First Day at Lake Okojobi ~

 We started out early.  Both of us excited to be taking a little three-day vacation for our Anniversary!  My Aunt & Uncle had mentioned Lake Okoboji to us several times, as their favorite place to visit.

Leaving home, it was cloudy & starting to rain.  Going north - there were huge thunderstorms sweeping the landscape.  It was just under 200-miles & a four hour drive.  As we entered Sac County, it seemed like every barn was decorated with a beautiful barn quilt!  When we stopped for a short break, the building below caught our attention.  The gray weathered wood a striking contract to the bright colors of the quilt blocks.

Quilt Blocks

What a beautiful display of some interesting patterns.

Across from the gas station was the sign below!  

Beautiful sign!

 We pulled into town & found our hotel, the Oakwood Inn.  Very cute three-story with nice landscaping, but too many issues for us to ever stay there again.  We did bring Nika & paid for a "pet" room.  Opening the door, the odor told us all we needed to know.  It looked great on-line, but next time we'll look further.

Butch & Nika on the back patio~

 View from the patio, of a pretty pond area.

Nice Views~

We walked the property.  Leaving Nika in her kennel, we went to town to check it out.

From the Gazebo toward the main building!

 The Boat Rental sign on the east side of West Lake Okoboji caught our eye!  Walking inside, Butch negotiated a price for a speed boat.  Out at the dock, he was given a short course in the operation of the boat.  So much fun!  It had been years since either of us had been out on the water.

Leaving the dock~

 Butch captained the boat easily.  Since I do get motion sick, he kept us moving right along!  This lake was carved by a glacier & is over 134' deep.

Butch~

 We decided to go all the way around the lake & site see.  The waterfront homes were each different & some totally amazing.  We both liked the older original homes, perfectly maintained with mature landscape.

Lakefront home~

There were buoys' marking the shallow water along the lakes edge.  It's a huge lake, with what looked like several small inlets.

Making a wake~

Our navigation of the lake complete, we turned toward the dock.  The lake had been pretty choppy, making for a fun, if cold trip!

Barge with crane~

Slowing down, Butch maneuvered us back to the boats spot.

Returning~

By now, we were both starved. Leaving the boat rental, just a short distance on the far side of the street & on the same side of the lake, was the Okoboji Store . On the water, we managed a table in the corner with a great view. The menu was great & food outstanding.

A beautiful evening~

 We sat for a while watching the sunset before leaving to walk around outside.  Such a perfect evening.  The colors of the sunset soft & muted.  Perfect end to a fun day!

Sunset~