First Lock Through and Indiantown

After leaving Stuart we prepared for our first experience of transiting through a lock.  The term lockthrough is a verb used by experienced boaters.  We can now claim to be in this august group.  It was thrilling to see the water rush in and watch the water level rise.  The lock keeper was a very nice guy and chatted with us throughout the whole procedure.  He was familiar with Fort Walton Beach which is a rarity in southern Florida.  After transiting the lock we went on to Indiantown Marina.  It is a stop for many boats making the great loop trip and either hauling out for refits and repairs or having new anti-fouling paint applied.  There were dozens of boats in the yard in various stages of repair.  Some are in long term storage awaiting the return of their owners for another season.  It was the first time we had seen boats shrink wrapped outside of the great lakes area.  A very weird sight.  The town itself didn't have much to catch the attention but it felt good to get out and ride our bikes again.

This is the first lock coming in from the east side of Florida.

This is the level when you first enter the lock and tie up alongside a wall.

A controled inrush of water is something to see.

The gates at the far end opened up for us.

Gates open up to let us in.  I can't control how this page loads the pictures so they get a bit out of sequence.

We had to wait on this boat to lock through from the other direction.  Then it was our turn.

Cute yard art along the way.

This tug obviously hasn't moved in a while.

Yep, we're back in the south again.

Some of the boats in the yard.

A handy guide to let you know how far you still have to go.