By the Shore of Okeechobee…
21 April 2017 | Moore Haven, FL
Low 80s, partly cloudy
We pulled up the anchor and were moving at 7:30 am with light winds and cool temps. But the wind once again picked up and the banks of the river and canal acted as a funnel so we saw very high gusts of wind all day. We passed through two locks (in the first, Franklin Lock, we were accompanied by a manatee!) and had to call for four bridge openings.
The Caloosahatchie was a meandering river many years ago, but the Army Corp of Engineers cut through to straighten it out and left the curves, called "ox bows." These serve as nice anchorages, and we took advantage of one of them last night. Today we passed many more of them, some leaving small beautiful island retreats for fortunate homeowners.
After a failed attempt at tying up to the dolphins (photo of one will be shown tomorrow) near the Moore Haven Lock due to the high wind, we settled in at the City Dock. After a short wine time, we ventured to Adams Angler Reef Lounge. Bill saw this on his phone as a good place for dinner, but with questionable ambiance. That is exactly what we found - only ΒΌ mile away so an easy walk, but very empty and looking like the good times passed them by. No menu - "we have ribeye steak" - so that is what we ordered and it was delicious. Baked potato and salad bar completed the meal. A short walk back, and we were in for the night. Bugs were starting to come out, so we buttoned up with the AC running. Showers in the morning and then off to pass through a lock and then cross the lake!
50 miles, 8 hours