okeechobee lake?

[SV Sea Monkey]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

It depends on the state of the lake. We have had a TON of rain, especially inland where it rains more anyway, and the lake is probably very high. Better for going through the lake; worse for getting under that low bridge. It's really a power boat route or small sailboat route. The summer storms in the area of that lake can be bodacious but it should be pretty good right now.

Thanks. I guess I'll just check conditions when we get there. Not going until next year.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

Because it's beautiful and unique, and because it significantly shortens the time (and fuel, if you're motoring/have a power boat) to get from one coast of Florida to the other.

I get the short cut. I thought tbe OP was going to go around and then head in from the West just to see the lake. I grew up in FL. The lake never really interested me - the Glades in good weather were cool.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I get the short cut. I thought tbe OP was going to go around and then head in from the West just to see the lake. I grew up in FL. The lake never really interested me - the Glades in good weather were cool.

I think the lake is fascinating. I saw it as a child, a school field trip, with the sugar cane growing right up to the edge. The fountainhead of perhaps the world's strangest river -- The Everglades is a river.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

I worked it up several years ago on 53' I recall it was something like 30 degrees. It takes more than you might imagine. 56' is a no go on the east side for sure. Might make the west side at low tide well heeled.

All if these posts will be much more relevant if you ever leave the dock.

Me? lol. i live in NY. in 17 days i will leave the dock, and seeing as how i have no lift time, it will be by water. november has always been the plan.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I get the short cut. I thought tbe OP was going to go around and then head in from the West just to see the lake. I grew up in FL. The lake never really interested me - the Glades in good weather were cool.

not just to see it, i would prefer to winter there. otherwise i will be in tampa.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by scoobert

Me? lol. i live in NY. in 17 days i will leave the dock, and seeing as how i have no lift time, it will be by water. november has always been the plan.

I thought everyone knew you were working on your boat but planning a trip. You've been pretty clear!

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by scoobert

not just to see it, i would prefer to winter there. otherwise i will be in tampa.

There's a lot more to do in the Tampa area ...

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by scoobert

not just to see it, i would prefer to winter there. otherwise i will be in tampa.

I hear it is the highlight of FLA these days.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I hear it is the highlight of FLA these days.

i feel more at home in the rural country then i do in a city.
i like the alligator meat in the local steakhouse, and i get the frozen meat at gatorama.
Orlando, and Tampa are a nice little drive away, and i can go to Port St Lucie. it really opens up options.

[Paul L]

To each his own. FYI the Bahamas are close by too.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Paul L

To each his own. FYI the Bahamas are close by too.

Sometimes i do things on principle. with the massive cruising permit fee of $300, i may never go there. i wanted to do Aruba this year, but i must return to NY and work at least 8 weeks this winter.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by scoobert

Sometimes i do things on principle. with the massive cruising permit fee of $300, i may never go there. i wanted to do Aruba this year, but i must return to NY and work at least 8 weeks this winter.

Massive, huh. What do you think it costs to apply for the visas that are needed to come into the US? Any principle there? You'll probably spend more on beer this winter than that. It is certainly a lot to check in if you are only going for a week, but OK for 3 month stint.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Massive, huh. What do you think it costs to apply for the visas that are needed to come into the US? Any principle there? You'll probably spend more on beer this winter than that. It is certainly a lot to check in if you are only going for a week, but OK for 3 month stint.

I see his point completely. Unless you're going to stay in the Bahamas for a while, it's a lot of money. When I was a child, people with boats went to Bimini regularly for the weekend. I bet they don't do that any more unless they have money to burn.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Massive, huh. What do you think it costs to apply for the visas that are needed to come into the US? Any principle there? You'll probably spend more on beer this winter than that. It is certainly a lot to check in if you are only going for a week, but OK for 3 month stint.

yes, i would be ok with it, if i wanted to spend 3 months there. Bahamas, USVI, Aruba, i doubt there is much difference in geography.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by scoobert

yes, i would be ok with it, if i wanted to spend 3 months there. Bahamas, USVI, Aruba, i doubt there is much difference in geography.

Yea, it is just like if you go into a high-end mall in Cleveland, or San Diego or Panama City, they all look alike. Sayings these islands are all alike is about the same as saying that Lake Okeechobee is the same as Miami Beach - both in FLA.