Crossing Lake Okechoobee

 We left Sunset Bay Marina at 7:00 in the rain… and in continued much of the day.  Should have thought more about it in advance… but the entire trip up the St Lucie river, and then the St Lucie Canal to the East side of the Lake was “uphill”.  We had 3 locks to traverse, and the last one (very near final destination) closes at 5:00… meaning if you’re not in the lock by 4:30… you’re waiting to the following morning.  So… we poured on the coals, and consumed over 2x normal fuel just to maintain normal cruise speed.  Once we got to the lake, no more current to fight, but… we did have fog, rain, and oh yeah… 35 kts of wind on our beam.  It was “sporty” to be sure.  Made it to the last lock with 40 minutes to spare (wouldn’t want to call it any closer).  “Next time” we should consider staying farther up the Lake O Waterway… maybe Indiantown Marina (not much there… but better positioning).  No Track today… NEBO bug.