On West Lake Okoboji ~

 Friday was a sunshine & very warm day in Okoboji.  Just as warm as it's been at home & just as dry.  This year is the third time we've celebrated our anniversary in Okoboji.  Our first visit was in 2017 & last year was our second.  We went out for breakfast & walked through our favorite antique shop before heading over to Okoboji Boat.

Leaving the dock~

We'd reserved what's become our favorite boat, the Robalo - new last season.  The staff remembered us, since we come the same time of year & after the season is over.  We heard all about the flooding this spring & the damage it had done to properties around the lake.

First of the damage~

From what Luke told us, the repair estimates on some of the properties is upwards of $400,000.  We started up the east side of West Okoboji, to do our usual loop.  We rent the boat for two hours & it takes all of that to tour most of the shoreline.

Bank sloughed off~

It wasn't long until we began to see the damaged properties.  

Another severely damaged landscape~

This eastern shoreline was where the worst of the damage occurred, probably by wind driven waves.  I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near the water!

Backyards gone right up to the decks~

The pictures don't show how choppy the water actually was.  I'd asked Butch to slow down so I could get photos.  The many of the trees were in full color, but there were a lot yet to turn.  I love seeing all the beautiful homes.  Originally many of the lots had small summer cottages, but those have been replaced over the years by large mansion type homes.  It's sad to see them gone.

North end of the lake~

We reached the north end of the lake & Okoboji Harbor before turning back to the south.  It wasn't long after we made the turn, the wind picked up & with it, the size of the waves.

Looking south from the north end~

I told Butch he could speed up!  I'd been feeling queasy for a while & it wasn't getting any better.  He opened the boat up & now we were flying along, hitting the tops of the waves with a thunderous thump each time.  Between the thumps, the boat would fall sideways into the troughs between the waves.  I looked down once & didn't do that again!  I was standing to absorb some of the impact.

Arnold's park~

Notice the flag in the photo above!  I love going fast, but I finally had to ask Butch to slow down.  By the time we were back at the dock, I was ready for firm ground.  Luke met us & asked me if I was usually green?  Butch told him the waves had done me in.

10-11-2013 Our favorite restaurant~

We drove back to the motel & I had to lay flat for a while, to recover.  All I could think about was how hungry I was!  I finally got up & decided dinner sounded really good.

Our drinks~

Not only dinner, but I needed to replenish my electrolytes!  An amazing Bloody Mary that the Store is famous for hit the spot!  We arrived before rush hour, so enjoyed a table out by the water.  As usual, the food was wonderful & the service perfect.  

I told Butch this may have been my last boat ride!  Next time, he can take the boat out & I'll sit on the shore of the state park, soak in the sun & watch him with the binoculars! :-)

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~