Wed. March 18^th – Moore Haven to Indiantown

 

Departed Riverhouse marina at 0915, waited for some fog to burn off. We had to wait 30 minutes more to get into lock, where we locked thru with Home Free and Options. 

Locking thru Moore Haven Lock

This is the last lock on the western side of Lake Okeechobee. A small lock compared to the Tenn-Tom

 

Were out of lock by 1003 when we were confronted by an air boat scooting across the grass parking lot, down the riverbank, cross in front of us into the water and off it went in a great amount of noise,  definitely a first for us.  

Across the parking lot and down the river bank

 

into the water.

 

 On the way to Clewiston, we sighted 4 alligators sunning.  There was discussion among the boats about doing the rim route and staying at Pahokee Marina or cutting directly across Lake Okeechobee.  The reviews for Pahokee marina were not stellar.  It was referred as a multimillion dollar marina in one of Florida’s poorest towns.  Greeks Folly decided to cross the lake while the others decided to go on to Pahokee.  Entered Lake Okeechobee at Clewiston at 1146 and proceeded into the lake.  We followed the marked channel carefully because the lake is shallow, although at this time the water levels are the deepest they have been in years.

Beginning to cross Lake Okeechobee at Clewiston

 

 We arrived on the east side of the lake at Port Mayaca Lock at 1455, an uneventful and pleasant crossing.  The lock was a “drive through” which means the gates were open and we just slowly drive thru.  Nice! 

Arriving Port Mayaca lock with both doors open to drive thru

 

Arrived at Indiantown Marina at 1600. After securing the boat, we headed into town on foot, only to be offered a ride by Van, a marina employee.  He gave us a ride to J.R.s saloon.  Met Don, another marina employee, who filled us in on local color.  The bar served 60 cent wings, happy hour drafts for a $1 and pulled pork sandwiches with mac and cheese.  Tom was in heaven.  It was a lovely walk back to the marina – about 1 mile. The evening was relaxing and comfortable on the boat.