2/17/07 – Finally got our rebuilt transmission installed back in the starboard engine as well as new oil cooler. But now we have a small exhaust leak, which Tom feels he can fix once we reach Texas. We’ll just be sure to keep the rear hatch open (while underway) for circulation and pray it does not get worse. (it’s always something!) It got down into the 30’s last nig
ht which made for a very chilly departure this morning; we even had frost on the dock. There was a slight fog hovering over the water which reminded me of home. We wrapped the pilot house in a commercial ‘saran wrap’ – looks goofy, but hey it cut the wind chill down, which is very important in 30/40 degree weather! Our first lock today was rather unnerving; Tom discovered neutral, as is posted on the shifter, did not agree with the transmissions. The lock masters at the Ortona Lock were very understanding as we awkwardly attempted to come along starboard side and grab a hold of the lines, while keeping our big stern out of everyone else’s way. Following that graceful lock-through, and well out of waterway traffic, we investigated exactly where our neutral positions are, and once discovered -marked the shifter with a nice big black line! (Something else that goes on Tom’s ‘to do’ list once we’ve reached Texas). We passed by a quiet old river town called LaBelle also known as a honey capital and we did see a few of the local bees. The town is holding their annual Swamp Cabbage Festival next weekend. If we had not already spent so much time docked elsewhere – we would have stuck around for it. Also quite notable is the light sweet scent in the air as you pass by the many orange orchards currently in bloom.
We’ve read stories about the Fort DeNaud Swing Bridge Mistress, who always wears a red hat and were told to be sure to wave to her as we passed by. It’s pretty cool that she actually walks out to the center of the bridge and rides along while it swings open. Today she wore a red scarf, I imagine because it was so cold. The final lock on the Okeechobee waterway (Franklin Lock) is being worked on and only schedules openings every few hours. We had over an hour for west bound lock-through so we decided to dock at a small campground to the north of the lock. This was a good test for Tom’s new understanding of the transmissions. It was a welcome escape from the cold winds of the pilot house; I made tea and coffee. Our lock-through was uneventful, than
k god. The waterway, into the landing we chose, is relatively narrow but Tom managed a superb turn ‘on-a-dime’ and pulled us up starboard side to tie off for the night. Tom say’s I’m becoming quite the expert myself at handling lines.
ht which made for a very chilly departure this morning; we even had frost on the dock. There was a slight fog hovering over the water which reminded me of home. We wrapped the pilot house in a commercial ‘saran wrap’ – looks goofy, but hey it cut the wind chill down, which is very important in 30/40 degree weather! Our first lock today was rather unnerving; Tom discovered neutral, as is posted on the shifter, did not agree with the transmissions. The lock masters at the Ortona Lock were very understanding as we awkwardly attempted to come along starboard side and grab a hold of the lines, while keeping our big stern out of everyone else’s way. Following that graceful lock-through, and well out of waterway traffic, we investigated exactly where our neutral positions are, and once discovered -marked the shifter with a nice big black line! (Something else that goes on Tom’s ‘to do’ list once we’ve reached Texas). We passed by a quiet old river town called LaBelle also known as a honey capital and we did see a few of the local bees. The town is holding their annual Swamp Cabbage Festival next weekend. If we had not already spent so much time docked elsewhere – we would have stuck around for it. Also quite notable is the light sweet scent in the air as you pass by the many orange orchards currently in bloom. 
We’ve read stories about the Fort DeNaud Swing Bridge Mistress, who always wears a red hat and were told to be sure to wave to her as we passed by. It’s pretty cool that she actually walks out to the center of the bridge and rides along while it swings open. Today she wore a red scarf, I imagine because it was so cold. The final lock on the Okeechobee waterway (Franklin Lock) is being worked on and only schedules openings every few hours. We had over an hour for west bound lock-through so we decided to dock at a small campground to the north of the lock. This was a good test for Tom’s new understanding of the transmissions. It was a welcome escape from the cold winds of the pilot house; I made tea and coffee. Our lock-through was uneventful, than
k god. The waterway, into the landing we chose, is relatively narrow but Tom managed a superb turn ‘on-a-dime’ and pulled us up starboard side to tie off for the night. Tom say’s I’m becoming quite the expert myself at handling lines.
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