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!

SAILING IN COMPANY - THE CATS MEOW

Trip Day:          4       Latitude:        26°45.41' N          Locks Today:     2         Miles Today:   37.8    Longitude:  080°55.13' W          Locks Total:       3 Total Miles:      160    Location:       Clewiston

Sunrise this morning was amazing!  We went through our first bridge with two other catamarans.  There we were, in a line; Island Packet 35, Gemini 34 and a PDQ 36.  The other boats hail from the Chesapeake area, so our paths will probably cross again. 

Wildlife was abundant and we were saluted by cows and birds as we passed.

We arrived at the Ortona Lock (mile marker 93.5) about 8:30.  It took us 45 minutes to lock through with three other sailboats.  This lock is an 8 foot rise and when the gate opened to fill the lock, it was a challenge to hold the lines against the rushing water. 

The three of us stayed together until Clewiston, where we pulled into the Roland Martin Marina and they continued to cross Lake Okeechobee.  We had a leisurely afternoon watching the birds and the dancing sea of grass.

Beautiful day on the Caloosahatchee - First Lock!

Trip Day:         3        Latitude:      26°462.12' N          Locks Today:     1          Miles Today:   44.2    Longitude:  081°269.28' W        Locks Total:       1 Total Miles:  122.2    Location:    LaBelle, FL

We got underway early knowing we would have strong winds directly on our nose.  We passed Cape Coral and Fort Myers, then went through the Beautiful Island Railway Bridge.  Just after we cleared the bridge, a horn sounded and we realized there was a train waiting to cross the bridge (imagine a train waiting for a boat!).

  

The Caloosahatchee River is deep (20-30 ft) and very scenic with a wide variety of homes; mobile home villages, average residential neighborhoods and estates. 

We locked through the W.P. Franklin Lock at Mile 121.4  just before noon.  There was a    power boat locking through with us and the process took 20 minutes.  This lock is a three feet rise going East.  Captain Ron has a multitude of daily tasks;  plotting our course, checking weather reports, checking electrical systems,  researching marinas and ports of call.



Captain Ron has a multitude of daily tasks;  plotting our course, checking weather reports, checking electrical systems,  researching marinas and ports of call. 

At 3:00 we pulled tied off at the LaBelle City Docks which are free, including electric.  We rode our bikes into town, picked up a few groceries and had dinner to support the local economy.  Back on board, listening to the radio and blogging—all and all, a good day!

Headed South - Past Marker 1 of Gulf ICW

Trip Day:         2                 Latitude:      26° 32.30' N                               Miles Today:   45.5            Longitude:  081° 59.80' W Total Miles:     78.0            Location:    Caloosahatchee River

 

This morning was beautiful with easterly winds 10-15 and we had the main and jib flying. We sailed past Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, Useppe Island and Cabbage Key and Sanibel.

 The forecast called for increasing winds to 15-20 in the afternoon.  But forecasts being what they are, we actually had 20-30 knot winds, seas 3-5 feet.  As we crossed Boca Grande Pass the winds and chop from Charlotte Harbor were very strong.  We finally had to drop all sails and simply motor in these poor conditions. 

Boca Grande Pass

Cabbage Key Ferry

 We dropped anchor in a little cove in the Caloosahatchee River which is the beginning of the Oceechobee Waterway. 

THE TRIP BEGINS - DAY ONE TRAVEL

Did not get underway until late morning due to an issue with inverter. We did not solve the problem, but set sail anyway. First stop was Marina Jack’s to take on fuel and water - let the spending begin. It felt good to start the trip and saying goodbye to the Sarasota skyline seemed strange and exciting at the same time.

Beautiful sunrise to start our first day!

Marina Jack's

 We were thankful for an easy day of travel with following winds of 10-15 knots.  We motored at 2,500 RPM with the jib flying and made 6.2 to 6.6 knots.  Jean brought us through most of the bridges as we headed South enjoying the contact with bridge tenders and getting  the feel of the boat.

Typical Florida ICW marker.

We dropped anchor just South of  Tom Adams bridge in Englewood and cabin boy Ron served up well-earned drinks while Jean began preparation of chicken stirfry for dinner.  Thanks to all who have wished us a safe journey and are traveling with us through this blog. 

Not this morning

7:45 AM

In case you all were wondering, no we are not leaving this morning. We have 27-28 sustained winds out of the north, and have registered 33 knot gusts. Maybe this afternoon if the winds abate, but probably tomorrow. Our goal is to enjoy, not fight the elements. Sure enough, March is roaring in like a lion.




Birthday breakfast at First Watch - Happy Birthday Ron and Shannon (March 5th and 6th).

Goodbye to Family and Friends

Bitter sweet moments as we say goodbye to family and friends Friday night at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Good food, good drink, good times with many wishes for a safe journey.  Captain Ron summoned Aeolus and Poseidon, gods of wind and sea, to provide fair winds, gentle seas and safe harbors.