
We moved on to the Ockeechobee Waterway and on the first day anchored at the Fort Mayaca Canal. The alligators, that the “Active Captian” folks expect you to see there, were hiding in the mud because of the cold water. The next day was sunny and warm and a perfect day to cross the lake (the second largest in the US). We were well welcomed at Moore Haven by seasoned boaters, Chuck and Clarica, along with Judy and Warren who we met in Vero Beach (from M/V Celebration- a snazzy Nordic Tug). The famous Mexican Restaurant closed early so we had a great pot luck on M/V Odyssee. (It was Judy and Warren’s anniversary and our first-borns 30th B/Ds). The next day we called Arch and Anne and they came to pick us up to take us the Glades R/V Park ( and Marina). Had another nice visit ,got laundry done and went for a drive to get the lay of the land around the waterway going to LaBelle (so had to do some provisioning– Thanks Anne!) Also had a great supper with them and Arch drove us back (it was a bit out of the way by car). S/V Moxie moved on to LaBelle the next day just behind 2 Nordic Tugs that left Moore Haven about the same time, and guess who got there first? Anyway we did not get a spot on the new town dock, but went across the river to the State Park and dingied back over to town. Lots of social boaters around and an interesting town, thought we would stay a few days and take advantage of free docking but after chatting to Eddy and Moira decided to move on to Fort Myers (after all, when will S/V Moxie be back this way again?) It was a lovely trip and a hot day! The excellent facilities at Ft Myers Yacht Basin are open to those on mooring balls for a small fee.
We rented a car and drove to Sarasota- one of the most beautiful places we have ever been and we visited friends there! Stopped at Trader Joe’s, West Marine and we both got hair cuts. Ed and Moira made us a very tasty supper and we had a great time- while having the benefit of showers, laundry and a comfy bed .The next day we visited Richard and Lisa’s wonderful home for lunch , stopped at Costco, bought a topper for the boat mattress at Macy’s (with Moira’s help) and then went out for dinner at The Lazy Lobster ( Ed’s treat). We were spoiled to say the least! Glad we stayed an extra night. Next morning, we had so much stuff we had to make 2 dingy trips to boat. And had lots of time to take the car back and meet Arch and Anne for our planned outing to the Ford-Edison Museum. There's something for every one here and we had a fine day to sit out and have lunch at a restaurant on site. Next day, we motored back to The Glades on a somewhat foggy morning, that turned nice and hot. Arch hopped on the boat at Labelle to see the terrain by water, Deb went back with Anne. Anne prepared another of her great meals. Took a drive the next day to see some alligators- there were not too many hanging out on the ditches by the road so we went to Billy’s Swamp and Safari park where there was lots of wildlife and later we visited a Seminole Indian Museum for a picnic lunch. Debbie was fortunate to be introduced to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas autobiography ( she is the nature conservation activist who wrote River of Grass) by Anne, so interesting- didn’t know it would be a Xmas gift!
Christmas day was all about calling family and friends, cocktails, eating and gift exchanging-Thanks to Arch and Anne for sharing their Xmas with us –not to mention their car! All the facilities we need are here, so after doing laundry and updating the blog we are back to our our goal of getting S/V Moxie to The Bahamas.
Dec 13-14/14 Mooring, Sunset Bay Marina, FL (Mile 8 Okeechobee Waterway )
Dec 15/14 Anchorage, Fort Mayaca Canal, FL ( Mile 36, Okeechobee Waterway
Dec 16-17 /14 Moore Haven City Dock, FL (Mile 78 Okeechobee Waterway)
Dec 18 /14 Port LaBelle, FL (Mile 103 Okeechobee Waterway)
Dec 19-22/14 Mooring, Fort Myers Basin Marina, FL (Mile 136 Okeechobee Waterway )
Dec 23-26/14 Anchorage, The Glades RV Park and Marina ( Mile 90 Okeechobee Waterway )