Leg #9 Clewiston to St. Lucie/Stuart

We departed Clewiston at 7:20 a.m. With Kay Dee in the lead, 4 boats started out together east on the Okeechobee Waterway, across Lake Okeechobee and back on the waterway. It's

a lot of fun traveling with other people that have the same dreams and goals, as twisted as it may be or seems to others.

Again with the shallow water. Not only is it shallow, there are floating islands of vegetation to dodge.

Again with the wind. Lake Okeechobee was quite windy at times which gave it a 1-2' chop. One of the boats with us lost their personal water craft that they had in tow. It took him a while to retrieve it but finally did and caught up to the rest of us.

At the Port Mayaca Lock we got word that the lock was opened and we could just motor

through. But, we had to go at idle speeds and be escorted because there was a pod of 5-6 manatee in there. It was awesome to see them up close. Three went directly under our boat and set off our shallow water alarm.

Once we were through the lock we continued on the Okeechobee Waterway toward the St. Lucie Lock. This particular lock had been closed for maintenance and just reopened March 29th. Most of the locks we went through, the lock masters were really fun and friendly. Not this one, what a crank! We waited on the top side of the lock for nearly two hours fighting the canals wind and currents. No word, explanation or apologize from the lock master as to why we were waiting. Just by listening to radio communications from other boaters we figured out that there was a boat inside that couldn't start their motor so they had to wait for a tow boat to come and lock through with him. I think they could have left him in there while others went through without issue. He might have preferred a few more 13' rises and drops as opposed to just sitting in a hot lock.

So we finally made our way into the lock, grabbed our lines and got situated on the starboard side of the lock and prepared for a 13' drop. As the gates closed a storm with lightening was quickly approaching. By the time we were more than half way down, gale force winds and rain came barreling in our direction. The wind caught the top part of our boat right in the middle of a line adjustment and it took everything I had to hold the line as it slipped through the cleat and my hands. If I let go to get another wrap on the cleat I know without a doubt our stern would have smashed into the side of a beautiful Kadey Krogen sitting just across from us and I wasn't about to let that happen so naturally I SCREAMED for Glen. He tied his line off and came to my rescue. Even with the two of us putting our full weight into the lines we barely got control. We all reached bottom and was kicked out to come face to face with the storm. Because of the wind force against our boat and her height we opted to go out after the Kadey so not to risk any damage. Glen started back up, dropped his line, got back to the helm and pulled us safely into the brunt of the storm. It reminded me of a car wash only we were getting the wash and dry at the same time. We couldn't see the Kadey in front of us and barely saw the bridge columns for safe passage. But Glen did great and the sun came out about 10 minutes later.

We arrived in St. Lucie/Stuart just in time for the Old Franklin Bridge to close. Another 45 minute wait. Once the bridge opened we made our way to The Harborage Yacht Club and Marina only to find another boat in our spot, so we stayed the night in front of the gas

pumps which was okay. It was a beautiful marina with all the amenities. Kind of upscale for us but very nice. The only complaint is that there wasn't an area for the girls to play. We seem to enjoy the smaller, more personal marinas. We had cocktails and a delicious hamburger at The Tide House Restaurant there at the resort which was recommended by David and Mimi (a delightful older couple that have been living on their boat for the last eight years).

A lot was learned today. Not a bad day, just a day full of anxiety and experiences. And I'm reminded that Glen and I are a good team.

More pics just for fun: