We have spent a lot of time and money in Florida, and put several home projects on the back burner. So it it is with regret we leave lots of new friends and starting the beginning of March we will head back to Texas, weather permitting.
The boat has a new blue bottom job, courtesy of River Forest Marine. We picked up 2 mph at the same rpm, with the original slower prop. The prop we took off will be balanced and cleaned then put back in the boat as a spare.
The old black bottom will show as the paint wears off, letting us know it is time for another coat.
First class operation, best I have ever been to. They store boats here during hurricane season, in air conditioned buildings for boats over 100′.
We washed the boat and reloaded it, then spent Friday night there, it was very peaceful.
While there we got to see the results of several people running aground. Major $$$$$. This is the new pod drives on a fifty footer. My guess almost $ 100k in damage in this picture. There were four boats here with this kind of damage.
The Okeechobee waterway goes across Florida. A series of locks gets you up to the lake and back down.
Here we are with 1st mate draftee Claire illustrating proper line handling form. Lock rules require life jackets on and engines off.
Daisy enjoyed the brief quiet.
Unlike the New Orleans locks, which take water from the sides, the Okeechobee locks just crack the gates, which is awesome if the difference is 8′, as it was when we went.
The area is similar to Houston, oak trees, cedar trees, lots of cows, and million dollar homes.
While there some really interesting yachts showed up.
This is a FPB 64. It can cross any ocean. Set up for a couple. Zero exterior maintenance, all aluminum with stainless steel. Built like a battle ship, seven water tight bulkheads.
The interior is absolutely beautiful.
This a big damn catamaran, about 80 feet. Sorry for the bad pictures, it would not fit in the view finder. Ocean going in style at speed.
So for now we are back in Ft Myers waiting for a weather window to cross the Gulf. It will be 30 at home for the next couple of days, 75 here.
We are not in a hurry.
Choices 