Gunkhole VII continued the tradition of adventure and discovering parts unknown, this time venturing up the Caloosahatchee and into the southern rim of Lake Okeechobee.

Five boats, 14 people – all Gunkhole veterans – began the journey at the Franklin Locks recreation area with a KFC dinner on the docks.  Then, we headed through the locks to our Moore Haven anchorage where we watched alligators swim by, then carefully dinghied to shore for a steak fry and potluck.

 

Our next four nights were in the rim canal, two in a scenic and protected anchorage near South Bay and two docked at the brand new Lake Okeechobee Outpost Marina at Pahokee.  Our time in Pahokee (the Muck Bowl National football champions – who knew!) included a tour of a sugar plant and rice plant and a night of “fine” dining at Poppa Jimmy’s Catfish & More restaurant.

 

Our two nights at anchor in the southern rim could not have been more different.  Steady rain the first night made dinghying to host boats for heavy hors de oeuvres a bit challenging.  But the second night we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the everglades and a cacophony of frogs, birds and alligators as night fell.  That, and our competitive afternoon dinghy races, made for a fun and memorable day.

 

We ended our trip at the River Forest Yachting Center (just east of the Ortona Locks and owned by new RPYC member Joe Charles), a great venue for our catered prime rib dinner – an elegant ending to our “down home” trip.  We had plenty of depth the whole way, surprisingly few bugs, some great new experiences, and – as always – a wonderful time with fellow RPYC boaters.