Back Across the Okeechobee and on to the Bahamas. Jan 25-Feb 1

Our anchorage after leaving Longboat Key was Englewood Beach as this was about as far south as we could make it after our overheating delay, slow no wake manatee zones and bridges to open.  It was a nice anchorage but we did not launch the dinghy and explore at all as we set anchor not much before sunset.  We had a great grilled dinner and then retired early....this travelling stuff takes it out of you!
Wed we anchored off Sanibel Island on Wed night and then met Brigitte and Scott (Putz'n Aound) in the ICW early Thursday morning to start across the Okeechobee.  They left fort Myers beach at first light, we watched them on AIS and timed our departure to meet near Shell Point. 
Our stop for the night was at Moore Haven City Docks along the canal.  A good price, easy in and out just before the lock and a restful evening.  It was great to get off the boat and greet Brigitte and Scott again!
Friday we continued on to Stuart.  It was quite foggy as we left, but cleared off as we were crossing the Lake.   Putz'n Around heading into the lock.

The Port Mayaca lock was open and we were able to go through at no wake and avoid any waiting there.
Along the way we saw this huge flock of wood storks in the trees.  Our google research indicated they travel in flocks and eat massive amounts of fish, thus their proximity to the river.  Beautiful site.

We docked at the Sailfish Marina.  They pride themselves in being the closest marina to the inlet to the Atlantic.  And the fisherman responded as if it weren't for Putz'n Around and us, I think only about 2 other boats in the large slips weren't sport fish boats!  And there were some really nice ones too!

On Saturday we got a text from Al and Jane (Ispeyered 2) who saw us on the AGLCA "meets" application.  I had updated our location and they were only a couple miles away too.  We made plans to meet them at the Port Salerno Seafood Festival only about a mile and a half walk from our marina.  It turned out too be a great festival!  Great seafood booths (it is sponsored by the Port Salerno commercial fishermen), three bandstands for live music, arts and crafts for sale and beer and other beverages.  It was great to see Al and Jane again. We saw them in Marathon last year and in Crisfield, MD for Labor day this year.  A nice afternoon was had by all!

Sunday we woke up to a clogged Vacu Flush.  It had been starting to flush slowly the past week or so....but now hardly at all.  So after a little internet research into possible clog locations, some waiting so we were able to flush enough clear water (I hope) and turn off the fresh water I was ready to start to disassemble the unit.  So with gloves, flashlights, headlamps and tools, I entered the master stateroom bilge. I call it yoga as these spaces are not made for a 6' 4", 190 pound frame.  I started with the easiest possible clog location, the 90 degree PVC elbow into the vacuum tank.  A picture from the internet I used to guide me....

And.....
success, there was the clog.  Only had to breathe through my mouth for a couple minutes and had it dislodged and back together.  So thankful that was the problem as the next locations in the list of possibilities were not going to be fun to take apart....  It is always something on a boat!
It was a rainy day on Sunday so we organized things and then got ready to go to some friends of Brigitte and Scott's for dinner.  Thanks so much Wynn and Judy for a great evening!  They are Gold Loopers and provided us many tips and thoughts on places to see.  They have a beautiful home on the ICW and we hope we did not wake them early on Monday when we left and honked as we passed....
Monday we left Stuart bound for an anchorage as close to Fort Lauderdale as possible.  We stopped at Lake Boca Raton and had a restful evening. 

Enjoyed some Dove chocolates and liked this quote...

Too many misunderstandings with text.....In the morning we had a surprise at the end of the anchor chain....I wondered why the windlass was straining so much!

Fortunately the rusty old ship anchor came off our anchor and dropped back to the bottom pretty easily.
Nice sights along the way to Fort Lauderdale.

Stopped for Tuesday night in Fort Lauderdale at the Hall of Fame Marina.  Nice boats here...

Note the mini Cooper and large dinghy on the back of this one!

Our friends Carole and DeVere met us here and took us to the grocery store and for other supplies as well.  They also helped us take the boats out to the fuel barge to top off for the Bahamas crossing on Wed.  Thanks so much, it made our provisioning a snap!

Leaving at first light out of Port Everglades with Putz'n Around following us.

Job Site coming out of a nearby channel to lead the way....

And here is a screen shot courtesy of our friend Brian who was monitoring the video feed from the port.  Thanks so much Brian!

Just leaving the channel...you can't see them but the navy was doing exercises and we saw a sub surface and dive,  Pretty cool.

 Oops, you caught me watching TV too.  Auto pilot does a good job out in the open ocean.

A successful 6 hour crossing....beautiful water in Bimini. 

Thanks for this photo Brigitte and Scott!

January statistics:
Miles travelled:  Month: 313 / Trip to Date: 6932
Travel days:   6 / 138
Engine hours: 42 / 795
Locks:   4/ 47
Bridges opened:   16 /66
Days on hook or free wall:   3 /53
Gallons of diesel:  236  / 5383
More soon....