In the Beginning (How we got started)

Doing the Loop in a Pontoon Boat Bainbridge, GA to Port St. Lucie, FL This is the log of the Wanderin Two. The owners Gary and Beverly Woodams decided to take a trip to Gary’s Mom. We live in the First Inland Port City in the Southwest corner of GA. Gary’s Mom lives in Port ST. Lucie, FL. Both have taken a couple trips, on a pontoon boat before, once with some friends of theirs on their boat “The Flint Lady” from Newton, GA. to the Apalachicola Bay (it was on this trip that we decided to get a boat of own). The other trip was on our own boat “The Wanderin-Two”. I grew up being around boats; due to the fact that my father worked as a commercial fisherman for a living. I use to go out with him during school breaks and holidays. Those were the times that I remember the most. My parents both past away in 1995. My husband use to spend his summers on a lake in upper New York as a boy. That is why we both love to be out on the water and were we both get our strength from in times of troubles. This is the storey about our trips and experiences. One of our first trips on a pontoon boat was on the “The Flint Lady” owned by Alice and Bob Merker. They were our neighbors across the river. There were five of us on the trip, Bob and Alice Merker, their son Mark, and Gary and Beverly Woodams. This is the storey about our trip down the Flint and Apalachicola Rivers, “The one that started it all for us.” About 4 or 5 years ago Bob and his wife Alice thought it would be an adventure to take the pontoon boat from their dock at Newton to the Apalachicola Bay, FL. What with the flood of 98 and other things that kept getting in the way of such a trip it was put off. During last winter and early summer they put a new hardtop on the boat, new running lights, installed a new transponder for the depth finder, bought a marine radio, replaced the boats port-a-potty (the other one had disappeared off the boat), and put hooks up for the shower curtains to surround it under the hard top, had to buy a new boat hook (for that also disappeared too), two fenders, and a new paddle. We made sure we had the fire extinguisher, the life ring with a line attached, and enough life preservers we were about ready. The guys calculated that we would need 8-6 gal.; gas cells for the trip, as there was not a place to gas up until the halfway point. We took cameras, flashlights, the GPS, hand held radios, extra line (for the locks), 6 one-gal bottles water, 24 twenty ounces bottles of water, 36 cans of soda and extra batteries for everything that needed them. June 25, 2001, went out in the boat this afternoon; to check out the engine, radio and depth finder, all went well. June 26, 2001, Bob and Alice had driven both cars to Apalachicola and left one at Scipio Creek Marina where they had arranged to keep the boat for a month to have it handy or the time tarpon would be running. Bob had made sure that “Boat US” provided coverage for towing in case we needed it on the water, as well as insurance while docked at the marina. Bob also made reservations at the Seminole Lodge near Sneads for the night in a little motel there and to refill the gas cells. Reservations were also made at the Rancho Inn in Apalachicola for the next night. Bob had purchased a golf cart about a week previously and it was very handy to transport out provisions down to the dock. June 30, 2001, we left the dock at Newton at 7:51 a.m., all crew members accounted for. We went by the Woodams home just south of our dock. Our captain for the trip was Gary Woodams, a teacher who teaches at the local high school. He knew the best way to avoid the rocks from Newton to Bainbridge. Mark was the lookout on the bow and kept the fuel cells changed and also was the lineman for the lock. Bob was the skipper (of course the skipper is supposed to take it easy, especially when his first mate (Alice) tells him too. Alice and Beverly (Gary’s wife) was the mess crew. We are going about 9 knots or (13-14 miles) an hour, just the right speed to enjoy the surrounding wildlife. The current is ruff, so it makes the boat hard to steer, but our captain is doing a great job. At 9 a.m. we past the Ichawaynochoway Creek where if flows into the Flint River. It was once open to the public, but some years ago it was closed. The creek flows threw Baker, Calhoun, Terrell, Randolph, and Webster counties. Strongly defined corridor with limestone rapids, outcrops, and sinks; excellent wildlife habitat due to banks of forested vegetation; moderate size in lower reaches while small and intimate in upper. They now do research on the plants and fish of the creek and surrounded area. For some time there was a big fuss about the creek being closed to the public, it was a favorite place for folks to take their families too. In different parts of the river you can still see the effects of the floods of “94” and “98”, there are things still hanging from the trees. Never know what you will see even a pair of shoes. From here it was another 45 minutes to the county line between Mitchell and Decatur. There is a boat ramp at the county line and there use to be a restaurant before the “94” flood. It is now located about a quarter of a mile from the river. The ramp has no facilities, there are some homes still standing after the floods. The Flint widens at the county line and the landscape changes a little too. The rock formations are spectacular. The roots of the cypress trees just grow around and through the rocks. We are almost to Bainbridge; we showed the Merker where we were going to buy some land before we found the lot we have now. We have to past under two railroad bridges and two Hwy bridges before we can get to our home which is located in one of the back waterways of the Flint. Around noon we stopped at Wingate Lodge; it is a very famous location around this here area. Mr. Wingate can tell you some stories about the lake and it surrounded areas. At Wingate there is a restaurant, fish camp, camping ground, lodge and places to dock your boat what ever the size. They also hold fishing tournaments here too. It is located at the 10.2 mile marker just 10 miles north of the lock and dam. Right after we left Wingate the sky became overcast, we didn’t have our rain gear on and no time to put it on before the skies opened up and let us have it. A wind driven shower hit us horizontally, and the visibility was almost zero. Fortunately there was no one nearby, the rain was over as fast as it came but not until it left us all soaked to the skin. We arrived at the Seminole Lodge about 1:45 p.m. after taking care of the boat and getting our stuff up to the