Friday, May 15, 2015

Nellie D. Along the Okeechobee Canal (Tuggers Vol. 63)

Dave & Bicki Howell, Nellie D., 37VT63
Excepted from Blog:  http://nellied63cruisinglog.blogspot.com

After breakfast aboard Liberty, a Pilgrim 40, this morning we said our goodbyes to owners Dave and Bobbi Forsman. It has been a fun trip up the coast with them.  Before heading out of Manatee Pocket we took on 95 gallons of diesel at Mariner Cay Marina. Their advertised price was $2.85/gallon. How then did we end up paying $2.99/gallon? Sales tax; it wasn't included. I can't say I'm a fan of the trend, most notable in airlines, to bait-and-switch prices. "Yes sir, that flight to Rome is only $100 but would you like the $300 upgrade that includes a pilot, a pressurized cabin, oxygen and heat?" Caveat emptor.  Tonight we find ourselves moored between two huge Port Mayaca Lock dolphins on the east side of Lake Okeechobee. 

We made 35nm today bring the trip total to 286nm.

At dawn we're treated to a rare sight, the Port Mayaca Lock with both its gates wide open. The level of Lake Okeechobee is the same as the canal that brought us here. The lock master clears us straight through then coolly adds "But you can tie up if you need the practice." How'd he know?  It only took one lock to get us from the Atlantic up to Lake Okeechobee but it'll take three locks to get us down to the Gulf of Mexico.  Tonight we are safely moored between the dolphins on the northeast side of the Franklin Lock.  

71nm today and 357nm so far.


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