Okeechobee Waterway Locks

We finally made our way on to Florida and after a short stop on the way we made our first destination near Dave Matthew (oh yes, and Dave and Lori). Due to their popularity, we had to split our stay between two Corp campgrounds (while we waited for our reservation in a park close to Matthew). Other than the drive it was not much of a hardship as you can see. Both parks were absolutely immaculate and the scenery and people were great. The first stop was at WP Franklin Lock and the second was Ortona Lock. Stop by if you ever need a stopping place in this area. They do not have sewer hookups, however. The first shot shows the 'neighbors' and their multi-million dollar homes. They have the same setting as our $10/night site but they get to stay more than a fortnight!
 
The Lock remains open until 10 pm so they have lights. The real thing is actually better but this gives you a pretty good idea.
 
We were there as the first boats made their way from their summer moorings up in Okeechobee Lake over to the Gulf of Mexico so we had a look at a number of boats. This one could make me itch to try this out!! Becky stills says no to trading our fifth wheel for one of these.
 
Here he has been cleared to enter the Lock. From the time he leaves the canal and reaches the No Wake area of the Lock he is under the control of the Lock Master.
 
Like I said, this is the first trip of the season and he and his First Mate are having problems. No, he should not be crossway of the Lock. Fortunately, he has the whole Lock to himself so it did not create any difficulty. Wonder how he managed to blame this one on his wife?

 
He did finally get the boat squared away and here you can see how much the lock has to lower the water to allow the boat to exit at Gulf water level.
 
Here he prepares to exit the lock and continue on toward the Gulf of Mexico. As you may note, he has not broken out his sails yet. Guess he wanted all the room of the Gulf before attempting to 'practice' this skill.
 
Just think - some poor fellow has to actually WORK in this environment. We met the 'lead'. He was a retired Marine and it sounded like you would have to blast him out of the job.