rooms, we all took a very hot shower. As there were no place to get food, without a car; Alice and I fixed supper from the food we had in the coolers, which we had brought us. At the fuel dock there were about 4 sets of Canadian Geese and their little ones. Gary and I took a walk before we settled in for the night. When we got back the five of us went down to the lake to check on the boat while we were there we saw a 7 or 8 foot long gator close by the boat. Guess he was out scouting for his dinner. Day Two July 1, 2001 We were reloaded and underway by 6:45 a.m. We arrived at the Woodruff Dam and radioed to tell the lock master that the Flint Lady (which was the name of their boat) was ready to go through the lock. This was my first time going through a lock and we had orders to stand by until they “filled the pit” which would take about 15 minutes. The sound made by the lower lock doors gaining pressure while the pit filled sounded almost like a whale song. The water in the lock was raised to 48’ and was later dropped to 16’ when the boats are inside the lock. While we were in the lock the birds would come down and get the fish that were trapped when the water recessed. There was a hawk that swooped down right down beside the boat and caught a fish, it was awesome. We left the lock at 8:55 a.m. and now we are in the Apalachicola River system. NOTE… (While the Suwannee River has often been described as Florida’s Mississippi, The Apalachicola River has more similarities to “old man river.” Like the Mississippi, its waters are alluvial, carrying rich soil deposits. It is Florida’s most powerful river in terms of water flow. And, it is river-fed like the Mississippi. Two rivers in Georgia feed the Apalachicola-the Chattahoochee and Fling. The Flint is more the 280 miles long, and the Chattahoochee is even longer. The Apalachicola has 105 miles within Florida, flowing from the Jim Woodruff Dam on Lake Seminole, The dam, completed in 1957, has been both a curse and a blessing. It has protected Florida’s Apalachicola from pollution coming from the two northern rivers. On the other hand, it has allowed silt to build-up and damaged fish spawning grounds, particularly for Gulf sturgeon. The Corps of Engineers has dredged the river for years in order to keep it navigable, piling up small mountains of silt in the process. The dredging is very uneconomical, because there is little significant commercial traffic. Although the dredging is opposed by most Floridians, it still continues for now. The “Apalach” is powerful and often wide. At its mouth between the cities of Eastpoint and Apalachicola it may be 5 miles wide. There are also many backwaters and some reverie swamps. These are quite visually stunning and worthy of exploration. Some boaters who travel this river carry a canoe or kayak, launching out whenever the view is most beckoning. From north of I-10, and running a considerable distance south, cliffs approach 200 feet in height. The antebellum, white building on the eastern bluff is the Gregory House at Torreya State Park. Some of the most gorgeous bluffs are found in the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines, Nature Conservancy land also on the east bank. Below Blountstown, much of the east bank is in Apalachicola National Forest.) … We were surprised to see so many stretches of beautiful sandy beaches. There were families and friends camping out along the sandy stretches. We are going about 16.7 mph. The Torrea State Park is on our left. The old house that is pre- dated before the Civil War use to sit on the right side of the river. It was moved from the original site which is south and was set on the site of an old fort. On some of the hiking trails you can still see were the fort had their cannons that defended the south from the north. Around mm 84 we past by some beautiful cliffs, you can see the different layers of soil color and rocks. As you travel south down the Apalachicola you can see the floating shanties. Along the way there are several rivers and creeks the flow into the river. The guys are complaining that they are hungry, so Alice and I made lunch. It was windy and the sky was still overcast and we had been cool the entire way. In fact some of us had on long sleeved shirts. At the 47.5 mm the landscape was changing again, there are more weeping willow, cypress, and river bamboo. The Corp of Engineer tug named the “Patoka” and 2 barges were working around the 42.5 mm. The Corp does a lot of dredging in the F.A.C rivers. MM 41.6 there is a park with restrooms, tables, and a place to dock your boat. As we got closer to the coast we came around a bend in the river, Bob got so excited because right in front of the bow there were fish jumping out of the water. Just before mm 12, the river joins the Apalachicola. It is a good thing the captain knows where he is going. There are so many rivers and creeks coming into the river that it can be very confused. At mm 10 we had to bear to the right to stay in the channel. When we reached the 6.6 mm the river joins the intercostals waterway. We were a little lost at which way to turn, (right or left). Mark and the captain agree to turn to the left. We made it to the Scipio Creek Marina at 3 p.m. Our boat trip took us 2 days, 16 hrs 29 mins. We used a total of 13-6 gallons of gas and traveled 180 miles (nautical). The trip took a lot of planning and coordination. It was a great trip and we are glad we did not let anything get in the way of going. The dock master told us that he would spray our dock lines as there was a problem with ants going onto the boats. The humidity and sun settled on us like a suffocating blanket. We got our things off the boat and put them in the car that was left down there before. We headed for the motel to drop off the stuff and then we were headed to the “Papa Joe's” restaurant located at Scipio Creek Marina. Afterwards we took a sight-seeing tour of the area and then came back to the motel to settle in. Day Three July 2, 2001 Woke up early, after everyone was ready we all had breakfast at “Caroline’s” restaurant. It was located on the water front so if you wanted to dock and come ashore or drive or walk to it. It was a very charming place. Mark’s friend and her daughter drove down to meet Mark the day before and will take him back to his car which was at his Mom and Dad’s place. After breakfast Mark and his friend took the boat out in the bay. The rest of us went sightseeing of the town and surrounding area. It is an interesting little port town, the old and the new blends in with each other. Would like to come back here another day. The End (Well maybe not)

