Vero Beach

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Waited for almost two weeks for the wind to die down enough to cross Lake Okeechobee. My cousin Steve and I left Ft Myers on the 10th. First night we made it to Clewiston on the edge of the lake. Nice marina called Rowan with a good Tiki Bar. Crossed the next day in perfect weather and made it to Indian Town Marina on the canal. I love that marina in the middle of nowhere. Parked the boat and saw an alligator laying on the bank sunning. Later three were swimming beside the boat. Another cousin Pat came to take us to dinner.

Next day made it to Ft Pierce City Marina and had a few great meals. My steering started to pull to starboard all of a sudden. The more RPMs, the more it pulls. It is so dramatic that I don't think the autohelm will hold. I have to lock the wheel to the point that I can hardly turn it or it will take off to the right. Can't figure it out. I dove the bottom and everything looks good. More calls and more money probably. Don't think it is dangerous so I'll drive back to VA and try to get it fixed. Just a pain to deal with all day.

Now I am in Vero Beach on a mooring ball. Paid for a week. May stay longer. I plan on slowly working north and then spend a week or so in Fernandina Beach. Then slow ride back North. Probably back in Hampton in late May.

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