Pelican By The Sea….in Pompano Beach, Florida. This is where we are staying for a few more days. We arrived here on November 26. It is a great place owned by Sam. He is a terrific guy and we like him a lot. He has become family.

 

So if you are ever in Pompano Beach, we highly recommend this as a place to lay your head.

 

 

The pool where we swam nearly every day….heated and clean. While we enjoyed our hours swimming, we counted geckos. One day, a gecko came close to the pool. Phil scooped up a handful of water out of the pool and the gecko immediately came over and took a  drink. So good to “wet his whistle.”

 

Our kitchenette room is by the staircase…#2

 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee….On our way here from Vennis Florida last week, we drove part of the way around Lake Okeechobee.  Phil found an article about this lake – the largest body of water in Florida. It is 730-square-miles with an average depth of only 9 feet.   Hard to believe such a large lake could be so shallow. Following a horrific hurricane in 1928, the Corp of Engineeers built a massive dike around the lake so while driving, it cannot be seen from the road. The hurricane took the lives of up to 3000 people. Because of fear of this happening again, water is sent from the lake to the coasts if the lake gets too full. 

Just what kind of a lake is this?…..certainly not much of one by our Minnesota standards. Actually, it is extraordinary because it is the headwaters of a vast River of Grass, the Everglades, fed by runoff water from as far north as Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, this ecosystem has been damaged by the building of homes, raising cattle, growing sugar cane, and highways (Interstate 75 known as Alligator Alley). In this case, the most invasive species has been humans.

There are fish in the lake….bass and a commercial catfish industry.  A link to the past is Joe’s Fish Camp, which includes a campground, rental cabins, a small store and a bar. During WWII, German POWs were kept at this site called Liberty Point. Joe Griffin and wife, Thelma, originally bought the property. It is now owned by Cindy Massey, age 62 and her family. They have run the Camp since 1986.

Food…We have had some absolutely memorable meals here in Pompano Beach and nearby places.  Ones I can think of, and almost taste, Pomperdale’s Deli. Here is where Phil enjoyed what he called the best corned beef he has ever eaten. Then last night we went to Miyako Japanese Seafood & Sushi Buffet. Phil says this was the best Oriental Buffet at which he has ever eaten. I have to agree…..it was amazing how many different offerings they had and the display of desserts was unique and amazing. The food was delicious. Later in bed Phil said he thought he could not go back as he had eaten way too much. That decision might last for a few more dinners!!

Hear Minnesota is having snow. Keep safe and warm there.

Be well………..Anne in Pompano Beach, Florida