OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY COMPLETED

Trip Day:          5       Latitude:        27°12.81' N          Locks Today:     3        Miles Today:      60    Longitude:   080°12.77' W          Locks Total:      6 Total Miles:      220    Location:       St. Lucie River

   Today was a lazy day of crossing Lake Okeechobee which is the second largest lake in the

continental United States (Lake Michigan is number one).  After traveling miles without seeing other boats, we engaged the autopilot which allowed us the freedom to get some maintenance chores accomplished.   Although Captain Ron was on the iPad for hours following Morgan’s State swim meet. 

Our afternoon consisted of easy, winding river motoring.  We were able to fly our jib for a short period of time when the direction of the wind permitted.  Far too many photos of  wildlife and river scenes were snapped, but we were unable to stop ourselves. 

 

The Port Mayaca Railroad Bridge is the limiting factor for sailboats crossing the Okeechobee Waterway with a vertical clearance of 49 feet (depending on water levels).  On the right is the view from our stern—Jean held her breath as we passed under, waiting for the  scrapping sound.

Three bridges clustered together; the old Roosevelt Bridge, the railroad bridge and the new Roosevelt Bridge which is a high span bridge.  We had a 30 minute wait for two trains to pass.

The bridge tender does not control the    railroad bridge.  A switching signal from the railroad opens and closes the bridge.

This afternoon we locked through the Port St. Lucie Lock, a drop of 13 feet.  This is the LAST LOCK of the Okeechobee Waterway!

We dropped anchor in the St. Lucie River tonight and will head North tomorrow. 

A big thanks to all our family and friends who are following us.  We love hearing from you!
Disclaimer:  this is NOT how I arranged the photos. . .they move when posted.  Very frustrating!