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[Nate Jackson]

Can someone tell me where passage can be made through the state of florida by water. I know the Inter coastal waterway cuts through somewhere, but where??are there any other lakes that connect through the state??Nate Jackson

 

[Ron Parkes]

Lake Okeechobee

The ICW in Florida that cuts across the state from East to West (or vice versa) goes from St. Lucie (East coast)to Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers (West coast).I have heard that it is an interesting and beautiful trip and intend to do it one of these days. The Lake itself is relatively shallow, but the channels are dredged. I understand that the trip also involves one or more locks. There is apparently one fixed railroad bridge at 45-49 feet above MLW. They use barrels filled with water to heel the larger masted boats and then drain them after passing under.Check the archives for Lake Okeechobee. I'm sure there are several posts on the subject.Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation H320

 

[Paul Mieszczenski]

Great trip, but not right now

Nate, It's a really nice trip across the Okeechobee waterway, but we are in a severe drought right now and the lake is very shallow. There was an artical in last Sundays paper stating that even the bass boats can't get out. I have not read about lock restictions, but I would not be surprised if there are some in effect. The level of the lake is only going to get worse until we get some significant rainfall (tropical storm or very slow moving cold front) so I would suggest that you contact the Army Corps of Engineers to make sure the lake is navigatable for your draft before you attempt the crossing. I am myself looking forward to making the trip again as soon as the water level is back to where it should be. When you do go, enjoy. PM