MOORE HAVEN, FL
RODEO NIGHT.....(I wish...)

We needed to fill our fresh water tanks before departing Stuart, FL.  Took this picture while monitoring the garden hose.  Very pleasant morning.  The waters were very calm. Knowing we had a long way to go and a couple of locks to navigate, we departed around 0640.  Just up river from the marina was a railroad bridge and the 'old' Roosevelt bridge (not the one from yesterday's pictures...it's replacement.)  The railroad bridge is normally open, unless in use.  Well, you guessed it.  It was in use as we approached.  There was another cruiser in front of us, so we both patiently waited, and waited, and waited.  Eventually 2 trains crossed the bridge and we were able to get through, after letting 10-12 smaller boats come through.  They were going down river, and therefore had the right of way. So, at about 0715 we made it through and were underway.  Geez.  We could have slept another 30 minutes. ;)

Took this picture of the sunrise, through the foggy eisenglass, as we were waiting for the bridge to open.

Remember these guys?? Yep, that's them, the Nina and the Pinta.  Haven't seen them since Fort Myers, last summer. Amazing.

This is the cruiser that was in front of us most of the day.  When we got to Lake Okeechobee, they pulled ahead.

Joe spotted these guys.  Buzzards everywhere!  Getting some sun, awaiting some unsuspecting victim.

Really pretty white heron. Hard to see.



Alligator.  We saw about 15 of them today.  This one was the only one that didn't sink down in the water when we got close.

The first of three locks today. St. Lucie Lock with a rise of about 8'.  They dropped us ropes so we didn't have to do much.  The lock keeper was kind of grouchy.  We guessed he was just having a bad day.

Some of the scenery from today's journey.  The whole day was beautiful.  Lots of wildlife, very little built up areas. Very serene.  Well, that is until we ran into a bass fishing tournament...

The second lock, Port Mayaca, let us drive through.  Both gates were open.  We were able to proceed once this small, center console cleared.

Our approach at the Port Mayaca lock.

On the otherside of the lock was Lake Okeechobee.  Miles and miles of water.  There was land to the north and south, but WAY off in the distance.  It was pretty windy so our ride was somewhat rough, but not bad at all.

Not bad enough for the Captain to get his daily dose of sun.

Joe has discovered that one of our red, plastic bowls, often used for chips or apple slices, etc, fits nicely right in the steering wheel. :)

A group of birds hanging out in the middle of the lake.

 

This is from last night, at the restaurant.  Blow it up and read it.  You'll like it, I promise.

 The entrance to the Caloosahatchee River (the other side of the Lake).

 Bass fishermen. EVERYWHERE!!!!!

 Big tournament, we figured.  The Cruising Guides say that Lake Okeechobee has some of the largest wide mouth bass in the country.

We're staying at the Moore Haven City dock.  We walked downtown (2-3 blocks) for supper.  There is a Mexican restaurant that 'Active-Captain' (an electronic tool for boaters) and the Cruising Guide both recommended.  Unfortunately, they are closed on the weekend.  Go figure.  So, we walked 2 more blocks (poor Joe) to Burger King... There were 2 older couples that we ran into down by the dock, who volunteered to take Joe back in their truck.  Tim and I walked.  We can always use the exercise.  Anyway, these nice people were the ones that told us about there being a rodeo in town tonight.  Think I could convince the guys to go, huh?  Yeah, you're right....no way!  So, I guess it's another night of Downton Abbey.  They're at war now....
Tomorrow we should make it to Fort Myers and family.  Until then....................