Day #24: Today is all about luck. How far we get depends completely on the locks. We hope to make it through the two on the east side of Lake Okeechobee and then one more on the west side of the lake. Running at 1750 rpm would put us at the final lock after its 1830 closing time. The rpm is increased to 1900. Nellie jumps to life, well, at least her speed increases from 7.2 to 7.4 knots. Fuel consumption goes up even faster, from 2.0 gph to 2.4 gph of diesel. The first lock took an hour to get through. Not good. The second lock only took 15 minutes. Nellie made it to the third lock with 10 minutes to spare. The lock master had the doors open and green-lighted Nellie through. Forty five minutes before sunset she'd made it through the three locks. Our plan to anchor in the river went badly awry. Our little fortress wouldn't grab. As darkness descended, and the insects of the night made themselves felt, we found ourselves still underway. ActiveCaptain (think a group sourced cruising guide) to the rescue. About an hour ahead was a small marina. The bugs were so bad our low light, forward looking camera was useless. We drew lots to see who'd have to sacrifice themselves by going outside to handle the dock lines. Welcome to the Everglades!
Another 69nm under keel today upping the total to 1065nm. At the Glades RV Park and Marina in the middle of Mosquito Land Florida. DBH
