Locking through can present some challenges to schedules and this day proved to clearly demonstrate the notion that schedules and boating are diametrically opposed to each other's end. Getting to the St. Lucie lock was uneventful and timed well enough. We found ourselves in line with several other boats but despite the 20 minute wait for the lock opening everyone was well spaced and cooperative. The passage through the lock was smooth and not the least bit aggravating as everyone followed the lock master's instructions.This left us with a long stretch of the canal before we would arrive at the Mayaka Lock on the East shore of Lake Okeechobee. Since the lake was low and the locks were running on a schedule we checked our distance and set our speed. That way we would arrive at the lock an an appropriate time thus limiting the amount of idling around waiting for clearance into the lock.
However soon enough we arrived within radio range of the lock and heard there were issues associated with the doors. Transiting the lock was going to be delayed. In fact the lock master encouraged us to tie up at a marina until they had determined when the lock would be functional. After discussing this with the lock master via VHF radio, I checked this status on the Internet via our Verizon Air Card and found no reports or notices to mariners. Given this lack of incident reporting I looked up the local office of the Army Corp of Engineers and called to ask what was going on. Since they did not know about the issue, they promised to check into it and get back to us. While waiting for a call back we arrived at the lock and hailed the lock master. To our very pleasant surprise, the situation was resolved. Amazingly the electrical issues had been resolved even though the electrician was still an hour away. Subsequently the main office informed us they had never known this lock to break down. Interesting. Glad I called. Someone else may not have been very happy about the phone call. 
Anyway there were many of us delayed at the lock entrance and with the doors opened up we all passed through and onto Lake Okeechobee which was (fortunately) calm. Threatening storms were traveling South of the lake leaving us a clear weather passage across. It was about this time we discovered we had a hitch hiker aboard but we welcomed the company since it would be after bugs we did not want traveling with us. It moved around here and there and eventually joined us on the bridge where we attempted to feed it with bugs we had caught. None were accepted so perhaps we misjudged the health of our companion. The injury to the tail (click on the photo to see it) made us think a bird dropped it from altitude onto the aft deck hard top but eventually we figured it just hopped aboard using one of the lines fastened to the dock since it was lively enough.
Across the lake and back into the canal we easily passed the construction area that was rumored to be a difficult passage and made our way to the town of Moore Haven City Dock. While there isn't much happening here, the stop is well received as a place to pull in for a night after a long day on the water. Note, don't go swimming here or just about any other place along the canal. There are plenty of alligators willing to make your acquaintance as a young local learned today (7/10/12). I have to say (I was going to say I have to hand it to him but that would be in poor taste) the young man had to be tough to get away with his life in spite of losing part of his arm. While alligators are shy and disappear as Freedom approaches, it is obvious after this attack that swimmers present no threat to their existence. If traveling in the canal down here keep a look out, and if you are close to the water surface, mind your environment frequently and carefully. While working on the outboard in the dinghy last year I was warned I had company approaching from a blind spot. It is rather uncomfortable to have them sneaking up on your as you sit on the tube of a dink with your back to them.
But regardless we spent a restful night in Moore Haven, and left the next day for Ft. Myers. It all went well enough with only one incident involving a pushy captain at the Ortona Lock. He was in such a hurry to make the 1 o'clock opening of the Franklin Lock that he ignored all lock master orders and plowed through the canal out of order. All of us in the lock were happy to see him leave, and we were happier to see him held up at the Franklin Lock. As it turned out it was impossible for him to get there in time for the early opening in spite of his haste. He must have been waiting an hour for the lock to open when we arrived and pulled up right behind him. After entering the lock the master approached us and we had a pleasant, long conversation about lock manners and how the other boater was apologetic and concerned about our presence. Ok, I was a bit vocal on the radio at the prior lock. The master agreed the other captain was out of line, and asked if I had issues with him. I said no I did not, provided he behaved in this lock. He did, we all moved on, and yet again we had another hitch hiker we had to release upon arriving at the dock. 
Right now Freedom is on the hard taking a break. Her bottom is a bit scruffy so we have taken her to the yard to have it cleaned up. It shouldn't be long before she is floating again and we are back aboard using her as a base while we house hunt. The haul out had to happen. At full throttle she could only make 16.5 knots instead of 21 and her engines would over heat if we ran her there more than a few moments. Hopefully she acts better once she is back in the water with a clean bottom and a fresh coat of bottom paint.