Indiantown Marina to Port St. Luice

June 16, 2002 Sunday Day Five Departure Point: Indiantown Marina, FL. Arrival Point: Woodams Home Dock P.S.L., FL. (Mom) Start time: 0810 End time: 1125 Total Time: 4 hrs. Distance traveled: 47 miles

After trying to get a good nights rest we left Indiantown Marina heading east towards Gray’s Mom. Hope to be there around noon. A View of the Marina’s office from our boat, which is located under the trees. Around 0920 we enter our last lock the St. Lucie Lock and Dam. The St. Lucie Lock and Dam. We are getting better at pulling in and holding the ropes. All the locks we have been through have had ropes hanging down and ready for us to use. It took us ten minutes to go through the lock. We passed under the Palm City Bridge which is’t too far from Mom’s as the crow flies. Around 1005, we stopped at the Martin County Marina and got fuel, left the marina by 1015. We saw two dolphins while we were at the marina. Martin County Marina in Stuart, FL. We entered the North Fork heading for Mom’s dock. We kept seeing signs for Manatees but never saw one on the whole trip. Entering the canal that goes to Mom’s house and dock. We arrived at Mom’s Dock; on our way into the canal leading to moms we called her to let her know we were on our way. She was waiting for us on her patio. All in all we had a good trip. The weather was great; at least we did’t run into any hurricanes. On our third day out the weather got bad, which is when we turned around and headed for port. The next day we had our ordeal on Lake Okeechobee. Never again will I go across the lake only around by the canal. Our trip was over; guess the captain is planning for the next one. See you on the waterway. BHW First Mate Sights that we saw on our day trips we took while at Moms. One of the tugs tied up at a pier. Deanna steering the boat while Mom and I are enjoying the sights. A Tugboat from New York City This the turn off for Manatee Pocket where the restaurant The Shrimper Bar and Grill is.

