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Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The chickee comes from the Seminole word for house." The first Seminoles to live in North Florida are known to have constructed log cabin-type homes, some two stories tall, with sleeping quarters upstairs; the chickee style of architecture was developed during the early 1800s when Seminole Indians needed fast, disposable shelter while on the run. Chickees (also known as chickee huts, stilt houses, or platform dwellings) are Native American homes used primarily in Florida by tribes like the Seminole Indians. The chickee was constructed with cypress logs and palmetto palm thatch leaves woven together by vines or thin ropes.
The Seminole Indians lived in chickees because of the swampy conditions that existed in the Everglades of Florida where many lived. Chickee houses consisted of large diameter posts supporting a roof and a flat wooden platform raised 3 or 4 feet above the ground. Walls were not necessary in a tropical climate where it never gets cold. However, during rainstorms, occupants would lash tarps made of hide or cloth to the chickee frame to keep themselves dry. To shed heavy rains, the chickee was constructed with a steep thick thatched roof. After time, the Seminoles perfected their housing by adding another level, making them two stories high with living quarters for those more fortunate. Although the Seminole built their homes on higher ground in the swampland, the long posts kept the house from sinking into marshy earth; raising the floor of the hut off the ground kept swamp animals like snakes out of the house. A ladder was used for climbing up to the floor. Fires were built outside the houseusually in a separate cooking building.
We first tried to go to the Okefenokee Swamp in 1985 but were told it was closed due to a drought. In 2004, we considered trying go there again on another vacation through the Southeast, but it had been another dry year. Finally, in 2018, we were able to go.
We first tried to go to the Okefenokee Swamp in 1985 but were told it was closed due to a drought. In 2004, we considered trying go there again on another vacation through the Southeast, but it had been another dry year. Finally, in 2018, we were able to go.
On March 16-17, 2011; Jim and Judy took a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia. We drove from Valdosta to Fargo and St. George on highway 94. In St. George we turned north on highway 121. We arrived at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge just south of Folkston. We ate lunch in the Okefenokee Adventures Cafe, toured the Visitor Center, and took a 90-minute boat tour in the canal dug around 1895 to 1900 to attempt to haul out cypress timber. The canal didn't work; so, a railroad came and were successful at hauling out timber. We left the refuge and drove north to Folkston and enjoyed visiting the Folkston Funnel, a high-tech shelter for observing, logging, photographing, and videoing north and south bound trains. Finally we drove further north to Waycross to spend the night at a Hampton Inn which had complimentary high-speed Internet that worked. We enjoyed a dinner of blackened fish at Cedar River Seafood Restaurant in Waycross.
We spent Wednesday night in Waycross, GA and took a round-a-bout way home. We drove to Blackshear, GA and saw the old home where Jim's grandparents lived. Then we drove to Alma, GA where his first cousin had lived before he died as a teenager. Next we drove through Nicholls and Douglas, GA. We came back home through Pearson, Lakeland, and Hahira. We ate lunch-supper at Smok 'n Pig in Valdosta.
We first tried to go to the Okefenokee Swamp in 1985 but were told it was closed due to a drought. In 2004, we considered trying go there again on another vacation through the Southeast, but it had been another dry year. Finally, in 2018, we were able to go.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, or banded rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a species of pit viper endemic to eastern North America. Like all other pit vipers, it is venomous, with a very toxic bite. C. horridus is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous Northeastern United States and is second only to its relatives to the west, the prairie rattlesnake, as the most northerly distributed venomous snake in North America. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Potentially, this is one of North America's most dangerous snakes, due to its long fangs, impressive size, and high venom yield. This is to some degree offset by its relatively mild disposition and long brumation period. Before striking, they often perform a good deal of preliminary rattling and feinting.
In the late 1800s, W.T. Chesser and his family settled a small island on the eastern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. The Chesser’s were a rugged family, carving out a life in the often harsh conditions of the area.
Their history is typical of many area settlers; they ate what they could shoot, trap, catch and grow on the sandy soil.
Cash crops were primarily sugar cane, tobacco, and turpentine.
They lived simply, worked hard, and played hard, when possible.
