Clewiston, FL to Stuart, FL

Date             March 28, 2012             
Day              274

Departure     Roland and MaryAnn Martin's Marina, Clewiston, FL  7:40 am                               

Arrival          Sunset Bay Marina, Stuart, FL  4:50 pm:
Miles                61.0 
Cumulative   4174.1

We awakened at 6:30 am to the sound of many outboard engines outside our boat.  We looked out the window and saw this - 

the start of the ESPN Bassmasters Fishing Tournament!

Lake Okeechobee, locally referred to as The Lake or The Big O, is the largest freshwater lake in Florida. It is the seventh largest freshwater lake in the United States. Okeechobee covers 730 square miles, approximately half the size of the state of Rhode Island, and is exceptionally shallow for a lake of its size, with an average depth of only 9 feet.  Today we crossed this very shallow lake!  Below, our depth gauge shows how much water is below the keel of the boat, only 5.4 feet.  Fortunately, we did not have any problems crossing.

At one point, I looked behind us and saw all these birds following us -

As I watched, they would dive into the water and catch little fish.  Because the water was so shallow, we were stirring up their dinner!!

While we were in Ft. Myers, we would have to wash black soot off the boat.  It was caused from the burning of sugar cane.  The first step in the harvesting process is the highly controlled pre-harvest burning of the cane fields. Each cane field burn is individually permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry and farmers are only allowed to burn when climatic conditions permit. The burning causes excess leaves to be removed preparing the way for the mechanical harvesters and ultimately for the processing of the cane. A side benefit to this practice is that it reduces the need for applications of pesticides, however, the unseen soot is carried a great distance.  As we crossed the lake, we could see a sugar can burn in the distance.

As we entered the Port Mayaca Lock we were greeted by a line of birds sitting on the pier at the lock entrance.

Immediately following this lock, is the Port Mayaca Railroad Bridge, which has a maximum of 49 feet of clearance.  Indiantown Marina at Indiantown offers a service to help sailboats needing more than 49 feet of clearance.  For a modest fee they will heel your boat using 50-gallon barrels of water strapped to the rail.  You'll be on your way in less than an hour!!!

(Two photos below courtesy of the internet)

A casualty of some long forgotten storm.

Since we restarted our adventure on Monday, we have traveled over 108 miles.

One of the many beautiful homes along the waterway.  This one has TWO boats docked out front! 

We arrived at our destination, Sunset Bay Marina.  They are known for - guess what?  If you guessed sunsets, you are correct!  Here is tonight's example.