Crossing Lake Okeechobee again Heading East.

Dear F&F
We were up with the fishermen this morning around 6 am! They were all heading out on their boats after an early breakfast and armed with lots of food, drinks and fishing tackle.
We fueled up then headed off. Didnt see one boat on the trip across the lake which took just over an hour.Easy run heading East although we had a north east wind,and waves about 2 feet.
Then into the first lock and calm waters for the most part up to Stuart.We saw the occasional boat pass us by. Usually sailing boats with older guys traveling either solo or a friend on board. We met one guy in a lock who had just sailed from Havana . The boats are equipped with solar panels and lots of Jerry cans and stuff all over the deck Washing hanging out to dry. Just putting along at 6 knots , with probably no big agenda .Great life , if you like this style.
The last lock St Lucie's which had an 8 ft drop, was the slowest we encountered on the whole journey. Timing is everything , but you often can't predict what traffic is coming from the opposite direction and wether you get the lock to open your end first .
We arrived at Sunset Bay Marina ,Stuart around 11.30 am .We already had our slip number and side to tie up the lines and fenders.Again the beauty of having been there before . We did know the ropes so to speak! In the afternoon I took the bike and went for a bike ride for some exercise. Graeme meanwhile,was dealing with the Cummins/ Merc Cruiser people , waiting for someone to come and check the leaking issue. Fortunately the serviceman arrived promptly and decided the boat would need to be hauled out of the water and a cracked ring that surrounds the right pod would need to be replaced. He hadnt done this before but thought he could do it! Would take at least a day or day and half to do as the whole pod engine has to be taken out.Be praying he knows what he is doing!! Graeme also had a call from the radar guy to say he could help in a day or two.We decided to try it schedule the work in Jupiter especially as his business is down near there.

Had dinner once again at the Sailor's Return the popular restaurant that sits at the edge of the Marina. Felt we needed a good rest after all this excitement!
Over and Out
Erica and Graeme.