Basically what happens is this: A guy named Billy Owens comes out to your boat and for a fee straps on 55 gallon drums. Then he fills them with water until your boat leans over far enough to squeeze under a low bridge. Suddenly your 54 and 1/2 foot boat inches under a 49 ft. bridge. We were all set to go with an appointment set up for Sunday morning.
But somewhere along the line on Saturday I had a change of heart. Partly because of Billy's desire to do it on the weekend with a forecast of high winds...but mostly because I was feeling too stressed out. Not so much about Billy's bridge, but what would happen next with nowhere to hide from the winds on Okeechobee. And what about the bridges to follow, one around 52 ft. where I would be on my own? As captain in charge of the safety of boat and crew, the risks involved were making me very uncomfortable and my confidence was down (I like to think I was simply listening to my guardian angel). I called Billy Saturday evening and cancelled. I am comfortable with the decision (as is the crew!).
We are at Indiantown Marina. A very pleasant and friendly place. After taking care of some needed boat chores, it looks like there is an Enterprise Rental car in our future and some time as land lubbers before we put this whole trip into reverse. The boat can rest here while we spend some time with family. A thousand miles is far enough!
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ReplyDeleteOK. I read the last sentence and removed my first comment...I was looking forward to seeing pictures of Cross Roads as she traversed both of those bridges. Your choice on not attempting the bridge and the lake with weather was a good choice. I was also beginning to wonder about the return as we are quickly approaching spring - not that anyone would know that by the current weather. Still, 1000 mi @ 7 MPH will take a couple weeks without stopping and enjoying some new places along the way.
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