1.16.12

It was a quiet night….only one boat passed by after dark. It was a good sized cruiser and they had a nice big spot light checking their travel between the banks of the canal. Didn’t hear a thing after that.

Jim had the heater and coffee going when I got up this morning. What a nice idea. It was toasty in here, and after a few sips of hot coffee I took Raisin on deck.

Shortly after the sun came up we were on our way.

A Limpkin was sunning itself in the dead branches of a Brazillian Pepperbush. A very invasive species. They are all along the canal. We have them at home too. The Robins love the berries, unfortunately that helps spread them.

I’ve noticed several large bee hive groups. Only one of them had feed jars on the top. I tried looking for signs of honey bees with the binoculars but couldn’t see any. It is cold, but once the sun hits the front of the hive there is usually activity.

Once in the rim route of Lake Okeechobee, we met 3 big boats. 2 were coming at us and never slowed down a bit…but it was easy jumping their wake. This big fishing boat passed us. The channel is narrow and rocky on the outside. He gave us a nice slow pass but was still putting out a big wake.

Watch A Dollar More when Larry has to turn into the wake. On an open area you could just ride the wave till it washes under you, but not here in a narrow channel.

Weather forecast for Lake Okeechobee called for a moderate chop, so we headed across. The wind was a bit off our nose so it was a “hobby horse” ride, but fun.

It’s about 25 miles in the channel route, 35 in the rim route.

Larry gave us a shout on the radio…said he was glad his engine was running well….or we’d be anchored out here. Jim responded with “we?”

Take a short ride with us across Lake Okeechobee. We’re the ones making all the noise….A Dollar More is the one slipping thru the waves.

I do miss the silence of a sailboat. All you hear is the rush and slap of the waves passing by…the wind in the sails…………. and everything falling on the floor when a gust of wind heels you over on your side.

When I was first learning to sail our Catalina 22, and Jim went to the head, he would see water thru the port one minute and sky the next. I really enjoyed that little boat….all except for the banged shins and heads.

We’re too far from Indiantown Marina so will anchor on the E side of the Port Mayaca Lock. It’s a beautiful night.