2011 - 11-5 - 11-10 - Crossing Florida to Bradenton

11/5 The weather was crappy. Overcast, grey, rainy & stiff winds from the NNW. Another cold front was coming through. Fifteen foot waves were reported at the beaches. Wayne calculated the crossing just right & just in time! At 2 pm the weather was deteriorating even more as we were passing Peck Lake in Jupiter. We did a quick turnaround & anchored there for the night. This is a beautiful State park when the                                                           Ft. Denaud Swing bridge
weather’s nice & it’s right on the ocean so we could easily hear the surf. 11/6 The weather improved. We got an early start and by 11:30 we were fueling up in St Lucie -Wayne calculated we had only about 15 gal remaining. (Diesel was $3.75/gal. Cheap compared to the Bahamas @ $5.15/gal) We went through the St Lucie lock without a hitch. 11/7 We were making good time. The lake was high & even with the water-way so the

Mayaca Lock was wide open & we sailed right on through. It took 3 hours to cross Lake Okeechobee. The sea gulls loved the bread I threw out to them. Molly & Scups went nuts. At 3pm we
                                                      I sure didn't miss this crudy water

went through the Ortuna Lock & anchored at 4.

11/8 It was 62degrees! I was freezing. Out came the warm clothes. I had on 2 pr socks, 3 shirts & long pants. We passed by Alva @ 7:45; Ft Myers @ 1000; Cayo Costa @ 2:15; Gaspirilla @ 4 and anchored in Stump Pass @ 5:30. Great trout fishing in this pass but we were determined to be in Bradenton in time for the B-day party on the 12th.

Stump Pass

(rats!) At 4pm we anchored at DeSoto National Park, on the Manatee River & just minutes from the marina. Wayne needed a rest before the partying begins. 11/9 We arrived at Twin Dolphins Marina. The dock master, his deck hands, Tom & Susan were all there to greet us. They took care of everything so I didn’t have to - I could get real used to this treatment. We got a tour of Tom & Susan’s new 60’ boat, GLASS SLIPPER. Susan & I went to the store for a few items...I went for 3 things & came out $100 poorer. Then off to Kojaks for baby back ribs...been dreaming about them for over a year now.