A white and a brown egret fishing the shore

I have never seen so many birds

Birds fishing along the shore of the lake

Hundreds of birds of every kind call this area home

A pair of bald eagles looking for their next meal

Coming into the Ortona locks on the Okeechobee water way

September Songs line handler, Admiral Stephanie

Sugar cane fields that go on forever

Bee hives to pollinate the crops

If it floats, they live on it

It has a little sag in the middle, but they still call it home

You needed to see this one to appreciate it. I think everything they own and then some is on this boat

It doesn't have to float to live in it

Great little getaway along the river

This one is For Sale. You could cruise with 100 of your friends.

Fort Denaud swing bridge. The lady bridge tender has to walk out to the middle of the bridge to open it

The lady bridge tender operating the bridge. Can you say "it's been there 100 years." At least she doesn't have to crank it by hand.

Orange groves along the water way

Red neck getaway. Notice the front seat on the left out of his pick-em-up truck

Cattle farms

You're not seeing things. It's a camel and a llama

They come in all shapes and sizes on the water ways. The guy in front is playing his air guitar for us

Happy girl #1 finally getting to play in the water. WOW Dad! This isn't salty

Happy girl #2 chasing fish and chunks of tree

September Song's new home for a couple of days at the Franklin Locks Recreation Area.

Time to go cruising

We have been here at the Harborage Marina and Yacht Club for a month and a half now and have enjoyed the Stuart area, cruising friends, parties on boats, Wahoo's, checking out the great restaurants and watering holes (all this activity and a guy gets thirsty) the DeFever rendezvous, Cruisers expo, the boat show, open boat tours, shopping, provisioning, boat maintenance, Christmas, New Years, our anniversary, (did I get it all) but its time to get out on the water and go cruising. I think rather than go through all the details of the last few days, I think you would rather go cruising. (me too!) Tonight we are going over to Tide Hiker for a last get together with some of our cruising friends who are still here. Tomorrow morning we cast off the lines and head across the Okeechobee Water Way and make our way to the West Coast of Florida. For those of you who don't know what the Okeechobee Waterway is, it's a water way that starts on the East Coast of Florida, goes across Lake Okeechobee, then on to Ft. Myers. It's a trip that takes you back in time to the beauty of old Florida. We have had a wonderful time here, but it's time to go exploring. Pack your computers and get on board because we be leavin in the mornin.

Welcome aboard!
September Song (cast off!) out
Bob


Yahoo's at Wahoo's

Happy hour with a few friends

The DeFever Cruisers all together at the Yacht Club

Mike and Steffie from "Steffie Anne" took several of us to their home for a BBQ. Great food and good fun

Flahama; you won't find it on a map. It's a state of mind "Mon"

This is what our life raft looks like. Hope we never need to use it!!!

No, it's not Gumby, it's a cold water life suit. Not to worry, we will never be in waters cold enough to ever need to use one of these.

Mexican on September Song

Last night was Mexican night with a total of 17 of our cruising friends on September Song. We had great apps compliments of Pat on "Got the Fever", enchiladas prepared by chef Roberto, delicious desserts prepared by Vicki, (AKA the pie lady with many faces; see pictures below) Stephanie, and Penny on "Stormy". Joe from "Sea Pearl" added a huge batch of his special blend Margaritas (they could hurt you!) too the assortment of other beverages (OK, booze) enjoyed by all. It was a great evening and we all had way to much food, fun, and laughs. (is there such a thing?) We have some great cruising friends and they all know how to make for a great party. Gypsies in the Palace are in Key West and weren't here for the party so we had some leftover Corona beer. Hopefully they will be joining us on September Song for a few days for the Rendezvous and they can help us finish it off. (miss you guys) In the next few days other cruising friends (around 100 and 32 boats) for the Stuart Boat Show and Rendezvous will be arriving. Do you think there will be any other parties? (do you think!!!)

September Song (OLE!) out
Roberto


I think Stephanie has a little Italian in her background. Tie her hands down and she would be speechless.

Busy in the galley.

Cassie begging to join the party

Dan without his hair hat, Di, Greg and Karan (who are headed for fun/trouble in Key West)

Vicki's surprise face

Vicki's pouty face

Vicki's happy face. Love you Vicki!

I want a hat like Dan's. A hat with hair. Not that I need any more, but I think it's a cool hat.