Blue Cypress Lake Christmas

February 01, 2017  •  38 Comments

Blue_Cypress_PanoramaBlue_Cypress_Panorama This was a rare year that we celebrated our family Christmas with kids and relatives early.  That freed Crystal, Scruff, and I to have a Valentine-kind-of-Christmas - out in nature, "far from the madding crowd".  And far away we were - the only humans (and dog) spending the night amidst the beautiful trees on Blue Cypress Lake.   We trailered our jonboat down to the Lake (near Yeehaw Junction, FL) where a single small road that dead ends at a fish camp is the only lake access/development on the whole lake.  The family-run spot was getting ready to close for the holiday, but said, "sure, you can leave your car and trailer overnight."

Crystal_&_ScruffCrystal_&_Scruff

This was Scruff's first boat-camping experience, and in the back of my mind was this question: where we might stop for him to pee and poop? Luckily, he can really hold it, because it turns out, the lake is ringed with cypress swamp, and the folks told us the fish camp was the only lakeside land. 

Little_TreeLittle_Tree

We tootled along taking in the gorgeous Christmas Eve afternoon until the sun was low. Then, to our amazement, we saw a small cabin standing on stilts back in the shadows of the cypress. It had a deck around it, a landing dock, steps down to the water at the back... and best of all, no signs forbidding a respectful stop.  The cabin itself was securely locked up. It took a bit of coaxing and encouragement, but we got Scruff to make use of the back steps covered with cypress needles (easily rinsed off with a bucket of water.)  Home free.

Typically we pitch our tent on the large custom foredeck of our boat (made for it); but here there was ample room on the deck beside the cabin - and under a roof so we could forgo the tent fly - to set up the tent with a wide open view.  Thank you to the fisherman/family for such a lovely accommodation. 

Christmas EveChristmas Eve

The lake is famous for fishing and also renowned for its gnarly short cypress trees adorned with giant osprey nests... some so low we could stand on the boat deck and peer down into them!

Big_Nest_Little_TreeBig_Nest_Little_Tree On GuardOn Guard Stuggle_in_SolitudeStuggle_in_Solitude And osprey by the dozens...

FlightFlight Preparing_for_TakeoffPreparing_for_Takeoff Osprey_SentryOsprey_Sentry

Our lake and view from the cabin deck was to the southeast - Vero Beach glowing over the horizon, but the stars still put on a show. 

Christmas StarsChristmas Stars

And as morning stirred, the birds moved from their roosts to their day's feeding grounds. 

Ibis Under Crescent MoonIbis Under Crescent Moon

We had a beautiful Christmas Day deep in nature, and returned to the boat ramp in the late afternoon rejuvenated and joyful.  Here are a few more of my photos from the day.

Moss_PlayMoss_Play Crystal_&_Scruff_on_deckCrystal_&_Scruff_on_deck Cypress_StudyCypress_Study Solo_Dwarf_CypressSolo_Dwarf_Cypress Osprey_LiftoffOsprey_Liftoff Tenor_of_CypressTenor_of_Cypress Back_LightBack_Light Blue_Cypress_Fish_CampBlue_Cypress_Fish_Camp

A lovely Florida jewel, Blue Cypress Lake was the perfect Christmas-Valentine getaway... and we had more adventures in store before heading home... but that's another story.

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Comments

DARCI LA MERE(non-registered)
WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL, . . . . AND JUST BREATH TAKING. OH ADORABLE AS WELL, DOG THAT IS. LOL REALLY, VERY NICE
Larkin K.(non-registered)
Great work David!!
I love the one in the tent looking out onto the sunset!
Cynthia Brown(non-registered)
Thanks for sharing these, a true Florida Christmas for sure. Love these cypress pictures, so beautiful. Liked the cabin scenes too with your tent pitched with a gorgeous view!
Kellie(non-registered)
I think the very first picture is my favorite, and I love the Christmas/ Valentine-like trip idea.
Gabriela(non-registered)
I love the portraits of Crystal & Scruff and the black & white photos! The images are gorgeous!
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