Feels like a Willy Wonka moment when you go backwards to go forward. Strike that. Reverse it. Or maybe it’s a Paula Abdul occasion “two steps forward and two steps back, because opposites attract.”
As Tyler Hendry would say, “ACTUALLY”, the decision to traverse south was driven by the US Army Corp of Engineers, as they intentionally drain Lake Okeechobee, eliminating the option to travel from our home port in Florida in a more direct, linear fashion – to go north.
Wondering how to pronounce Okeechobee? For Brenda – it sounds like one of your mom’s favorite songs – Okie from Muskogee – another classic for Tumbleweed! As one fan quipped on the YouTube website, “Today’s country music stars are not even qualified to shine this mans {Merle Haggard’s} boots”
HERE’S A LITTLE FLORIDA HISTORY: Why do they drain the lake? In 1928 the devastating Okeechobee Hurricane overflowed the lake and drowned 2,500 people! To date it was the WORST hurricane in Florida’s history.
Under the direction of President Herbert Hoover, the feds rapidly stepped in to make sure Lake Okeechobee never overflowed again. Completed in record time, prior to the Wall Street crash of 1929, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a huge earthen dike around Lake Okeechobee.
Now the Lake is drained, each year, in anticipation of the rainy, hurricane season. Seasonal drought in Florida plays a major role in the water levels, but, the annoying engineers are generally in control of the navigational depth.
Relevant boater data: There are two charted courses for boaters, the shortest path cuts across the lake, the second runs along the rim. In the past we have successfully taken both routes. As of April 29 the navigational depth of Route 1 was 5.26 feet; Route 2 was a mere 3.46 feet. The draft of Exhale is almost 5 feet – so that means our boat could dramatically run aground in the rocks. Not a good day.
When we can’t cross Lake O, we take the long way around, heading south from Fort Myers, along the west coast of Florida to eventually go north, along the eastern seaboard.
Fun facts: Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida (it covers over 450,000 square acres, or 730 square miles) Not so fun fact: Lake Okeechobee is the most polluted lake in Florida. Why? Agricultural runoff, fertilizer in particular, and urban stormwater, leading to algal blooms and high levels of phosphorus. When the lake is drained, the algae thrives in shallow, sun drenched waters.
is there any Good News? Sure – the Lake is home to over 9,300 thriving alligators, some estimates run as high as 30,000 gators in the peak season. Random fact: Herbert Hoover’s son (Allan Henry Hoover) had a gator as a pet.
Boater’s Tip: Check the depth before you go … Here’s the official website from US Army Corp of Engineers https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml. The Navigational Depth changes daily! And, when the weather is rough, the trough of each wave is dangerously low.
Let’s Travel South!
St. Charles Yacht Club “SCYC”, Fort Myers Florida
Our first stop was maybe an hour in transit, to St. Charles Yacht Club. It’s a place where the lovely Miss Madi Mitchell, SCYC Food and Beverage Manager, delivers Rick’s favorite drink before he has sat down. Cheers to you Madi – best of luck as you finish your studies!
Hello Ray and Caryl – Thanks for joining us at our first stop! It is always a pleasure to spend time with both of you! Buttercup appreciates the attention.
Marco Island Marina
The Marco Island club renovation is done! About those gators – here’s a clever boat name from that marina.
Cape Sable Anchorage
We love to anchor out, especially when there are no other boats around. Cape Sable is highly recommended for a star-filled night.
Safe Harbor Marathon
Boaters take your swim suits – the pool is Capt. Rick’s favorite! Shout out to Donna Wallace and Rebecca Hill who have been known to enjoy the refreshing walk-in bath.
Inspired by David Bernstein’s long walks, we hiked to the Marathon Yacht Club as a tribute to members George and Pat Hospodar. Dinner was fantastic – followed by a spectacular sunset.
This is for Tyler and Morgan.
Pilot House Marina, Key Largo
We will be in Key Largo for three days. The marina restaurant is good, the Happy Hour menu is popular! Don’t be fooled by the open stools, by the time we left the place was full.
It’s also a popular spot for fishing charters.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES:
Birthdays: Belated birthday April 26, Andre Walker; May 8, Danielle Ginsburg
Anniversary: May 7, Caryl and Ray
NEWSFLASH. NEWSFLASH. NEWSFLASH.
Morse Code test: . . . – – – . . .
USCG – Pon Pon, Pon Pon – Urgent Need for Assistance
Typically the blog ends after milestones – but THIS is a really important update from Soundings magazine.
The Coast Guard has proposed removing hundreds of buoys and navigational markers from the Northeast.
The proposal for Maine: over 150 buoys are to be removed or altered!
READ THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN SOUNDINGS HERE
PLEASE TAKE QUICK ACTION: Send an email to the Coast Guard today!
They will be accepting comments on the proposal until June 13. All comments must be made in writing. Refer to Project No. 01-25-015. Your E-mail must be sent to: D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil.
To make it easy for our subscribers, here’s the email we sent, PLEASE feel free to cut and paste and resend:
to: D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil
Subject: STOP PROJECT NO. 01-25-015.
Dear Madams and Sirs at the USCG.
We are avid boaters, and we need your help!
Don’t be fooled by “budget cutting” excuses. Removing the buoys and navigational markers costs manpower time and money you don’t need to spend!
It’s simple – buoys and navigational markers prevent collisions, grounding and human tragedy. They save lives.
It is true there are lots of apps out there that boaters use – BUT the red and green markers are the ultimate guide.
The Coast Guard has seven basic missions: Search and Rescue “SAR”, Aids to Navigation “ATON”, Ice Breaking and Ocean Science, Marine Inspection, Law Enforcement, Military Readiness, and the seventh, Semper Paratus-Always Ready for the next mission.
Follow your mission! Protect the mariners on our waterways today. The great Jimmy Buffet understood, and warned his boaters to “make sure to keep it between the navigational beacons”.
Now it’s up to you, USCG, to keep the beacons in place.
Sincerely,
M/V Exhale
Exhale on the Water 