Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Making Memories on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
By Patti Powers
(as first published in Airboating Magazine March/April 2018 issue)
I was a little anxious as we prepared to unload at Coleman Landing, in Central Florida, for the maiden voyage of our first little airboat, Gator Done (#1).
Skirting the bank, we rode past several cattle grazing in verdant pastures, unaffected by egrets perched upon their spines and cautiously picking bugs off their hides.
In the distance, a mature eagle watches while keeping company with what we guessed was its younger offspring. Old oaks bent by wind and age shelter the cattle from the intense summer heat along with the cool shallow waters in which some graze. These images kept me relaxed as we traveled away from the ramp keeping the shoreline in close proximity.
Suddenly, the boat turned toward the land and came to a rest on a small incline in a pasture alongside the grazing cattle. "Nothing to worry about," Bob said, as he lifted the hatch on the deck. "We've taken on some water and the bilge pump didn't kick on." My body tensed and my heart started racing. Not having much experience on an airboat, and this being our first run on this boat, my imagination foolishly played through a variety of "what if" scenarios. Bob walked around the boat. A hearty laugh escaped, and he said, "I put a plug in the wrong hole." Relief swept over me and we both laughed as we waited for the water to drain from the hull. And so began our adventures on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Coleman Landing sits on the southwest edge of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales. Since our first launch from this well-kept park, Polk County's Board of County Commissioners established a sweet little campground on the property, Shady Oaks Campground. A bumpy gravel road leads from the entrance of the park to grassy plots along the camp's outer and interior roads and finally to a couple of boat launching areas on Lake Kissimmee. Most campsites are equipped with water and electric and are nicely tucked under the ancient oaks that guard the area. The campground has become one of our favorite places to overnight with the airboat. It is quiet and well maintained by a family who live on the property and has quick and easy access to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL).
The airboat trails heading north on Kissimmee from Coleman Landing keep us close to the shoreline and out of the sometimes rough waters of the lake. Along these shores, I had my first solo airboat lesson on Gator Done (#1). The forgiving shallow waters make the perfect place to understand how the boat moves with each pull or push of the stick. Not to mention, the pastures give one the opportunity to practice and master the approach and retreat from land.
Recognizable names of landmarks around the KCOL include Miles Point, the Ridge, the Milk Bus, and B.S Hill, just to name a few. At these stopovers, one can usually find rudders scattered around and boat owners visiting with each other, examining motors, props and gear boxes and exchanging stories about the unique features of their boats.
During one of our rides, we met a couple of families who were nice enough to let us tag along with them on a ride through the gem of the KCOL, Gardner Cobb Marsh.
Led by our new friends, Speedy and Parker, the ride to the marsh started out kind of rough as we bumped across dry terrain on the back side of the Milk Bus. In the marsh, we were met by shallow water and immediately transitioned to a smooth ride.
Towering cypress trees lining the edge of the trails create the impression of a magical forest from a childhood storybook. The vivid colors of the trees, grasses and flowers are intense, yet calming. The scenery in the marsh is truly beautiful.
We followed the airboats around winding trails, stopping every once in a while to talk. It wasn't long before the guys had us back on dry ground, weaving around cabbage palms and other well-rooted vegetation. We traveled across Lake Kissimmee, Cypress Lake and Lake Hatchineha. We finally said our goodbyes at B.S. Hill and headed back to Coleman Landing. Bob and I laughed once back at camp, wondering if our new friends were curious to see whether the big block that powered our 13-foot deckover (Instigator) could keep up with their lightweight boats driven by aircraft engines.
In contrast to our experience with these veteran airboaters, once while unloading at Camp Mack, another airboat-friendly launching site on the north end of Lake Kissimmee, we came across what we guessed were new airboaters. Trying to strike up a conversation with the family was pointless as the woman was only focused on loading the boat with the family's belongings, then perching herself in the captain's seat as her husband backed the boat down the ramp. After launching the boat, he left to park their truck.
The woman attempted to start the boat's motor. Nothing happened. She was now panicking as the boat drifted into the canal away from the ramp. She was up and out of the seat nervously trying to figure out what to do. There were no lines on the boat to pull her back ashore. I yelled out, "Is the battery on?" "The battery, where is that?" she questioned. "Behind the seat," I yelled back. After she managed to crank the motor and power the boat to the shore, her son thanked me for saving them from what could have turned out to be a horrible family day.
