With light winds, we motor-sailed to the anchorage at Long Boat Key, and tied up and enjoyed dinner at Moore's. Then one to Venice, there we found the City docks full, even though we arrived at 1500 on a Sunday afternoon. So we docked a the Crow's Nest to enjoy the showers and other facilities. The weather forecast deteriorated, with South winds at 20-25 kts. So we stayed another day, but moved to the City docks on Monday morning. We were accompanied this far by OSAKIS, with Paul and Betty Flora aboard. With the weather forecast, they returned to Tampa Bay on Tuesday, while we headed South down the ICW to Useppa to anchor.
After a very pleasant evening and night at Useppa, four other boats present, we moved on to Ft. Myers and the city marina. Fuelled up and iced up, and left to the OWW to our next stop at Port LaBelle marina, about 2 miles past LaBelle. Very quiet, 60 cents/foot, including water and electric, and showers. Screens were put in place, and we spent the evening at the lounge about 6 blocks away.
The next morning, while having our coffee in the cockpit, the turtles came to be fed. While feeding them we noticed three alligators coming over to check us out for breakfast. We threw bread right in front of the gators, and the turtles went right over to get it. The gators were not interested in either the bread or the turtles, so I guess turtles are not on a gators dies.
We went through three locks, one at Alva, one at LaBelle, and one at More Haven, 3 foot rise, 4 foot rise, and 8 foot rise, for a total of 15 ft to the level of Lake Okeechobee.
After Port LaBelle, we went to Clewiston, where they put us alongside, with many powerboats from Cape Coral competing for space. They didn't want to pass up a bird in hand, so we stayed.
From Clewiston we crossed the lake to Port Myacca and another lock (down 1 ft.), and the infamous 49' railroad bridge, which was no problem, and up the St Lucie canal to Indiantown Marina. They usually have a BBQ rib dinner on Saturday nights, they supply the meat and the boaters supply the sides. However, they had a big Halloween party the night before so we missed out.
There was one more lock, St Lucie lock which lowered us 14 ft, and then were soon at Stuart, and the ICW. We got caught in a big thunderstorm, and pulled aside and dropped the hook till it blew over. Then on to Hope Sound where we anchored and spent a peaceful night, then to an anchorage at Delray Beach, then to Ft Lauderdale. The big boat show was the previous weekend, and the megayachts were all about!
We went up the New River, three bridges and lots of big boat traffic, to Cooley's Landing, a very nice marina, at 72 cents/ft, less 25% by Boat/US. Thrill of the day was going into the slip with a strong cross current, and then the bow line passed to the dock-master came loose from the cleat! These are known as "Interesting Moments", but we final got tied up. We of course had an audience, who passed many comments !
From Ft Lauderdale we went out Port Everglades and down the coast to Cape Florida, and up to No Name Harbor. While we were approaching, a big black cloud of smoke was rising, and a 40+ ft sailboat burned. Seems he had a problem with propane, and the boat went up fast !
Following Suggestions by others, we anchored outside No Name, to avoid the $11 charge for anchoring !
Then on down the ICW, inside, to Pumpkin Key near Angelfish Creek, where we planned to cross out to Hawk Channel. The wind was 20-25 kts on the nose, we were making 2-3 kts, and it was a long passage to Pumpkin Key.
A big megayacht went by and nearly swamped us with his wake. We wished we had our camera ready to take his pictures, and send them to the USCG to forward to the owner. We think it was a delivery captain, but don't know.
Went thru Angelfish Creek and in the next morning with no trouble. Down Hawk Channel to Largo Sound. The trip through the mangroves to the Sound is something different. Tied up to a mooring and spent a pleasant evening. Seems they want you to dink 2 miles ashore, go the last 200 yards by oars ( no combustible engines), then tie your dink to a concrete wall where they have removed the cleats, then walk 3/4 mile to the Ranger's office, pay $11 mooring fee, then repeat the process back to your boat. We felt that if they wanted their money, they could come get it ! Went ashore in the dink, found a West Marine Store, and a store to replenish stores. Not much as it was a half mile walk to the boat.
From Largo Sound we went through Channel Five bridge (65ft) and anchored for another pleasant evening. The next morning we were off to Marathon and Faro Blanco Bayside Marina. $1.50/ft, so we did not want to stay to long. Waited one day on the weather, then off across Florida Bay to the Little Shark River. Grocery shopping and laundry at Faro Blanco. Anchored for a pleasant evening just off-shore at the Little Shark, then off to Indian Key, the Barron River and the Rod & Gun Club at Everglades City. Stayed there one extra day due to weather, then off to Naples. Motored the last 10 miles against the wind and waves to Naples and anchored at the anchorage at G"13" and admired the houses. Lots of boats in the anchorage.
Next morning we were off to Naples City Docks (BOAT/US) and stayed there two nights due to N winds at 20 kts. From Naples, the boat went through Captiva Pass to Useppa, then to Venice City Docks, then Cortez at the Seafood Shack, then to Apollo Beach.
All in all, a successful cruise with only a few problems, which only serve to make things interesting. Sure was nice to get home to my water bed !
By :
Bill Matthys