Headed North!

 We had one of the longest days we have had underway for awhile today, but it was so nice to have Steve and Julie with us.  They were a huge help when going through the locks (we had 3 more today) and it was fun to have them along to see the sites as we cruised along in the canal and across Lake Okeechobee. I cannot believe how isolated and rural the section before the lake was and how many alligators were in that waterway! We thought we were seeing lots of logs or rocks until we realized that they ducked below the water as we approached.  Yikes! Then we started seeing them swim across the canal in front of the boat.  Unbelievable! We also saw a variety of birds who didn’t seem to be afraid of the alligators and on the other side of the lake we saw lots of cows and horses right down at the waterline.  No visible alligators on that side - probably too urban for their liking.

We also entered civilization again with lots of houses on the shore and boy, were they big and beautiful! What a gorgeous place to wake up every morning. Our approach into Stuart FL was an easy one and after a much needed pump out we snugged into our slip.  We are at Sunset Bay Marina and it is an easy 15 minute walk from dozens of shops and restaurants and a cute downtown area. Can’t wait to explore tomorrow.

We are all exhausted and just grabbed a bite to eat at the restaurant here at the marina and the best part is - we have completed our south and east legs of the loop and now are headed north to cross our wake!







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