Time for another update ... Diane went to Tampa on Feb. 20 where she worked at the Florida Reining Horse show until Sunday,  March 1st.  It was great to get my "horse fix" and catch up with old friends.  Stan managed quite well on his own, riding bike and getting in a lot of pool time.  I heard he also made use of the free beer on Friday afternoons in addition to the free coffee and donuts on Sat & Sun!

We had a chance to spend some more time with friends, Debbie & Todd from the Surveyor and England friends, Steve and Jennie on the Siren's Song.

On Sunday, March 8th, we left Palm Island Marina and headed to Fort Myers.   Dave McNamara accompanied us.  It was a windy day with clouds and sun, but a pleasant trip.  Arrived at the Fort Myers City Yacht Basin at 4:30.  After we tied up, we walked up town and did some window shopping; had a Starbucks and came back to the boat for a light dinner.
Traveled 52 miles.  Total for trip 2323.8

March 9, left Ft. Myers at 9:00 am and headed up the Caloosahatchee River to Lake Okeechoobee.  Went thru two locks and stayed the night at The Glades Resort in Moore Haven, Fl.  Dock Master let us use the golf cart, so we toured the camping area and had breakfast at the golf course grill in the morning before we left.
Traveled 50.2 miles.  Total for trip 2374.

March10,  left Moore Haven at 9:15am and arrived at Roland Martins Marina in Clewiston at 1:00 pm.  They are located at the entrance to Lake Okeechoobee and we decided to dock here get a fresh start in the am to cross.  Had a late lunch at the Tiki Bar on site, showered and went to bed early.
Traveled 30 miles.  Total for trip 2404.

March 11 we left at 8:20 am, crossing the lake while paying strict attention to the markers as there are many low spots where you can run aground quickly. Lots of birds following - guess they were looking for a hand out.   Arrived at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart at 3:45 pm.   Enjoyed their pool and hot tub for a while, showered and had dinner at the restaurant on site.
Traveled 60 miles.  Total for trip 2464.

March12 we left Loggerhead intending to stop at Cracker Boy in Fort Pierce to pull the boat and have the bottom painted.  When we arrived they were backed up and couldn't get to us until March 23 so decided to continue north and have the work done in Jacksonville (whenever we got there!)  Stopped at the Vero Beach City Marina arriving at 2:30 pm.  Decided to stay 2 nights.  Walked to sports bar nearby for dinner.
Traveled 37.2 miles.  Total for trip 2501.2

March 13 Keith Thompson (good friend from our early boating days in Racine) drove up from South Beach where he has a condo, to have lunch.  Barb Gilbert also drove up from Fort Pierce for lunch and to see the boat.  Nice to see both, but visit was too short!  We  ran into Dave and Michelle from Just Us who we met during our trip down the Mississippi.  They were docked a short distance from us.  Interesting the stop at a marina and see people we've met long the way.  Would be a nice place to stay for an extended period of time.  The city has free bus service from 6 am to 6 pm. and some say it's nicknamed "Velcro Beach" because people come and decide to stay!

Saturday, March 14, we left Vero Beach at 7:30 am, clear, warm and a little humid.  Saw some dolphins who traveled a short while alongside, but it sure hard to get a good picture from the time you spot them to when they say "goodbye".  Arrived  Harbortown Canaveral Barge Canal Marina in Merritt Island, Fl at 2:30 pm.  Had a nice hot shower, ate on board and took a walk around looking at all the different style boats - sure are a lot of them!
Traveled 62.4 miles.  Total for trip 2563.6