly a third of the soldiers that crossed the sawgrass swamp were killed or wounded and nearly every officer in the Missouri Volunteers and 6th Infantry were killed.  The wounded were so numerous that half of Taylor's force was out of action for weeks, and this tragic war would continue for another four and a half years.

On the other hand, the Seminole casualties were light, suffering less than a dozen killed and a little more than a dozen wounded.  The Seminoles had accomplished their mission of delaying the army long enough for the women and children to escape.  So, who really won this battle?

The reenactors wear authentic clothing of the time, they sleep in tents for the weekend, and cook their meals over the camp fire just as they did in the early 1800's.

Before visiting this re-enactment, I had never heard of the Battle of Okeechobee.  So, I've learned something new today!

Here's one of the reenactors having a drink after the battle. 

I didn't know they had plastic drink bottles back in 1837.  I guess I learned something else today!!  Ha!

Highland Hammocks State Park, Sebring, Fl.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Today Kitty and I drove from Okeechobee to Sebring, Florida to have lunch with Bob and Carol, our long time friends from Illinois.  Bob and Carol are vacationing in Florida this month and are happy to have dodged some of that miserable winter weather that has gripped much of the country this year.

After lunch, we decided to head to Highlands Hammock State Park just west of Sebring.  Highlands Hammock State Park has more than 9,000 acres of beautiful old-growth hammock cypress swamps.  Bob and Carol visited this park a few years ago, but this was the first visit for Kitty and me.

We took a stroll across the elevated boardwalk along the Cypress Swamp trail looking for some swamp creatures.

Here we are on the boardwalk.

L to R: Bob, Carol, Kitty, and Craig



This is the first section of the boardwalk.  It was an easy leisurely stroll through the swamps.

The Cypress Swamps

Two Turtles basking in the warm Florida sun.

The rest of the boardwalk was rather narrow with only one hand rail.  This part was a little tricky because the footing was a little uneven and the hand rail was low.  So, to hold on to the rail, you had to bend over slightly making it difficult to keep your head up looking for wild life.  Luckily, none of fell into the swamp!

Besides getting wet when falling off the boardwalk, we did not want to disturb any snakes that may be lurking in the dark murky water.  If you look real close in the center of this picture, there is a snake curled up on a clump of grass waiting for someone to fall in the swamp!  This picture was take with my cell phone camera, sorry it is a little fuzzy because the camera was focusing on the underbrush instead of the snake.

We also saw this baby gator resting on a branch by the waters edge.  It is a little difficult to see because he was a little too far away for a good picture.  His tail is almost touching the water.

This park also offers a tram tour, but that was not running when we were there.  They also have guided tours with a ranger, a Civilian Conservation Corp museum, plenty of hiking/biking trails, and a campground.  If you are in Sebring looking for an outdoor adventure, try the Highlands Hammock State Park.  The six dollar per car entry fee is well worth it for this outdoor adventure.

Okee-Tantie on the Kissimmee River

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

If you are looking for a nice relaxing place where you can sit and watch the boats go by, then Okee-Tantie in Okeechobee, Florida is the place you should visit.  Okee-Tantie is owned by Okeechobee county and includes a maria and nearby restaurant.  Just a few years ago, there was also a thriving campground with 160 sites, but it has since closed.

Okee-Tantie sits along the Kissimmee River just a short distance from where the River flows into Lake Okeechobee.  This is a popular place for fishing boats and pleasure crafts of all sizes.  The nearby restaurant has great food and a great view of the marina and river, but tends to be a little pricey.  There's an ample supply of picnic tables and benches along the river.  So, you can bring a picnic and enjoy the view for as long as you like.

Kitty by the River

 Pelicans by the River

 One of the many boats we saw heading out of the marina into the River

We enjoy some of the simple things in life, and this was fun, relaxing, enjoyable, and free.  We plan to go back there real soon.

Olympics in Okeechobee, Fl

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Ancient Oaks RV Resort in Okeechobee, Florida held its second annual Olympics for seniors called the Oldlympics.  There was no highly trained athletes, no herd of sports writers, and no terrorist threats.  But, there was a lot of fun for all that were watching and participating in the ten events.  There were twenty teams consisting of four people and each person had to participate in each event. The events included; basketball shoot, washer toss, cup stacking, ping pong bounce, Frisbee toss, corn bag toss,ladder golf,  marshmallow golf, shuffle board, and casting contest.

If this sounds a little wimpy to you, keep in mind the participants ranged in age from late 50's to well into their 80's.   There was no practice opportunity, and some events required a steady hand (like stacking plastic cups) and few of us have steady hands anymore!

After a brief opening ceremony, the games began.  One could clearly hear the sounds of trash talking, bones popping, dentures sticking and occasional grunts and farts as the participants put on their game faces and got down to the business of winning gold medals!

It was a hoot participate in the Oldlympics.  But, it was even more fun seeing some of the creative and hilarious uniforms these folks wore.  Take a look at this small, but amusing sample.

These gals are all from our street.  They call themselves 'The Whiners" and have grapes in their hair and a wine glass fastened to their chest.

L to R: Barb, Pat, Joan, and Carol

This is the team Kitty was on.  I don't remember the name of this team, but they sure are a sexy bunch!

