This morning we departed Indiantown Marina on the St.Lucie Canal.  About two hours later we arrived at the St.Lucie Lock. We waited about an hour for opposing traffic to lock through -- five boats.  We entered and descended 13' -- the highest lock we've been through in Florida.

We continued on the St. Lucie River and around noon came to the junction of the east/west intracoastal waterway with the north/south intracoastal waterway just beyond Stuart, Florida.

The weather was beautiful and sunny all day with a nice breeze, 70 degrees and low humidity.  There was a lot of boat traffic as we traveled on the Indian River and many boats  came steaming up behind us.  The Captain headed them off by contacting each one on the radio asking if they would kindly give us a slow pass, which they all did.

We arrived at our destination, Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce, FL mid-afternoon and anchored out for the night.  There are a few other sailboats here in the cove and it's a lovely anchorage.  We've got the windows open and it should be a pleasant night for sleeping.  Here are a few of today's photos:

Approaching the St. Lucie Lock -- last one in FL

Waiting for 5 boats to leave the lock

Having a chat with the Lockmaster

Inside the lock -- just us.

It took about a half hour to descend the 13'

Interesting that the lock is a manatee area

Homes along the Indian River

Homes along the Indian River

Roosevelt Bridge near Stuart -- a sailing Mecca

Mr. W. is smiling because he just saved $500 on our car insurance -- since we won't be driving for the next 6 months.

Arf Arf

The draw bridge at Stuart, FL -- a popular spot

Homes along the Indian River at Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach Bridge

A beautiful day on the water

This boat came steaming up behind us and gave us a slow pass after Ralph contacted him on the radio and asked for that.

Anchored in Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce

Anchored in Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce

Tonight's back yard

This morning at dawn we left Glades RV Resort & Marina on the Caloosahatchee.  We locked through the Moore Haven Lock and entered Lake Okeechobee -- the largest lake in Florida.  In the early afternoon the sky darkened and we could see thunderheads along the southern coast of the lake.  We only experienced a smattering of rain.

On the eastern side of Lake Okeechobee is the Mayaca Lock which today, was wide open for us to cruise right through.  The water level of the lake and the St. Lucie Canal on the other side of the lock were the same height.  I must say this was the easiest lock we've ever been through.

We arrived at today's destination, Indiantown Marina in Indiantown, FL.  This is a large, well maintained marina tucked in off the St. Lucie Canal.  We traveled 61 miles today.

Here are a few of today's photos:

Leaving Glades at dawn

Moore Haven Lock

Inside Moore Haven Lock

Construction on the Caloosahatchee

The other side of the Caloosahatchee is a swampy

Construction

Wildlife in the swamp area

A hawk overhead

White pelican

Thunderstorms along the southern edge of Lake Okeechobee

View of the thunderclouds from the fly bridge

Entering Mayaca Lock

We were surprised to see the lock open when we arrived

Entering Indiantown Marina

Indiantown Marina tucked in off St. Lucie Canal

Tonight's back yard

 

Day 1 of The Great Loop Part 2.  

We cast off at 7:30 AM heading east on the Caloosahatchee.  It was a beautiful sunny day but HOT!  By mid-afternoon it was 88 degrees with 92% humidity with the threat of thunderstorms late afternoon and evening. 

We traveled 55 miles today and locked through two locks.  We're staying overnight at Glades RV Resort and Marina near Moore Haven, FL and are happy to be here with electricity so we can run the AC.  We've had thundershowers intermittently since late afternoon but I think the noise of the AC drowned out the sound of the thunder, as Striper wasn't bothered at all.

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon this afternoon.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were killed and injured.  What a tremendous tragedy.  Our country has never been the same since 9-11.  

Here are a few photos of today's adventure:

Heading out Penguin Canal from our house

Many dolphin out today -- this one stuck with us for about a half hour

Barb and Bob in Gondola introduced themselves -- they started the DeFever Group

Two more dolphin swimming under our bow

Today we locked through the Franklin Lock

Inside the Franklin Lock

North Ft. Myers

We discovered a little hitch hiker, a little gecko probably from our yard

The Captain is soaking his feet in a bucket of cold water -- Striper was next!

We went through many swing and draw bridges today

After lunch Striper conked out for a little nap

The second lock of the day, Ortona Lock

We locked through the Ortona Lock with 3 other boats

Tonight's back yard -- ominous thunderheads brought lots of rain

Entering Glades RV Resort & Marina near Moore Haven, FL

FOR SALE

http://www.alphacompservices.com/Boat/ForSale/SayGoodbyeForSale.htm

Click on the link above for information and detailed description of  Say Good-Bye

We're getting ready to cast off this weekend to complete the final Florida to New Jersey leg of The Great Loop.  Once we cross our wake in Atlantic City, are plans are sketchy.  We'd both like to cruise around New England for the summer. We loved sailing in that area years ago and want to revisit some of our favorite spots.

We'll continue to post the blog of our travels as long as we have Say Good-Bye.  Ralph's been doing consulting work and enjoys it and we both decided we truly love living here in Cape Coral and want to be here year round.  We're blessed to have had such wonderful adventures on this very special boat. 

Ralph and I returned last week from a cruise through the Panama Canal.  It was an amazing adventure and we'd recommend it to everyone. We went with a group of thirty from our cruising group, the Marine Trawler Owner's Association (MTOA) and had a wonderful time.  Thank you to George and Mary Kay for making the arrangements.  A good time was had by all.

This is a photo of those two mannequins from Woolworth's taken on the formal night:

February 4, 2013

January has just flown by and we are enjoying being in our home and catching up on household things.  I've been going to the gym every day and Ralph and Striper are walking 2-1/2 miles every morning.  We've had lots of company and enjoyed every minute of our visits.  We love living in Florida where the sun shines every day and are not missing the cold and snowy weather at all.

Today we were out for a little ride in Say Good-Bye and two dolphin swam with us for about twenty minutes. They are such majestic creatures.  Attached are a few photos of them: