Palestine Lake

Ancient cypress on a natural lake in North Central Florida

I’m not sure when my first visit to Palestine Lake was, I remember the event well though. For many years my good friend and artist, Allison Watson and I would throw kayaks into the back of her van, fill a cooler with lunch and beverages and head out along the backroads of Florida. We used a Gazetteer Atlas as our guide. Boat ramps were the clues that took us down sand roads through swamps and fields to find little-known spots.

“Look at this spot.” Allison pointed at the open Gazetteer. It’s just south of Olustee. I’ve paddled Ocean Pond before but have never been to this lake. Looks interesting.”

“Let’s try it.” I was game for exploring anything. “If it’s a bust we can always just go up to Ocean Pond and throw in there.”

We headed south off Highway 90 at the grocerystore in Olustee. A paved road took us through miles of State Forest land and into some private timber land. A small wooden sign pointed to a sand road County Boat Ramp.

The sand road ended at a small county park. Tired grills sat stoic on a bluff over a beautiful blue lake. The water was amber tannic but it mirrored the perfect day. The lake was odly shaped, not perfectly round like other sink-hole lakes across Florida. There was a nice sandy launch site and plenty of room to park. No other boats were in sight.

Allison and I slid our boats into the golden water. Pushed off and started exploring.

Allison Watson at Palestine Lake

I’ve spent countless hours on Palestine Lake during the past twenty or so years. It never disappoints. It is a constant source of inspiration. I will post more words and images about this magical place in the future.