2 inches...2 seconds!

Docked at Franklin Lock Marina

At 4 pm we pulled through the hurricane lock into the small town  of Clewiston and docked at Roland Martin's Marina.  The place was jumping because there was a fishing tournament but it finally settled down and we treated ourselves to a fried catfish dinner.  We haven't had that dish since Houston and we really enjoyed it! 

We were now "done with the lake." We motored down the peaceful canals and Caloosahatchee River passing through the small towns of Moore Haven and LaBelle. We descended through the Moore Haven, Ortona and Franklin Locks and passed under fixed bridges and through bascule bridges and one swing bridge that "opened on demand" for us. All the bridge and lock tenders were responsive and friendly.  All the above make up the Okeechobee Waterway. 

The very last bascule bridge did NOT have a name on the chart, which is a problem when calling the bridge tender.  I got on the radio and said "Bridge between day beacon #6 and #8, this is the sailing vessel, Eagles Wings, requesting an opening."   No answer!   Another tactic I then used, was "Bridge near Sweetwater Landing, I am requesting an opening."  No answer.  Then finally, "Bridge near Owl Creek Boat Works, I am requesting an opening." Finally, a bridge tender answered that she saw a sailboat out there, but she did not seem to know anything other than her bridge's name, "Wilson Pickett!"   Note - The bridge name was listed in Active Captain.

We found a wonderful little marina near the WP Franklin Lock run by the Army Corp of Engineers for just $12 including electricity and tucked in for the night.  The next day we decided to make a run for home - and started off at 7 AM. 

The last bridge was Cape Coral with a reported height of 55 feet.  But a note on Active Captain warned that the bridge clearance was really 53 ft at Mean High Water (MHW).  With a mid tide of 6 inches above MLW who knows what we would find when we arrived at the bridge. As we approached, Joanne estimated 54 ft clearance from the tide board. We would make it, but our VHF antenna might not. Oh no, a fast moving trawler was moving toward the bridge from the opposite direction.  If their wake reached us while we were under the bridge, the wake might bump us up into the bridge's bottom. It has happened to others. So Richard blew his air horn repeatedly and they finally held up.  As we went by they yelled, "What's your worry?  You have 2 inches to spare!"  And it certainly looked that way!

As we turned into Charlotte Harbor, the wind was perfect and we motor sailed at 7 knots, which is about hullspeed for EaglesWings.  We arrived home at 5:30 PM.  Yahoo, we made it - what a great adventure.

Bleu Kitty is quite a little sailor.  But Gecko hunting is more to his liking. Not more than 2 seconds after his paws hit the lanai, he had a one of the little critters in his mouth. Bleu is quite happy to be home. 

Today is our 20th Wedding Anniversary and we are very grateful to be home!  However, we are even more grateful for our wonderful years together, family, friends, pets, sailing adventures, vacations, travels, and good health.  Here's to 20 more years!

We really appreciate everyone who provided advice and friendship along the way. Thanks!


Photos