This bridge actually opened just for us - it was our first swing bridge and also the first bridge that Linda talked to the tender and asked for him to open it for us. The bridge is on the Caloosahatchee River in Denaud, FL. It turns out that the VHF radio is used constantly to talk to the bridge and lock tenders. The tenders have turned out to be very friendly and helpful, which is a big relief to us "newbies."
This is the first lock that we entered (the Franklin lock) and the shot is to the rear where other boats are still entering. The boat directly behind us is the next size up Four Winns from our boat. We rode with them for a while and then went on by ourselves after they stopped to get gas. We then met up at the same marina at the end of the day.
This is a picture of the same lock facing forward. In this lock, unlike the others where we were only raised a foor or so, we were raised about 5 feet. It's interesting to be in the lock as they start to open the doors and let the water in. Also in this lock with us was a manatee about 8ft. long. We only saw it twice when it came up for air and were unable to get a picture of it. Very cool.
This picture was taken in the 13 mile stretch along the southern part of Lake Okeechobee. We are in a narrow canal (75 ft. wide, depth 7-10 ft.) and thru that grass is the lake on the other side. You can see how high the water should be.
Another view showing how low the canal is. This is a boat launch and a gas dock - see the gas tank on the hill? Good gas, I'm sure. And yes, this canal, 13 miles long, is absolutely full of alligators! As we approach their beady little heads just slowly submerge.
This friendly scene welcomed our arrival at the Clewiston lock. This is directly across from the entrance to the lock. The lock is currently wide open because the lake is so low. We entered that area and found the channel to be 3' deep. We are staying at Roland Martins Marina - a very friendly but funky marina with a restaurant, bar, and gas. We are trying to find a marina for tomorrow night and it looks like we might have to make it all the way to Stuart before finding an open marina.
This is Linda speaking now- we saw more dolphins and herons and ACRES of crap land -don't worry about "open spaces" in Florida!!! Of course, no one lives there except gators and birds!
We are hot & sweaty- thank GOD for AC! This IS a funky marina for tonight, compared to the upscale Fort Myers marina we were at-but we all are glad to stop after a long day of boating (especially Cory- he REALLY thinks he's gone to hell now!!) More later- love to all- Linda
7 comments:
I see you have made the worst part of the journey. You have probably passed New Smyrna or Daytona already, but if not call (386-228-4272) anytime after April 6th, and we will pick you up for some time ashore. Unless you do some serious hanging around, you are going to be in CT before the snow melts. I'm jealous! You will have to try the canals next.
JHT
Make that after Thursday, April 5th. I forgot to thank you for the card.
John T
I'm enjoying reading this and the pictures are awesome. What an adventure!
Can't wait for your next report!Alison
Bad news. Spring is over here. 10" new snow last night. Good news. Avoided heart attack shoveling once again.
Great pictures. Really gives a quick shot of where your at. Good luck on the lake. Tom
What fun seeing those pictures!!!. I would rather have you home here, but I am looking forward to two months of your adventures. Miss you, love, Solveig
Helloooo! What amazing pictures!! Well-we completed our first week in the new office. It's really nice - the layout really is great. Lanny's concerned he's not getting enough exercise anymore. I'm not complaining . The actual move was a bit grueling but we all survived. Still some bugs to work out but we're managing. Will need you to stop in and give us some ideas when you get back. Our patients are missing you something awful. Still getting quite a variety of responses when I tell them you're gone. Most are sad your gone.
Getting snow flurries today - don't rush back too quickly or you'll have to figure out how to use the heat on the boat. Safe travels !! Robyn
We just caught up on all of your adventures. We're living vicariously through your exploits, especially regarding the warm weather. It's winter here again...It even snowed a little yesterday afternoon. Love, Cindy & Bill
Post a Comment