The Shrimper Bar and Grill were we had lunch with Mom.

This is part of the canal that leads to Mom’s place. The bridge that looks like it goes nowhere is part of a house development. Day Two of our day trips while we were at Moms. This is Dennis, Gary’s youngest brother. One of the many rich homes on the waterway Lighthouse across from the restaurant we had lunch at some where’s in Manatee Pocket, Stuart, FL. One of Florida many Pelicans, this one is a brown pelican. Several folks travel the waterways between FL and the north This one came from Canada. On the way back Sandy and Dennis found out what happens when you sit in the front of a pontoon boat and a larger boat comes by, you get WET!! A thatch roof boat house, now that’s a original idea. In this area there are some very expensive homes along the waterway.

As you can tell from the skies those ever present rain storms were not far from us. Our trip to the Shell Bazaar

Me and Gary (husband) inside the shell and they said this was a baby shell, I would’t want to see the mother. Gary and Deanna inside of the shell. HELP ME!! I am being swallowed up by a shell. And she thought she felt small before. This is a real shell that came from another country. The Shell Bazaar has been in Port St. Lucie for as long as I can remember at least since 1968 or longer. It has a variety of items made from shells, they sell all kinds of clothes for the beach and even has things you or I would think of purchasing and of course it has seashells of all kinds that you can purchase.

All and all our boat trip was a very good one, we had good weather the first part of our trip, some trouble on the lake, got soaking wet, but a very enjoyable trip. See you on the waterways. BHW First Mate

Gasparilla Marina to Indiantown Marina

June 15, 2002 Saturday Day Four Departure Point: Gasparilla Marina Arrival Point: Indiantown Marina Start time: 0625 End time: 1930 Total time: 13hrs 5 minutes Distance Traveled: 157.5 miles We left the Gasparilla Marina at 0625 under cloudy skies heading Fort Charlotte Harbor.

The Gasparilla Marina the next morning as we were leaving. The marina was just rebuilt and modernize it.

NOTE: Just after we got underway the weather turned bad, no time to put up the curtains. Deanna got a picture of a double rainbow. Double Rainbow You can see the other one just to the right of the first one. The water in this area is usually a beautiful turquoise color, but not today. Around 0830, we entered the ICW leading to the Lake Okeechobee on our way to Fort Myers. I have a brother that lives in the Fort Myers area. At 0920, we stopped at the Tarpon Point Marina to get fuel, let the dogs go for a walk.

Around 0935 we passed under the Cape Coral Bridge. We are all wet and cold. It will be nice to get ahot shower and dry clothes on. The only ones not wet are the dogs.

1030--We saw the Seminole Gulf Train coming from Beautiful Island mm 19, ICW. This is the same railway bridge the Seminole Gulf Train went over. Passed by the power plant east of East Fort Myers around 1040.

We went under the Wilson Piggott Bridge on the ICW.

Just to the right of the island there was a sculpture of manatees.

Came to the W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam, Gary called, but no answer. Finally; he answer our call sure took his time. The Ortona Lock was the ruff one to go through. It was an 8 foot drop. Just after the lock we were catch by another rain storm and you guess we got soaked again.

At 1500 we came to Moore Haven lock it was the easy one, you just drove through. Just after the lock there was a stand of trees for about two miles, all of them look to be dead. Also after the lock we went through some thick smoke were some guys were clearing the trees and burning them.

Around 1700 we left the Clewiston Lock and Dam and headed out to Lake Okeechobee. We are headed for Port Mayaca Lock and Dam on the east shore of the lake.

There are no photo of our ordeal on the lake except what is in our minds, there was not enough time to grab the camera.

Our Ordeal on Lake Okeecobee

It was sunny and calm when we started our trip across the lake, but about half way across we had two storms come together and hit us. Before we knew it there were six foot waves coming over our bow and washing every thing to the stern. We are in a 24 foot open pontoon so every thing that was not in plastic bags or containers was getting wet.

