July 5 - 13

SeaBird II departed home port at Twin Dolphin Marina on July 5 with crew moving the boat to Longboat Key Moorings for final loading of the Bird's "stuff".  We stayed aboard the night of the 5th, dining at Cafe on the Bay at the marina and departing the next morning at 0830 for Ft Myers.

July 6 - We took the channel that runs by Dry Dock to New Pass Bridge which we were able to clear with antenna down.  Ran at 17 knots to Boca Grande, using the swash channel to the pass and ICW.

ICW through Pine Island Sound to Ft Myers Yacht Basin for the night.  Frank and Vera Foulke, long time friends formerly from Lake Lotawana joined us for cocktails on board followed by dinner at Harold's, which was very good and within walking distance of the marina.  The restaurant we had intended, Morgan's Place, was closed for 3 days following the holiday.

July 7 - 0825 departure up the Caloosahatchie River/Okeechobee Waterway in warm weather.  Franklin lock was a quick and easy 2 ft lift. Ortuna lock was better than I remembered as the lock tender managed the water floor better to reduce the surge.

We were planning on overnight at Moorehaven however the city docks were in very poor condition and I decided not to use them.  We locked through and went on to Clewiston where we moored  between the dolphins just outside the Clewiston lock, which was being repaired and thus precluded entry into the Clewiston Marina.

As with a previous voyage several years ago, in the morning the boat was covered with bugs of all description.  Never Again for this anchorage!

Debbie grilled steaks on the bridge which were excellent.