The end of day one of our final two days found us at Pendarvis Cove near Stuart, FL. Last year the only day that TARDIS found the bottom and stopped suddenly was the last day. We were both thinking about that as we left but neither wanted to verbalize it...and didn't at the time. The first thing we saw after leaving Manatee Pocket was a trawler aground with TOW BOAT US pulling them off. Hmmm we have to go there to get out.
It was a windy afternoon but with bridges we did not get a sail in as we'd hoped. In this area US CUSTOMS and BORDER PATROL were out in force as were local sheriff boats and US Coast Guard. Several boats were not lucky and got pulled over. While anchored the sheriff boat came right at us full speed, went past and stopped at the next boat. At the same time several fire trucks arrived and an ambulance. Within minutes the medics were delivered to the anchored boat and person was taken off on a stretcher. Don't know what happened but impressed with the quickness in response.
Day two took us through St Lucie Lock and on to Indiantown Marina, our final destination. Our timing was perfect, as we pulled up to the lock the west bound traffic was loading. 2 boats - TARDIS and RACHEL.
It was our first time in a big lock. The lockmaster yelled at Eileen - not a good thing to do! We learned it was Kevin's first time too aboard RACHEL. The blind leading the blind.
After a 14' rise we left the lock, happy that was over. Kevin on RACHEL was by himself and had his hands full. Imagine going over rapids while tied to a LARGE CEMENT WALL.
St. Lucie Canal trip was about 20 miles in a narrow and rather straight but deep channel.
It leads to Lake Okeechobee and all part of the Okeechobee waterway.
Only a couple railroad bridges that turn. We had to wait on a train for the 2nd RR bridge at Indiantown. Note the workers on the bridge.
Some boaters are not patient and seem to think it's OK to pass you within a few feet while going thru the opened bridge. Charlie did not wave to say hi.
A little over 4 hour later TARDIS arrived at Indiantown Marina. This was our first REAL slip since November 20th when TARDIS was splashed. Charlie had to back her in with little to no spare room. Luckily he had been practicing spinning the boat in her length and made the turn without hitting anything. Thankfully the neighbor helped with the lines as the marina helpers did little to nothing to help.
We docked then got the Tahoe and drove to town for dinner. GuataMex was awesome and so was the decorations.
