Oct 16

Indiantown to Fort Peirce 54 miles 1 lock and 1 swing bridge


Long day.  Not sure why we got off to late start might have been me talking to a fellow boater, Dianne sleeping late it taking longer than expected to fuel and paying for the dock, or lingering over coffee.  Anyways we were not underway until 9:30.


The last lock of this trip came up in 15 mile of travel.  That lock took 20 minutes to get us in and 30 minutes to get us through.  By that time the tide had shifted and we were slower than earlier.  I must say I do some sadness about doing the last lock I guess it starting to dawn on me that this trip is close to over.  


Not much traffic till Palm City then all hell broke loose.  Boat buzzing by and crossing in front of us regardless of who has right of way.  Idle speed seem not to exist here and thought two boats would crash under a low bridge and the tall one would crack his radar system.  That bridge made us wait for 15 minutes and as soon as it opened three other boats jumped in front of us and left a huge wake.  Then a four nipped in front lost courage and almost stopped.  That was the first boat I was scared to pass.  The driver appeared to searching for something and did not like the big wakes being left around the boat and just would not put it into gear.  When I did try to pass they sped up and paced beside for while then fell directly behind me.  Made me nervous when I do not have faith in the other driver to pay attentions and see them act a little unpredictably.  


Arrived at dock in Fort Peirce and the boat we parked beside said, “Honey come look we have cute small boat next to us”.  Had dinner out it was too late to cook and now it is time for bed.






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