Friday 3/23/12 We woke up to find Tourist covered in bugs. Little black ones on the outside and mosquitoes in the flybridge. Not a good start when you're as anal retentive as the two of us are. Anyway we sucked it up and got going. A short distance to the lock and then follow the rim of lake Okeechobee around to Clewiston before heading out into the lake.
We continued out into the lake and found the waters very calm. Part way across we started finding ash falling into the boat and the smell of smoke in the air. A quick look to the right (south) confirmed our suspicions. They were burning off the sugar cane fields and the breeze was blowing in our direction.
Once across the lake we passed through Port Mayaca Lock and on to the St. Lucie lock. The last one for some time to come. We arrived in the Manatee Pocket and topped off the fuel tanks then moved a little further with the intention of anchoring just outside Chapman's where we had last year. WRONG! The anchorage had about 5 boats in it and they apparently had dug themselves holes to float in. We stuck our nose in and quickly lost reading on the depth gauge. A look behind confirmed that we were plowing through mud and the tide was going out. Not a situation I wanted to remain in. We eased our way out and back into the recently dredged channel where there was plenty of water to float our boat. Plan B took us back out near Sewell's Point where we anchored for the night. A great spot from midnight to 6 a.m. when the traffic dies out.
Saturday 3/24/12 Go day! A check of the weather showed 2' to 3' seas for most of the crossing with some 4's as we approached West End. By 7 a.m. we were bouncing like a cork from all the passing traffic. Time to go. We pulled anchor and joined the parade of fishing boats heading out to sea. Some big, some small, all going like a bat out hell to get that first fish. The rocking continued. As we crossed the ICW the water shallows up and the big boats slowed down. In addition they were dredging the inlet so maybe they were just being courteous?
We made it out the cut and into the Atlantic. Nothing to do now but dial in West End on the GPS and sit back and enjoy the ride.
As we approached West End the forecast was accurate for once and the seas picked up the last 15 miles. We entered the breakwater just before 1 p.m.
We circled in the basin for a few minutes waiting on a slip assignment before being assigned C-7. Once in the dock attendant gave us our paper work for clearing customs which we filled out and then along with $300.00 CASH (no credit cards accepted) I walked over to the Customs Office and checked us in for 120 days. Once that was done it was just a few short steps to the marina office to pay for the slip. Let me just say this isn't $1.00 a foot like back in MooreHaven! While in the marina office I heard a familiar voice come across the VHF. "Kasey's Choice calling Old Bahama Bay." Looks like Donnie & Marilyn made it from West Palm. Back at the boat Pam put the inside back in order while I washed the salt off.
Not long after a guy came around in a small boat selling lobster and conch. We bought 2 from him for $5.00 apiece and later another came by and sold us 5 for $20.00.
Once we were done cleaning up we walked over to the Tiki Hut for a cocktail.
Our walk back produced some cool pictures.
Sunday 3/25/12 After sleeping like a rock we awoke to find the wind blowing like snot. A look out to sea and the white caps were clearly visible. A few minutes later a 60' sportfisherman went out. He looked like a hobby horse rocking around out there. Looks like we're staying put for another day. Damn the luck! What to do, what to do? Beach?
The beach side of Old Bahama Bay wasn't as windy and made for an enjoyable afternoon while we were stuck in port.
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