And now into Florida

We may have entered Florida when we stayed for 2 nights (Thursday and Friday) at St. Marys GA, since we anchored in the St. Marys River which forms the boundary between the 2 states. Our anchor must have been close to the state line.

 

St. Marys is a great town. Fairly small but with a nice assortment of restaurants and bars, and a great waterfront park. Our weather there was spectacular. One reason we stayed 2 nights was so we could hit the farmers market on Saturday morning, and we were glad we did. One thing we need constant supplies of is fresh produce.

 

After the farmers market we pulled anchor and made the 'arduous' 8 mile cruise to Fernandina Beach FLA, where we rented a mooring ball for Saturday night from the marina there. The good news is that the mooring rental included shower privileges, which we made quick use of. The less-good news is that the weather was deteriorating so we only had a cursory exploration of the shopping district before a front came through with rain and wind. This drove us back aboard Spray for a night of swinging at the mooring. Hopefully we'll have time for a longer stay on our way back north, maybe to see this pelican.

Sunday morning was calm and the tides prompted us to leave early for a fairly short 16 mile run down to anchor in the Fort George River, right in front of the Kingsley Plantation, which is a unique self-guided national park not far from Jacksonville. We had plenty of time to walk the dogs all around the park while we read informational signs. Kingsley made his money in the slave trade, so much of the history told was of that, both under Spanish rule and after Florida became a US territory (guess which was worse). It was very well presented but difficult stuff to think about. Later in the afternoon Sheila took a guided tour of the plantation house (at left below), which was modest as those go.

On Monday we again got an early start and made an easy 38 mile run south to St. Augustine, stopping at Inlet Marina to buy 90 gallons of diesel @ $3.85. Probably the last sub $4 price we'll see for quite awhile. Then on to pick up a rented mooring from St. Augustine Municipal Marina, which is reserved for 2 nights. It's a fairly long dinghy ride from the mooring to the marina dock but conditions have been calm and the weather good.

 

Monday afternoon we had time to explore the old town area a bit and walk by the old Spanish fort. Today (Tuesday) we started with a walk across the 'Bridge of Lions'

and then to the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Afterwards we returned the pooches to Spray and headed to have lunch at Sheila's newest favorite restaurant. We returned to a beautiful late afternoon in the mooring field.

Tomorrow we leave early for a 16 mile trip down to Marineland Marina, where we have reserved a slip for at least a week. It's in a quiet area right near the beach and should have good bicycling, plus it has great rates! We'll kick back there while the world goes nuts over the holiday.

 

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