Ft Myers Beach to LaBelle 5/15/13

05/15:  Morning came early (see notes from yesterday) but we survived.  After some AM prep and a detailed briefing on new bilge pump(s) & configurations we got under way for the fuel docks at 0900.  By 0945 we were filled up w/62 gallons of diesel at the best price we have found so far on loop-$3.65/gallon.  Dropped a Loop “T” Shirt off for Kinga as we passed by Paulinchin and were on our way to the east coast via the Okeechobee ICW by 1000.  Beautiful warm (but dry, low humidity, high of 85) day with light east winds.  WAS GREAT TO FEEL THE WORLD ONCE AGAIN “MOVIN BENEATH OUF FEET.  After uneventful passage of 54 miles (and one lock) we arrived at the town of La Belle, about 100 miles from Stuart FL and the east coast ICW.  Oops, forgot to mention that we responded to a radio request for assistance from a 30+ foot sloop that had run hard aground.  We approached carefully, bounced of soft bottom at about 2.5 feet of depth, then took their line and pulled them off.  The Franklin Lock was first of 6 locks on the OWW. Unlike all the others we have traversed, these use gravity to change the water level. Could be a little disconcerting if not briefed to watch the upstream lock doors open a little to let the chamber raise with upstream water flow. The next lock is @ an 8 ft change, this was only 2 ft so no big deal! We tied and Med Anchored (anchor dropped off bow and stern tied to the dock at the  The LaBelle City Docks which are free with water and electric! LaBelle is another quiet “Old Florida” town, which was nice to explore with a good walk with the girls. There are Living Oak trees everywhere with all sorts of non-Oak vegetation growing on them. I couldn’t resist gathering some blooming air plant looking clusters that had dropped to the ground. Now my plant holder box looks like a planter box! Bill is so patient!...once I explained it wouldn’t take any more space. Dinner: Parmesan crusted pork cutlets pan seared with potatoes, string beans, baby zucchini and carrots and Tossed Green Salad.

Ft Myers Beach

Ft Myers

Bascule Bridge workings

Bascule Bridge raised for our passing