L to R: Norma, Kitty, Barb, and Carol

But, this one is my favorite one of all.  I call it the "Breast of the bunch." 

Check out them hooters!  What a hoot!

The Oldlympics was a lot of fun.  Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.  The social committee deserves a lot of credit for making this years Oldlympics even better than last year, and we are all training hard for next years event!.

Gators Galore in Taylor Creek Water Treatment Area, Okeechobee, Fl.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

While enjoying the winter in Okeechobee, Florida, we had a surprise visit from Kitty's cousin, Freda and her husband Dewey.  They live in Kentucky, but decided to spend some time in Florida to see some family and visit some of the places they had enjoyed in this area many years ago.

One of our favorite local places to show visitors is the Taylor Creek Storm Water treatment area

because it is teeming with wild life, especially gators.  When we told Freda about all the gators in this area that lay along the walking path without any protective barriers, she immediately made it clear she wasn't going anywhere near this place. She broke into a cold sweat when I told her that a gator grabbing her leg would make great blog material!  It took a lot of arm twisting to get her to agree to visit this place.  But, after a few days of  begging, she finally agreed.  We quickly loaded her into the car before she could change her mind.

Taylor Creek Storm Water Treatment area is a natural way to clean some of the storm water runoff in Taylor Creek.  It also makes an ideal wild life preserve where you can see many different types of birds, gators, and many other animals in a natural setting with no fences or barriers.  Walk the path at your own risk and do not bring your dog here.  They make great gator bait!

Here we are before walking the path.  Notice, we still have all of our arms and legs!

L to R: Freda, Dewey, Kitty, and me.

Our first encounter was with these wood storks.  No, these are not the kind that deliver babies!

This Egret has no regrets!

"Lets get your ducks in a row!"

The Great Blue Heron is on the left.

The great blue Kitty is on the right!

Two Double Breasted Cormorants are keeping an eye on us. (does that add up to four breast?)

This place would keep the Gators Boys busy for awhile!

This guy didn't see the "No Swimming sign!"

Ah...I don't think you are suppose to lay on that.  Would someone tell him to get off that thing?!!

 

 I risked life and limb to get this picture and he never took his eye off me, and I was thankful he didn't take a leg off me!

"Here gator gator!"

 Get ready to run.  He looks a little agitated!

I hope he's not looking for his next meal!

This Anhinga just dove under water for his lunch and is drying his feathers.  Either that, or he just put on his deodorant!

A Blue Heron.

We all had a really fun day!  We counted 27 gators and no one lost an arm or leg. We could all hear a large sigh of relief from Freda as we returned to the car!  I think she might even come back to Taylor Creek Storm Water Treatment area some day.

On The Mend in Okeechobee, Florida

Thursday, January 9, 2014

You may have noticed the lack of blog activity in recent weeks, and that's because we haven't been able to do much in the way of travel activities.  It all started just before Thanksgiving when I came down with a cold.  In a few days I unwillingly passed it on to Kitty.  Neither of us could shake this stubborn bug, and despite three trips to the doctor and several shots in the back side, our conditions worsened.

Kitty's cold turned into bronchitis and mine turned into pneumonia requiring a short stay in the Okeechobee hospital.  During this time we were trying to avoid being around folks so they wouldn't get this nasty bug, and certainly didn't feel like getting out and about.

But, I am happy to say we are on the mend now and will be venturing out soon.  So, stay tuned.  We will be venturing out for some exploration in the sunshine state.

65th Avenue Gang Heads to Vero, Beach, Fl.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Today, twelve hungry and fun loving seniors headed to Vero Beach, Florida, for a day of laughs and food.  Since all twelve of us live on 65th avenue in Ancient Oaks RV resort, let's just call us the 65th Avenue Gang.  Kinda of a catchy name, don't you think?

We managed to slip into three vehicles and headed our caravan towards Florida's Treasure coast.  After riding the back roads about an hour, we finally arrived at our first stop, the outlet mall in Vero Beach.  Some of the serious shoppers enjoyed going through dozens of stores looking for their sought after items, while others simply enjoyed some window shopping and the beautiful Florida weather.

After all that shopping, everyone had worked up an appetite.  So, the next stop had to be for lunch.  The 65th Avenue Gang chose the Ocean Grill.  It's located right on the Atlantic Ocean in Vero Beach.  We didn't have a reservation, but managed to get a table for twelve in just a  few short minutes.  The food is always good, and our waitress added to the fun by giving us great service.

The Ocean Grill also has a gift shop, and Barb was in there before most of could get out of our cars!

Our waitress was kind enough to take a picture of the 65th Avenue Gang.

Starting in the front left and going around the back of the table: Pat & Ted, Debbie & Randy, Susan & Barry, Barb & Henry, Joan & Tom, Craig & Kitty.

After lunch, a few of the girls decided to "strut their stuff" right in front of the Ocean Grill entrance!  Fortunately, no one was arrested!!

L to R: Susan, Pat, Debbie, Kitty, and Joan 

  After lunch, the girls headed off for some girl stops, and the guys headed off for some guy stops.  Somehow, we all managed to stop and get ice cream at the same store.  When it comes to ice cream, we all have the ability to sniff out a great place to stop!

It was just too much fun for one day, and, somehow, I have a feeling the 65th Avenue Gang will ride again!