Earthquakes, volcanoes, meteorites, and glaciers created many of our world’s magnificent lakes. Lakelubbers, an online guide to 1,625 vacation lakes, has named ten of the world’s most unusual lakes.
Draper Lake is a rare coastal dune lake that is alternately freshwater and saltwater. Its Florida Gulf ecosystem supports a unique biodiversity that earns it protected status. Residents have mounted an aggressive effort to protect Florida’s dune lakes from the Gulf oil spill.
13,020 feet above sea level on Hawaii’s tropical Big Island, tiny Lake Waiau freezes during winter.
Through a natural phenomenon, Virginia’s Mountain Lake has emptied and re-filled about six times during the past 4,500 years.
On the Greek island of Kefalonia, tourists are rowed – and pulled by rope – through the underground Melissani Lake, in a massive cave decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.
Lakelubbers describes these, and six more unusual lakes at: https://www.lakelubbers.com/newsletter-06-2010.html
About Lake Waiau, the report says: “Visitors to Hawaii’s Big Island anticipate long stretches of beach and aquamarine water. But don’t overlook a most unusual geological phenomenon atop Mauna Kea, an inactive volcano reaching almost 14,000 feet above sea level. Mauna Kea is one of the top astronomical sites in the world; several research facilities operate at its summit. A drive up Mauna Kea to the observatories is an exciting day trip. About 800 feet below the summit, at 13,020 feet, is tiny Lake Waiau. It’s one of just a few small lakes in the state of Hawaii. Despite its tropical location, Lake Waiau freezes during winter. Aside from rainwater and snowmelt, there is no apparent source of water inflow to Lake Waiau – no underwater spring, no river or creek. Many scientists believe that Lake Waiau’s primary water source is permafrost, a thick layer of frozen soil that lies underneath the lake. The permafrost melts as needed to replace water that evaporates from Lake Waiau’s surface. If accurate, then Lake Waiau is the only “alpine lake” in the Hawaiian islands. Lake Waiau is a 30-45 minute hike off the road that leads to Mauna Kea’s summit. Parking is provided near the path that leads to the lake. Because of the high elevation and a pebbled hiking surface, hiking from the parking area to the lake is relatively challenging. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular scenery; you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.”
Lakelubbers.com features tourism and historical information on 1,625 vacation and recreational lakes in 50 USA states and 60 countries. Homeowners and real estate professionals can advertise vacation rentals and homes for sale.
Lakelubbers identifies the size, depth, shoreline length, fish species and lake activities that enable visitors to find lakes for their vacations or retirement. Visitors can also find lakes close to their hometowns or zip codes, ideal for weekend getaways.
“Lakelubbers” is a play on both “landlubbers” and “lake lovers.”
SOURCE Lakelubbers.com