March 08 – 30, 2020
We spent a week at home, March 8-16th, during this time we began to hear more about a virus called Corona or COVID-19, and the potential of it being severe. Two days before our planned return to the boat we stopped at our local Publix to find people franticly buying groceries. Fear was evident in the faces of the shoppers; could they be reacting to the news of the virus. As time would tell, they most certainly were reacting in fear.
We arrived back to Ft. Myers on March 16th, for the most part everything was normal. Our next leg of the trip would be across the state of Florida via the Okeechobee Lake and Waterway to Stuart. The plan was to do the trip with our friends Phil & Susan on Callin’ in Gone who were expected to arrive at Ft. Myers from the Keys any day.
The news about the virus was not good. It appears it could be a serious pandemic. The governor of Florida closed all the bars and a few days later closed all the restaurants, allowing them to stay open for take out only. We began to learn of marina closing to transient boaters, Waterway guide began compiling a list of marina status. Our departure was delayed as we pondered the options. The Lake Okeechobee level was dropping due to the drought. If it got too low we would not be able to cross to the east coast and faced with having to leave our boat in southwest Florida hauled out on land for the hurricane season; going around the southern tip of Florida was not an option as the area of southeast Florida (Miami) was hit hard by the virus and closed to pleasure boaters. Suddenly the ‘pleasure’ was draining out of our bucket boat voyage.
Life goes on. We walked to the Ft. Myers Publix every few days in the morning where we were able to buy what food we needed considering the occasional shortages. We even scored the coveted toilet paper. I guess we were just lucky, no blessed, to be where we were. We supported the local eateries by getting take-out for dinner as much as we could. The scene on the streets of the historic district was sad compared to when we first arrived to Ft. Myers and dined alfresco and had a joyful time. We took long walks and covered all the back streets, waterfront and parks; we were mostly alone and certainly greater than the suggested 6′ separation.
As much as we liked Ft. Myers and the weather we had to get serious about moving to the east coast. Meeting Phil & Susan one morning we called marinas along our route and while some were indeed closed to transients we did find what we needed and were able to set a date to depart.
On March 26 we left Ft. Myers Yacht Basin heading east with buddy boat Callin’ in Gone. The first stop would be Moore Haven, a small town of less than a thousand people and zero cases of covid-19. The dock was small, just enough room for the two of us and maybe one other boat. It was peaceful, even had a pool where we dipped our feet and cooled off.
The next morning we awoke to heavy fog, the plan was to travel to Clewiston just a short distance away so an early departure was not necessary. We transited the Moore Haven lock which brought us up to the level of the lake. A manatee took the ride up in the lock with us. Once out of the lock we followed a canal to Clewiston. Along the canal shore we spotted numerous alligators; this is not the place to have a problem and sink.
Arrived at Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston in time for lunch and take a stroll. The dockmaster warned us that we must keep our dogs on a leash and Do Not get in the water, you guessed it, alligators, many alligators.
We need good weather to make the crossing of Lake Okeechobee as it can be wicked if the winds kick up. The next morning we awoke to clear blue skies, calm blue waters and a gentle breeze, perfect for our crossing. It was a long day, departing at 7:30am and arriving Stuart, Harborage Marina at 4:30pm, but a great day to be on the water; hardly a sole in sight.
From Ft. Myers to Stuart via the Okeechobee Waterway we passed through 5 locks, three up and two down.
The next day we cast off at 8am for Vero Beach. Shortly after leaving Harborage Marina we made the left turn into the intracoastal waterway east coast and headed North for the first time. It was Sunday and our church, First Baptist Atlanta, was doing live stream services. We were able to pick it up on our iPhone and watch it from the bridge while under way with the phone propped up on the instrument panel. The virus, COVID-19, is impacting our lives in ways we cannot image. #26 “Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.”
We arrive Vero Beach City Marina mid afternoon, enjoy a long walk and home made pizza for dinner prepared by Susan of Callin’ in Gone.
Our goal for this leg of the voyage was to get to Melbourne where we would hunker down for a month while awaiting for our slip in Jacksonville to be available, not until May 1 at best. While we like the Vero Beach area and would have liked to spend more time there, Melbourne was calling so Monday morning we cast off and enjoy a leisurely run north arriving at Melbourne Harbor Marina at 1:30pm. Our friends Chris and Lisa on BackAtcha arrived here a couple weeks previous and show us around; I think we will enjoy it here.