Captian was having a hard handling the boat. Due to the fact our anchor had gone over board and it was tied to the bow. I had a hard time pulling it in due to some surgery I had on my right shoulder and was not suppose to be doing any pulling but all hands were needed at this time.

Deanna was getting the gear from the bow and putting it to the back of the boat to add more weight in the stern. That way our bow would not dip so low in the water. The dogs already had their little life jackets on and we put our on too.

About this time we relized we were in trouble. Gary called the lock operator and confirmed the GPS code. I was really getting scared and wish we were on land. Poor Deanna was hanging onto the anchor rope and curled up into a ball and praying as I was. This was her first trip on open water even though she was raised near the local river by us. I have been in worse weather when I would go out with my Father but I guess then it was a adventure when you are young. You know it holds true about the saying "scared the pee out of you"

We had about 5 or 6 mayor waves wash over the bow and we had to open the back gate to let the water flow out faster. I knew pontoon boats do not sink but they do turn over and that is what I was worried about.

We also contacted the Coast Guard and Sea Tow to let them know we were having some trouble. The lock operator stayed with us most of the time.

We could not go very fast because that seems to be when we had more water to come over the bow. When this would happen Deanna and I would move back as far as we could to put more weight towards the engine. There were times our engine was complety out of the water. It was only an hour that we were on the lake in that situation but is sure seems longer. We finally saw the lights of the lock and dam. Made it to the lock and gone through before I could breath easier. We thank the lock operator for his help. I know all of us was thanking God too.

By this time it was 1800, around 1900 we pulled into the Indiantown Marina for the night. After we docked and took the dogs out for a walk (you never saw two dogs so glad to be on solid ground again) we came back and took stock of what we had left in the way of food for dinner. As we feared everything that was not in cans was no good. So we threw out everything and went to the marina office to register. It was good to hear that they had a washer and dryer for us to use, but the best part was the hot showers. We washed and dried what we needed for the night (the rest can wait until we got to Mom tomorrow). After our very long and hot showers we came back to the boat to let the dogs out for a good walk, then we ate soup from the cans and settled down for the night or so we thought. The sandfleas were out in full force, by morning we looked like we had the measles.

Behind thse big boats under the trees was the place we dried our things and had a hot shower. It was quite a walk for we had to dock on the opposite side.

BHW First mate

Port Tarpon to Gasparilla Marina

June 14, 2002 Friday Day Three Departure Point: Port Tarpon Marina Arrival Point: Gasparill Marina Start time: 0600 End time: 1700 Total time: 11 hrs. Distance Traveled: 120 miles

Sunrise on the Gulf

We left Port Tarpon Marina at 0600, weather; was partly cloudy, about 82 degrees, 2 to 4 foot seas, winds around 1-2 knots, and light to moderate chop in protective waters. 0655, we approach the Bascule Bridge on the St Joseph Sound. The Dunedin Cswy going to Honeymoon Island. NOTE: Gary said we are in the Intercostals Waterway now. There is a Casino Boat docked at one of the docks here. The big white boat in the background is the Casino Boat From now on we will be going under a lot of bridges. Our next one is the Clearwater Memorial Bridge, not far from that one is the Indian Rock Bridge. Around 0750, we went under the Park Blvd. of the narrows and then the Belt Cswy Bridge. In this section to get from point A to point B you will have to go over one or two of these bridges. At 0815, Stop at The Madria Marina around mm 19, right after the Belt Cswy on the right. At the Treasure Island Cswy we had to wait for the bridge to open. There were five other boats counting ours to go through the bridge. The Madria Marina 0930, Corey Cswy at St. Pete Beach was our next bridge. Saw the Starlite Princes Paddle Boat. We think it was a sightseeing/dinner boat. This looks like a pirate’s boat but it is really a restaurant. Went passed the Sunshine Cswy at 1020, my brother was one of the workers on this bridge. I remember my mother did not like to go over it. We have also entered the Tampa Bay. Sunshine Cswy Bridge A couple of big boats passed us and after the second one went by we hit it's wake and of course we got wet. At 1115, we stopped at Perico Marina to get some gas but their pumps were out, there was a store next to the marina so we got gas there. It was a lot cheaper any ways. It has been so hot most of the day so I purchased a wide brim hat to keep my face from getting sunburned to bad. Fifteen minutes later we passed under the Anna Maria Bridge, at Brandton, FL. Next was the Ringling Bridge at Sarasota. I have been to the Museum that the Ringling Brothers have in Sarasota. When I was in Jr. High School we took a trip to the museum. It was a sight to see. Sometime I would like to go there again. By this time 1245, we are at the Siesta Keys Bridge near Big Sarasota Pass. By all the names of these bridges you can guess the Spanish had a great deal of influence in this area. Stickney Point Bridge and on the right after the bridge there is a marina and on the left side is a Seafood Grill, it sure smells good. Blackburn Bay Swing Bridge The Blackburn Point Swing Bridge is at the Blackburn Bay entrance. NOTE: The weather does not look to good up ahead of us, it has clouded up some and we are ready with the canvas covers if need be. When you go under the South Venice Bridge you will be in a man made waterway. At 1451, we just passed the Manasota Bridge at the mouth of Lemon Bay. Lemon Bay is a strange name for a bay. Next was Tom Adams Bridge in Lemon Bay, Englewood Town. The Gasparill Marina Around 1530; the swing bridge at the entrance to Gasparill Sound, we were just into the sound when the skies look blacker than soot. We had to turn around and head for a marina. The storm was heading our way and fast. We made it to the marina were we found a place called Gasparill Marina not far from where we were. Got settled in and had to walk a half mile to a restaurant called “The Fishery” the food was good. We made it back to the boat and took care of the dogs before the worse of the storm hit us. It did rain some while we where at the restaurant. BHW First Mate

