Moore Haven, FL; February 22, 2011

Link to anchorage northeast of Moore Haven, Fl via Google maps

We are continuing across Florida, traveling from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean via the Okeechobee waterway. We are about 1/2 way across and around 12 miles from Clewiston where we will cross Lake Okeechobee.

We went through 2 locks today. The Ortona Lock, east of LaBelle, raises the boat 8 feet to equal the water on the other side. 

 This manatee went through the lock along with us.
When we left the lock, it swam alongside the boat.
This picture makes it look kinda like a gold fish cracker :)

We're surrounded!
The anchorage tonight has alligators all over.

Port LaBelle, FL: February 21,2011

Link to marina in Port LaBelle via Google Map

Manatee's are difficult to see when they are under vegetation. This one got our attention when we saw the plants moving. We could only see the head come up to munch some leaves.

Rows of orange trees

Went through a lock today. You call ahead on the radio and then wait for the light to turn green. After you're inside and tied up, the gates close and water comes in.

Leaving the other end when the gates have opened.

North Fort Myers, FL; February 20, 2011

Link to our anchorage northeast of Forth Myers, FL via Google Maps

We turned east today and headed across Florida on the Okeechobee waterway. At our lollygagging speed we estimate it taking about 5 days to arrive at Stuart before starting up the east side of Florida.

When you are close to town, there is a steady stream of boats

You can buy bait from this boat on the water...

  These dolphins were in the shallow channel.
You can see my shadow taking pictures from the boat.

JD Darling National Wildlife Refuge; February 19, 2011

Link to anchorage at JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Fl via Google Ma

We put both masts up today.....Sure felt good
Main mast is on the bow (front)  ----   mizzen mast in on the stern (back.)

         

                                                                                                                  

Temperature today was 80 degrees - we put the umbrella over the cockpit for extra shade

JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge is known for migratory bird populations and there sure are a lot of birds. I take pictures of the birds and then try to identify them in my book or on the net.

Birds feed on the mud flats during low tide

White pelicans with little birds on a mud flat

Little birds taking off

Sunrise over the mangroves at Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a barrier island of in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. I had to look up mangroves to find out that they are trees that grow in salt water. The roots are exposed at low tide and the rotting leaves provide food for birds and fish. Neat.

Gasparilla Sound; February 18, 2011

Link to anchorage in Gasparilla Sound via Google Maps

Looking forward you can see our AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association) burgee flapping in the breeze. It's attached to the pole holding the wi-fi antenna and the steaming light (think head-light.) The mast's are still down as we have several more bridge's to go under today.

The channel is much narrower today and traffic is less. Every now and then you would see people standing out in the shallows fishing.

Dolphins in the channel.

 

   This ultra light has pontoon's. It circled low checking us out before landing.

Venice, FL; February 17, 2011

Link to anchorage in Venice, FL via Google Maps.

Our travel today on the intracoastal waterway felt as if we were on a busy city street....that floated.

The channel was narrow in long stretches with two way traffic.

Some boats like to go fast and passed giving the others a rolling ride.

This barge was passing along the same channel.

Lollygag stayed to the right and watched cool things like these sailboats racing.

We had to request a bridge opening today and it was our first experience using the radio.

This swing bridge was only 9' from the water, so even with the mast's down, it had to open for us to go through. The operator walked to the middle and controlled it from there. 

Bayshore Gardens, Fl: February 16, 2011

Link to anchorage at Bayside Gardens, Fl via Google Maps.

We got a late start out of Gulfport this morning which I'm sure had nothing to do with our friends showing us around last night.  We passed by their place on the way out of the marina this morning. 

Best spaghetti dinner in Gulfport! 

Sunshine Skyway Bridge: Tampa Bay Bridge

This bridge is so huge....I had to look it up. It is 4 miles across and the vertical clearance is 193 feet !!
My sister has driven on it and said you just keep going up, up, up....... looks tall from the water.

   Coming across the bay we saw the Coast Guard training. There were two helicopters and  one boat. They were practicing jumping into the water and then pulling them out of the water.