W.T. Chesser came from the Tattnall and Liberty County area to settle on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. He settled the area currently known as Chesser Island, a 592 acre island filled with forests of longleaf pine, slash pine and pond pine in low areas, and an occasional oak hammock. The original homestead was south of the current buildings.
W.T. Chesser had six sons. Son Robert Allen Chesser married Lizzie and had 13 children.
Son Sam Chesser married Sara and had 9 children. Tom Chesser, the youngest son of Sam and Sara, built the current homestead in 1927, with his wife Iva.
The home is built of yellow pine and reportedly cost $200.00 to build. Originally, the building had four rooms and it featured an indoor kitchen. Bathroom facilities were outside, but a bathtub was located on the back porch. Two bedrooms were added as the family grew to seven children.
Outbuildings include a smokehouse, syrup shed, chicken coop, corncrib, and hog pen.
The yard retains its original character - it is free of all vegetation, as was the custom of the time to reduce fire danger and increase visibility of snakes.
For the little cash they needed, they grew corn, tobacco, or sugar cane; they also tapped pine trees for turpentine. Work and play often came together - hog butchering and syrup grinding were times when families got together to visit, work, and play.
Typical of families at the time, they told stories, attended church all day on Sunday, and played with toys made at home. The Chesser’s were fond of a distinctive type of music - four-note or sacred harp singing. Chesser descendants continue to sing these primitive, acapella, harmonies today.
Most of the Okefenokee Swamp became a national wildlife refuge in 1936; slowly the Chesser family located to other areas. Tom and Iva Chesser were the last family to leave the island, in 1958. Many members of the Chesser family remain in the local area. They are involved in the ongoing maintenance and interpretation of the Chesser Island Homestead; some are employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in various capacities.
Okefenokee Swamp
Waycross, Georgia
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The swamp is in a giant peat bog, which makes the fresh water a dark tea like color. The dark perfectly still water acted like a perfect mirror.
The swamp was full of alligators. At times we would see 4 at a time. They usually were perfectly still with their eyes and snout sticking above the water. As we approached, they slowly sank away without a ripple. Sometimes we would see bubbles coming towards us. The water was so dark and reflective, they could be inches below the water and we wouldn't see them.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The view was brilliant from up there ... you get a better idea of just how big the Okefenokee really is. You can't see any end to it ...
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The entrance also included a little train ride around the swamp. Again ... just for the two of us.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
In the late 1850s, W.T. Chesser and his family settled a small island on the eastern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp.[2] The Chesser's were a rugged family, carving out a life in the often harsh conditions of the area. Their history is typical of many area settlers; they ate what they could shoot, trap, catch and grow on the sandy soil. Cash crops were primarily sugar cane, tobacco, and turpentine. They lived simply, worked hard, and played hard, when possible.
W.T. Chesser came from the area of Tattnall and Liberty counties in Georgia to settle on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. He settled the area currently known as Chesser Island, a 592-acre (2.40 km2) island filled with forests of longleaf pine, slash pine and pond pine in low areas, and an occasional oak hammock.
The original homestead was south of the current buildings. W.T. Chesser had six sons. Son Robert Allen Chesser married Lizzie Altman and had 13 children. Son Sam Chesser married Sara Altman and had nine children. Tom Chesser, the youngest son of Sam and Sara, built the current homestead in 1927, with his wife Iva.
The home is built of yellow pine and reportedly cost $200.00 to build. Originally, the building had four rooms and it featured an indoor kitchen. Bathroom facilities were outside, but a bathtub was located on the back porch. Two bedrooms were added as the family grew to seven children. Outbuildings include a smokehouse, syrup shed, chicken coop, corncrib, and hog pen. The yard retains its original character - it is free of all vegetation, as was the custom of the time to reduce fire danger and increase visibility of snakes.
For the little cash they needed, they grew corn, tobacco, or sugar cane; they also tapped pine trees for turpentine. Work and play often came together - hog butchering and syrup grinding were times when families got together to visit, work, and play.
