Crossing florida Via Okeechobee Waterway

3-16 After a bike ride around the south end of Sannabel Is. we headed to Cape Coral where we anchored in Bimini Bay, a dredged harbor accessed via canal thru residential area. A very protected anchorage with a nice town park and shopping nearby. Sunny and warm

3-17 Biked around town picked up a few groceries then headed for the mooring field at Ft. Meyers. Sunny and warm, breeze picked up in afternoon leaving mooring field very exposed, also very noisy with highway bridge close by. We had planned to go to town for St Pats dinner but moorings were a long ride across rough water to marina. Decided to move to Hancock Creek where we anchored in a peaceful desolate spot with great protection. Shallow at entrance but deep in creek.

3-18 thru 21- Head out at low tide and had to plow thru soft mud to get out of creek entrance. Motor up river to LaBelle where we tied up to town docks for the next 4 nights.The wind is predicted to be strong out of the north for a few days. We have been warned against crossing Lake in these conditions as shallows and 30 mile fetch builds the waves. We spent the first 2 nights at boat launch dock then we moved to free town dock with water and electric, library with wifi next door. Old time small town, very friendly but main drag kind of run down. plenty of shopping and small restaurants nearby. The only drawback was the traffic noise from drawbridge.

3-22 Motor to Moore Haven and anchor in old canal. Finally saw our first alligators of the trip. As we turned into canal 5 gators were sunning on bank, tried to get close for a picture but they slid into water. These gators (one was huge) were right across from campground. spoke to a few campers who said gators don't bother them. Many had small dogs and I bet they aren't allowed off their leash.

3-23 Motor to Clewiston where we tied up to dolfins on edge of canal. Chris didn't like tying to these huge pilings as the cleats were to high to reach and posts were to fat to get her arms around. I found them great as it saved anchoring bow and stern to stay out of channel. There were a few alligators around along with tons of birds. Biked around town in the afternoon.

3-24 Early start across Okeechobee, winds east @ 15, medium chop, motor to east side of lake then hugged shoreline sailing the next 13 miles. Water was very muddy, plenty of depth, shallowest was 7 ft. lake level is at 13 ft and port miaca lock was open. With the low water level we had plenty of clearance at RR lift bridge. was at 50.25 ft. we had been a little concerned with this bridge as the stated clearance is 49 ft and after measuring our mast prior to this trip we figured on only our wind vanes would just clear with only our antenna hitting. We continued on to the St Lucie lock where we again tied bow and stern to dolfins, this time much easier as cleats were within reach.

3-25 Motor down St Lucie river to our marina in Jensen. Surprisingly our slip was still empty and hopefully we can stay for the next month. After a short walk back to Palm Circle we found that all was well after being away for nearly 3 months. Chris was happy to be back to a bed that didn't move and long hot showers.

Since leaving JensenBeach on Jan 6th we have traveled 928 statute miles. The weather has been great, although a little cooler than we expected and the winds have been strong out of the north much of the time. We stayed out a little longer than we had planned but since we weren't on a schedule it didn't really matter. Our Girls are both coming down for a week at Easter and Chris' sister Carol will also be down during that time. Chris is looking foreward to a month on dry land before we continue on our journey back north.

Sanabel Island

Wed 3-10 Spent day biking around Marco Island and at beach.

Thurs and Fri- Naples Harbor, Anchor in protected basin surrounded by mansions. Bike around city and beaches. While motoring out of harbor entrance a large stingray ( 3 ft across) took 3 leaps out of the water in front of us. On the third jump it hit us broadside high enough to spray us. If we had been in a boat with lower sides it probably would have been in the boat. We had seen them jumping a few times but never this close.

Sat- Arrived Ft Meyers Beach Harbor yesterday afternoon after a great sail. The beach is packed with college kids on spring break. Annual Shrimpfest added even more crowds. Glad we're on bikes as streets are jammed.

Sun- Brunch at waterfront bar then short sail across San Carlos Bay to Sanabel Is. Bike around and enjoyed great beaches. Weather the past few days has been sunny with temps in lo 80's.

north into the Gulf

Fri 3-5- The winds have finally shifted to the east and we headed out early across Florida Bay to the Little Shark River. Trip of about 50 miles, left with 4 other boats that were also waiting out the winds. We are now in the heart of the Everglades coastline. Unlike the inland portion the shoreline here is heavily forested although only about 2 ft above high tide. Anchored about 2 miles upriver in a very secluded and beautiful spot. Spent Saturday messing about and enjoying the peace and quiet. After Marathon and Key West this is a welcome change. Birds everywhere but still no alligators!

Sun-Headed north motor sailing with light winds. Todays destination is the Barron River, Indian Key. Anchor up river in protected cove. This area is called the 10,000 islands and they mean it. Don't leave home without your GPS. Monday we ventured about 6 miles upriver to Everglades City. A true fishing village with a large working fleet of trawlers. Wanted to spend the night but River was very narrow and tidal current swift so we returned to the coast.

Tues-Another sunny warm day, light winds so we motorsailed north to Marco Island. Anchored in Factory Bay surrounded by Condos and marinas. Quite a change from the past few anchorages but we once again have cell service and wifi. Fresh caught amberjack for dinner. Have had luck lately trolling and so have been eating a lot of fish.

Key West pictures

These ships would go out for out for sunset cruises and sometimes shoot cannons at each other!

Key West back to Marathon

Sun 2-22 thru Fri 2-27- Key West, We have spent the past week playing tourist. Temps have been in the mid to upper 70's but winds have been strong out of the north and east. Chris loved all the activity, there have been 2 cruise ships in port most days and the old city has been really hopping. We have been biking about and spending lots of time at the beaches.

Sat 2-28- Winds finally veered to the east and we headed out early for Marathon. This is a 50 mile trip and we pounded into wind and waves for much of the day. Stormy weather is expected Sunday afternoon so we wanted to get to a protected harbor. Arrived Boot Key Harbor late afternoon as the wind died and we enjoyed a peaceful evening with another beautiful sunset.

Sun- Sunny and warm winds now south @ 10, temps near 80. Front barreled thru as predicted mid afternoon but harbor provides great protection from any wind direction. Winds around 35 kts all night, Chris is bothered by all the noise even though the waves are slight. Temps dropped to 50's by evening but very little rain.

Mon thru Thurs- Sunny and cool. North winds 15-20, Spent time shopping and biking about. It's amazing how busy we stay doing nothing. I guess we really are on island time.