Fort Myers to Stuart Via Lake O July 21-22

Legacy Harbour, Fort Myers

Yesterday, following an early morning rain, we departed Fort Myers about 0745 after a delightful week there.  It did rain at some point every day, even when forecasted not to, but we enjoyed the relaxing time, exploring, and sightseeing, and got to meet some wonderful new friends.  Gail and Chris are relatively recent Kadey-Krogen owners, and they warmly welcomed us to Fort Myers, even taking us to a nearby hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant.  Kay has been in near withdrawal for Mexican food, so this was a special treat.  We spent one day at the Edison and Ford Winter Retreat grounds, homes, and museums, and not only learned a great deal of horticulture, but also about some of America’s most impressive inventors and industrialists.  Our stay at Legacy Harbour Marina was first-class, with excellent facilities and staff and a Publix grocery within about three blocks.

Roland Martin Marina, Clewiston

After fighting the current upstream in the Caloosahatchee River all day, passing numerous bridges and locking up in three locks, we passed through the open small lock into Clewiston at the south edge of Lake Okeechobee.  We spent the night tied to a dock at a small marina there, and arrived none too soon.  A half hour after our arrival, a 3-hour thunderstorm with impressive Florida lightning arrived.  We turned in early!

Today we were up early, and by 0645 we were clear of Clewiston, out in Lake Okeechobee, and headed east.  We crossed the lake, passed through two locks (the last of which lowered us fourteen feet!), and several more bridges before arriving about 1330 at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart.  Progress was much more satisfying today, as we were traveling downriver WITH the current.  We will likely leave the boat here a couple of weeks while we return to Texas.

Railroad Swing Bridge

Ortona Lock Opening