The KCOL is a popular place for club events and we have attended a few and met many families who share the love of airboating with the younger generation. The most memorable picture I have taken was at the Freedom Ride a couple of years ago. An older gentleman was seated at the front of the boat and behind him was a boy, his grandson, whose face was covered by a smile, ear to ear. It still makes me smile when I think about this picture and how fortunate that boy is to have that moment with his grandfather.
Back in the early days of our KCOL adventures, we happened upon an event hosted by one of the local airboat clubs. A man approached, welcomed us and invited us to join the group. I can't recall, but I don't think I ever thanked this man for his kindness. Aside from his kind and gentle nature, he is also known for sharing home-baked goodies at these events. Thank you, Bob H!
One of my favorite areas for viewing nature on the KCOL is Brahma Island on Lake Kissimmee. The Island is just a short run to the north from Coleman Landing and although it is posted as a private hunting preserve, from the boat, deer and turkey are often seen resting under the trees near the edge of the Island. American Bison also inhabit the Island but we have yet to see one.
If you pass through Cypress Lake from the marsh, you may come across Wild Florida, a unique animal park. You'll know you've arrived when you see the long dock and the large commercial airboats. We have not stopped here with the boat, but we did visit one day while exploring the area by car. In addition to the usual animals, this park is home to two rare white alligators.
As we settle in for the night at our camp at Shady Oaks Campground, we watch birds make the journey across the lake back to their roosts. Orange color from the setting sun burns through the trees illuminating the moss, making it appear as if long strands of lights have been carelessly tossed across the branches. Perusing the treetops, we spot a couple of owls waiting for the cover of night before they begin their adventures.
The fire flickers as we recall the events of the day, the people we met and the new friendships we made. Over the years, I've photographed many of them enjoying the KCOL with their families and friends, their awesome and unique boats, and some incredibly creative rudders. All been part of the memories we've made on the KCOL and for this we thank you.
Don't forget to "Like" us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FloridaCrackerPhotography/.
Read MoreBy Patti Powers
(as first published in Airboating Magazine March/April 2018 issue)
I was a little anxious as we prepared to unload at Coleman Landing, in Central Florida, for the maiden voyage of our first little airboat, Gator Done (#1).
Skirting the bank, we rode past several cattle grazing in verdant pastures, unaffected by egrets perched upon their spines and cautiously picking bugs off their hides.
In the distance, a mature eagle watches while keeping company with what we guessed was its younger offspring. Old oaks bent by wind and age shelter the cattle from the intense summer heat along with the cool shallow waters in which some graze. These images kept me relaxed as we traveled away from the ramp keeping the shoreline in close proximity.
Suddenly, the boat turned toward the land and came to a rest on a small incline in a pasture alongside the grazing cattle. "Nothing to worry about," Bob said, as he lifted the hatch on the deck. "We've taken on some water and the bilge pump didn't kick on." My body tensed and my heart started racing. Not having much experience on an airboat, and this being our first run on this boat, my imagination foolishly played through a variety of "what if" scenarios. Bob walked around the boat. A hearty laugh escaped, and he said, "I put a plug in the wrong hole." Relief swept over me and we both laughed as we waited for the water to drain from the hull. And so began our adventures on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Coleman Landing sits on the southwest edge of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales. Since our first launch from this well-kept park, Polk County's Board of County Commissioners established a sweet little campground on the property, Shady Oaks Campground. A bumpy gravel road leads from the entrance of the park to grassy plots along the camp's outer and interior roads and finally to a couple of boat launching areas on Lake Kissimmee. Most campsites are equipped with water and electric and are nicely tucked under the ancient oaks that guard the area. The campground has become one of our favorite places to overnight with the airboat. It is quiet and well maintained by a family who live on the property and has quick and easy access to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL).
The airboat trails heading north on Kissimmee from Coleman Landing keep us close to the shoreline and out of the sometimes rough waters of the lake. Along these shores, I had my first solo airboat lesson on Gator Done (#1). The forgiving shallow waters make the perfect place to understand how the boat moves with each pull or push of the stick. Not to mention, the pastures give one the opportunity to practice and master the approach and retreat from land.
