Today we diverted from the typical N/S route of the Intracoastal Waterway & are heading west across Florida. We're crossing approximately 2/3rds of the way down the state using the man-made & natural connections of the St. Lucie River, Lake Okeechobee & various canals for 135 miles. We'll also pass under & wait for openings for numerous bridges. In addition, we'll venture thru 5 locks - UP to Lake Okeechobee & DOWN to the Gulf of Mexico. This passage is normally for shoal draft boats with short or no masts. We are that this time! So, we look forward to passing thru this area for the very first time & seeing a different part of America. Having "done" the ICW 8-10 times we found navigation fairly predictible & somewhat easy. Now we'll have to pay keener attention while still enjoying new sights. We should be across the state in 2 more days. Then, we'll enjoy the sugar sandy beaches of the gulf coast...and hopefully warmer weather. Brrrrrr. (BTW, Lake Okeechobee is the 2nd largest lake in the continental U.S. Lake Michigan is the largest. This Florida fresh water lake also serves a the main watershed for south Florida. Due to lack of rain & high water useage by locals, tourists & industry, the lake is often dangerously low preventing this western passage.) Check out our blog photos on the photo gallery to the right. More to come!