Day 14. Lake Okeechobee

Hi F&F
We had one last get together with our new friends Deb and Dan.In fact they drove us in a car friends had given them to use while at the marina.We were on a mission to find a boat water filter and a new plastic soap dispenser which fits under the sink that had snapped off.We were successful with the water filter but it appears these bottles that house hand soap liquids are all different sizes . So,we made a call into our trusty Sabre family up in Maine to find out where we can purchase one. While in Stuart we also had our first successful mail forwarded to us from a company that operate in Florida.After 4 weeks the post office will not hold your mail and we needed to find an alternative way to get our mail.So far so good.The next mail delivery should be Naples.
We set off at 11 am down to the first lock system, St Lucie. Unfortunately we had to wait over one hour as there were two other boats already in the lock ( west bound like us) and after that the lock keeper needed to let east bound boats in as the lock was already up to that level! What to do while we were waiting! I made lunch! Then we struck a low rail bridge and there was a train coming , so we had to wait again!Oh well patience is a virtue! After that we had a good run. The canal is deep and easy to navigate. One more lock to go , a very little difference to deal with only one foot raise.Then it was off over the Lake.Good run we sidnt see one boat on that part of the journey. We came off the lake through a small open lock to our marina .The journey had taken 6 hours , normally would be 5 without all the shenanigans with that first lock.
The Roland Martin is a fun basic marina, complete with a tiki bar. We decided to relax, and indulge in a nice cocktail on the deck after the long day.Even George Bush senior has been here as it is really known for its great fishing opportunities. Then it was let's Dish meal and ready for bed !
Over and out,
Erica.