Typical of families at the time, they told stories, attended church all day on Sunday, and played with toys made at home. The Chessers were fond of a distinctive type of music - four-note or sacred harp singing. Chesser descendants continue to sing these primitive, a cappella, harmonies today.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The view was brilliant from up there ... you get a better idea of just how big the Okefenokee really is. You can't see any end to it ...
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The view was brilliant from up there ... you get a better idea of just how big the Okefenokee really is. You can't see any end to it ...
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The entrance also included a little train ride around the swamp. Again ... just for the two of us.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
After the boat trip and the train ride there was one more thing that just had to be done ... a walk through the swamp on the boardwalk, to the observation tower.
The view was brilliant from up there ... you get a better idea of just how big the Okefenokee really is. You can't see any end to it ...
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
Outside the now defunct Okefenokee Swamp ride at Six Flags in Atlanta. Notice my cool Mork from Ork T-shirt. Na-Nu Na-Nu!
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The entry to the Park includes a boat trip ... although we appeared to be the only two visitors that day, they still ran it. It was brilliant ... and really wet and swampy!
On March 16-17, 2011; Jim and Judy took a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia. We drove from Valdosta to Fargo and St. George on highway 94. In St. George we turned north on highway 121. We arrived at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge just south of Folkston. We ate lunch in the Okefenokee Adventures Cafe, toured the Visitor Center, and took a 90-minute boat tour in the canal dug around 1895 to 1900 to attempt to haul out cypress timber. The canal didn't work; so, a railroad came and were successful at hauling out timber. We left the refuge and drove north to Folkston and enjoyed visiting the Folkston Funnel, a high-tech shelter for observing, logging, photographing, and videoing north and south bound trains. Finally we drove further north to Waycross to spend the night at a Hampton Inn which had complimentary high-speed Internet that worked. We enjoyed a dinner of blackened fish at Cedar River Seafood Restaurant in Waycross.
We spent Wednesday night in Waycross, GA and took a round-a-bout way home. We drove to Blackshear, GA and saw the old home where Jim's grandparents lived. Then we drove to Alma, GA where his first cousin had lived before he died as a teenager. Next we drove through Nicholls and Douglas, GA. We came back home through Pearson, Lakeland, and Hahira. We ate lunch-supper at Smok 'n Pig in Valdosta.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The entry to the Park includes a boat trip ... although we appeared to be the only two visitors that day, they still ran it. It was brilliant ... and really wet and swampy!
On March 16-17, 2011; Jim and Judy took a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia. We drove from Valdosta to Fargo and St. George on highway 94. In St. George we turned north on highway 121. We arrived at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge just south of Folkston. We ate lunch in the Okefenokee Adventures Cafe, toured the Visitor Center, and took a 90-minute boat tour in the canal dug around 1895 to 1900 to attempt to haul out cypress timber. The canal didn't work; so, a railroad came and were successful at hauling out timber. We left the refuge and drove north to Folkston and enjoyed visiting the Folkston Funnel, a high-tech shelter for observing, logging, photographing, and videoing north and south bound trains. Finally we drove further north to Waycross to spend the night at a Hampton Inn which had complimentary high-speed Internet that worked. We enjoyed a dinner of blackened fish at Cedar River Seafood Restaurant in Waycross.
We spent Wednesday night in Waycross, GA and took a round-a-bout way home. We drove to Blackshear, GA and saw the old home where Jim's grandparents lived. Then we drove to Alma, GA where his first cousin had lived before he died as a teenager. Next we drove through Nicholls and Douglas, GA. We came back home through Pearson, Lakeland, and Hahira. We ate lunch-supper at Smok 'n Pig in Valdosta.
We first tried to go to the Okefenokee Swamp in 1985 but were told it was closed due to a drought. In 2004, we considered trying go there again on another vacation through the Southeast, but it had been another dry year. Finally, in 2018, we were able to go.
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia.
The next day it was still raining, and it rained all day. Normal people would have stayed indoors.
But no ... we drove up to Georgia, to the Okefenokee Swamp.
The entry to the Park includes a boat trip ... although we appeared to be the only two visitors that day, they still ran it. It was brilliant ... and really wet and swampy!
We eventually went on to climb this tower.