For the cruising yachtsman, the nearly fifty mile passage between the two settlements by way of the Gulf take you past such uniquely-named islands as Turkey Key, Mosquito Key, First National "Bank" and Dismal Key! Lostmanšs River and the Shark River offer overnight anchorages amid some of the tallest mangroves in the world, nearly sixty feet, and some of the world's largest mosquitoes! During the summer months, be sure to have a cockpit netting, hatch screens and plenty of your favorite repellent on hand. Finally reaching Flamingo, you'll find the western headquarters for the Park rangers, a marina, and visitor facilities. While our cruise south ends at the tip of the sunshine state, Flamingo lies at the gateway to the Florida Keys.

Having explored the 220-mile coastline from Tampa Bay to Flamingo, we have only experienced two-thirds of what Southwest Florida cruising has to offer. From Fort Myers, heading East, the Okeechobee Waterway will take you on a cruise akin to the "African Queen" as you journey to Stuart on Florida's east coast. The Waterway affords a unique cruising experience to motoryachts, trawlers, and small sailboats. While controlling depth of the Waterway is eight feet, the mast height restriction of 49 feet at Port Mayaca on Lake Okeechobee's eastern shore prohibits large sailboats from making the entire trip from west to east. However, between Fort Myers and Port Mayaca is some of the most beautiful scenery along the Waterway.

You will transit five locks in your cross-state cruise. All locks are manned by capable and courteous locktenders; however, hours of operation are limited. You will need to consult your Waterway Guide for specific information. Following the route of this once-bustling water "highway" is like stepping back in time. The scenery is wild and tropical, complete with alligators basking in the sun and bald eagles soaring overhead. You will pass by pioneer Florida settlements such as Labelle and Moore Haven, through acres of pasture land with grazing cattle, and along rows of citrus groves lining the shore. All in all, the trip is a soothing sojourn through a part of Florida rarely seen by most visitors to the state.

At Clewiston you must choose between the scenic "rim route" around Lake Okeechobee, or the direct route across. Surrounded by sugar cane fields, Clewiston is known as the "sweetest town in the U.S."! You won't want to miss dining at the Clewiston Inn which is well-known for its style of southern cuisine that has served many generations. Clewiston also sits in the heart of the best Lake Okeechobee bass fishing. A number of "fish camps" dot the Lake and guides are available to the novice fisherman. The direct route across the Lake will shave ten miles off the cross-state trip, and is recommended for vessels over five foot draft. However, the Lake is wide and shallow and gets very choppy in rough weather.

On reaching the fifth and final lock, the St. Lucie lock, our destination is in sight. The St. Lucie Canal will lead you to Stuart and the "sailfish capital of Florida". Fine marinas and resorts are plentiful, catering to the large fleet of sportfishing and luxury yachts which are common sights on the "Gold Coast". The hustle-bustle of the East coast is in stark contrast to the world we left behind. And while the joy of cruising is found with each new day and in each new anchorage, the greatest joy for us is in returning home at the completion of our cruise — "home" to beautiful Southwest Florida!