Keaton Beach to Port Tarpon

June 13, 2002 Thursday Day Two Departure Point: Keaton Beach Marina Arrival Point: Port Tarpon Marina Start time: 0725 End time: 1645 Total time: 9 hrs 20 minutes Distance Traveled: 140 miles We left Keaton Beach at 0725 after we stow away the gear, flushed out the engine, got fuel, ice and took the dogs out. The dogs are so funny tiring to walk on solid ground after being on the water.

The channel going out of Keaton Beach Marina The channel stays close to the pier on the left of the photo. At 0800, we had to go out further in the bay because of the grass that was collecting on the propeller. Some of the grass looks like the needle fish I use to catch when I was young girl by the jetties. The grass is on the left of this photo. NOTE: We keep the marine radio on to listen out for the weather reports in the Gulf, when I just heard a report from the USCG that a boat named “Bahama Mama” was stolen and to be on the look out for it, also of a report that maybe someone in the water off the Suwannee Point. If you are not careful around boats and the water you can get hurt. We are carrying extra fuel with us on this trip, because it is a long ways between a fuel stop. Gary put two 5 gal cans into the 12 gal tank that we carry with us plus the 30 gal tank that came with the boat. NOTE: It seems that we have seen more dolphins in the past two days then any other times. 1220; we passed by the # 8 buoy that puts us 25 miles West of Crystal River. Next buoy will be # 5. Deanna and I fixed sandwiches for our lunch and we eat them on the way. It’s a little hard to pull up and stop the boat when you are out so far from the shoreline. NOTE: Correction, we are on our way to buoy # 4 which is near Tarpon Springs. Just after lunch (1235) the wind has increase along with the cloud cover, so it looks like we may get some showers. NOTE: The shade and wind is a welcome relief today after the temp. hit 92 plus yesterday. 1300, we have gone about 75 miles now from Keaton Beach, it sure seems longer. At 1400 we came in sight with two cruise ships that make our boat look like a toy. They are too far off to see the names on them, but they probably came out of Tampa Bay. We stop at a place called Duke’s Marina around 1615 to refuel. Two of the guys that work there Traver and Jake help with the gas, docking, and pushing us off when we were ready to shove off. Entrance to Duke’s Marina

The marina we are going to stop at for the night is Port Tarpon. We made it to the marina around 1645.

Port Tarpon Marina

Pelican who didn’t want his picture taken.

One of the seagulls

A Great Blue Heron

I was feeding next to our boat.

This was the marina where the birds came right up to the guys that were cleaning their fish and take the fish from them. As we were fueling and making arrangements for the night one of the Pelicans swoop down and took a fish right off the table were the guys were cleaning them. It was funny to us but not to the guy who had the fish. There were also a lot of other birds that would visit with you.

BHW First Mate