Recognizable names of landmarks around the KCOL include Miles Point, the Ridge, the Milk Bus, and B.S Hill, just to name a few. At these stopovers, one can usually find rudders scattered around and boat owners visiting with each other, examining motors, props and gear boxes and exchanging stories about the unique features of their boats.
During one of our rides, we met a couple of families who were nice enough to let us tag along with them on a ride through the gem of the KCOL, Gardner Cobb Marsh.
Led by our new friends, Speedy and Parker, the ride to the marsh started out kind of rough as we bumped across dry terrain on the back side of the Milk Bus. In the marsh, we were met by shallow water and immediately transitioned to a smooth ride.
Towering cypress trees lining the edge of the trails create the impression of a magical forest from a childhood storybook. The vivid colors of the trees, grasses and flowers are intense, yet calming. The scenery in the marsh is truly beautiful.
We followed the airboats around winding trails, stopping every once in a while to talk. It wasn't long before the guys had us back on dry ground, weaving around cabbage palms and other well-rooted vegetation. We traveled across Lake Kissimmee, Cypress Lake and Lake Hatchineha. We finally said our goodbyes at B.S. Hill and headed back to Coleman Landing. Bob and I laughed once back at camp, wondering if our new friends were curious to see whether the big block that powered our 13-foot deckover (Instigator) could keep up with their lightweight boats driven by aircraft engines.
In contrast to our experience with these veteran airboaters, once while unloading at Camp Mack, another airboat-friendly launching site on the north end of Lake Kissimmee, we came across what we guessed were new airboaters. Trying to strike up a conversation with the family was pointless as the woman was only focused on loading the boat with the family's belongings, then perching herself in the captain's seat as her husband backed the boat down the ramp. After launching the boat, he left to park their truck.
The woman attempted to start the boat's motor. Nothing happened. She was now panicking as the boat drifted into the canal away from the ramp. She was up and out of the seat nervously trying to figure out what to do. There were no lines on the boat to pull her back ashore. I yelled out, "Is the battery on?" "The battery, where is that?" she questioned. "Behind the seat," I yelled back. After she managed to crank the motor and power the boat to the shore, her son thanked me for saving them from what could have turned out to be a horrible family day.
The KCOL is a popular place for club events and we have attended a few and met many families who share the love of airboating with the younger generation. The most memorable picture I have taken was at the Freedom Ride a couple of years ago. An older gentleman was seated at the front of the boat and behind him was a boy, his grandson, whose face was covered by a smile, ear to ear. It still makes me smile when I think about this picture and how fortunate that boy is to have that moment with his grandfather.
Back in the early days of our KCOL adventures, we happened upon an event hosted by one of the local airboat clubs. A man approached, welcomed us and invited us to join the group. I can't recall, but I don't think I ever thanked this man for his kindness. Aside from his kind and gentle nature, he is also known for sharing home-baked goodies at these events. Thank you, Bob H!
One of my favorite areas for viewing nature on the KCOL is Brahma Island on Lake Kissimmee. The Island is just a short run to the north from Coleman Landing and although it is posted as a private hunting preserve, from the boat, deer and turkey are often seen resting under the trees near the edge of the Island. American Bison also inhabit the Island but we have yet to see one.
If you pass through Cypress Lake from the marsh, you may come across Wild Florida, a unique animal park. You'll know you've arrived when you see the long dock and the large commercial airboats. We have not stopped here with the boat, but we did visit one day while exploring the area by car. In addition to the usual animals, this park is home to two rare white alligators.
As we settle in for the night at our camp at Shady Oaks Campground, we watch birds make the journey across the lake back to their roosts. Orange color from the setting sun burns through the trees illuminating the moss, making it appear as if long strands of lights have been carelessly tossed across the branches. Perusing the treetops, we spot a couple of owls waiting for the cover of night before they begin their adventures.
The fire flickers as we recall the events of the day, the people we met and the new friendships we made. Over the years, I've photographed many of them enjoying the KCOL with their families and friends, their awesome and unique boats, and some incredibly creative rudders. All been part of the memories we've made on the KCOL and for this we thank you.
Don't forget to "Like" us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FloridaCrackerPhotography/.
