So, this past week we left the dock at LaBelle and proceeded to travel through the Okeechobee Waterway, and crossed big Lake O.
It was quite the adventure…we anchored out in the waterway and central Florida countryside for 2 nights. We could enjoy watching birds, manatees and a few alligators, until the sun went down: then the mosquitoes attacked! We had to put in screens everywhere, and actually slept really well. The water was calm and there were not many boats to bother us.
One afternoon Bob went up the mast in the “Bosun’s Chair” that I cranked to raise him! He successfully changed batteries in our weather station. It is so important and helpful to know the wind speed and temps at any given time, as it helps us make decisions for the next step.
Monday we arrived in Stuart, Florida. It is an interesting spot, still part of the waterway, but opens to a big estuary and river. There is an excellent marina here, and decided to stay for a week after a few weeks of “roughing it”. We are always aware that places such as this can easily become a “vortex” that holds you longer than is practical! So, we have enjoyed some fine dining on their patio, use of laundry and wonderful showers, walking in the waterfront area of town, and fixed up a few things on the boat. We feel refreshed and ready to “head out there!” Where, we do not have a solid plan so far, but are leaning towards going north on the Intracoastal Waterway to explore the East Coast of Florida for a while. If we get too chilly we will turn around!
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