Come Sail Away over the Ocean Blue!

Around January 10 we came up on our first of five locks.  The first 2 locks we went up to get to the lake.  The last 3 locks we went down after the lake.  The locks are different from the ones right past Norfolk.  In those locks we had to throw our lines up to the lock master, whereas in these Okeechobee locks the lines were hanging down for us to hold on to.  This was a lot easier! Some photos leading up to the first lock - St. Lucie.   Notice there are birds everywhere!  This first photo shows a group of buzzards or vultures on the rocks.  We saw quite a few of these along different parts of the route.  They are huge birds!  We watched them chase each other off their respective branches. Fast approaching the lock Inside the lock - notice the long lines - we were going up 11 feet The captain getting us out of the lock. The lock masters office   Some beautiful scene...

On January 8 we left Fort Pierce headed to Lake Okeechobee!  We anchored in Stuart and stayed 2 nights before going through the first lock towards the lake. Some photos of the route we took.  This was when we started to turn off of the ICW to head to Lake Okeechobee.   More pelicans!  They are amazing to watch as they glide over the water!                                            One of many beautiful sunsets on the water!    More to come! Fair Winds to All, Joan

On December 28, 2018 we returned to Fort Pierce.  Our month home was too short, but we enjoyed seeing our family and as many friends as we could!  It felt good, though, to be back to our boat and the water!  The first thing I did was greet Inky Rose!   She missed us very much yet she didn't hold it against us that we left her and did a super job of guarding Dolce Vita! It was a hot day and I took advantage of it to bask in the sun.  I also took a few laps in the pool at the marina!         Here's someone who came to greet us!  I love these birds! Our friend, Bill,  joined us after a short time.  He wanted to cruise down Lake Okeechobee with us.  He also helped Ed with the new Captain's Chair.  One of the jobs Ed accomplished was making me a Captain's Chair for when I take the helm.  Of course, he can use it also!  I can't stand for a long period of time with my knee issues so this is...

Christmas Day Dinner was at Ed's Mom's house, as usual!  It is always great to be with everyone.  Everyone contributes to the dinner and cheer!  There is lots of food!  What Italian Christmas wouldn't be like this? Soaking it all in!  Agnes at an amazing 93 years of age! Desi (our niece) Nick Sarah Al (my brother-in-law) - first time playing Santa! Tony next to Sarah My sister-in-law, Jill, gives us festive poppers every year!) Barbara (Ed's sister) Alison (in blue crown - Al and Barb's daughter) Jill, Mike (Ed's brother), Santa Al The delicious appetizer Alison made for us! Nick and Grandmom, Jill next to her We always look forward to our family get togethers!  Barb and Al live in South Carolina, so we don't see them very often.  Their daughter, Alison, lives in NC.  Mike and Jill live in Edgewater so we see them a little more often. Their daughter, Desi, lives in FL....