August 15: St. Augustine

 

We had a nice couple of hours in St. Simon’s and then we took off again! Only 103 miles to go today to get to St. Augustine.

We went by Cumberland Island but didn’t see any horses. Even their lighthouse looks like it’s in hiding.

Georgia had us running around in circles. But we did see a bunch more Spoonbills. Around 10 AM we crossed the state line into Florida. There was no welcome center so we didn’t stop to mold a plastic alligator.

The approach into Jacksonville reminded me of an abbreviated version of Norfolk with Navy ships in various stages of repair.

We only had one bridge to be concerned about and it is a railroad bridge that is open unless a train is coming. I was at the helm. The bridge was open and the lights weren’t flashing but then Debbie asked me what the horn was sounding for… so I guess a train WAS coming! Maybe I should take them up on the free hearing test fliers I’ve been getting! 

The St. John’s River runs through Jacksonville so we have been fighting its current for more than an hour. The no wake zones are contributing to what will probably be an arrival after 6 PM which may be perfect timing since a storm is forecast to wrap up after 5.

So, we are in a narrow part of the ICW about 20 miles from St. Augustine when a jet ski appears towing a hydrofoil. Debbie slowed but he motioned for her to keep going. Then the hydrofoil guy slides in and starts surfing Cattitude’s wake!

Behind the surfer we could see a nasty storm line forming. By the time we got to St. Augustine, it looked pretty bad but it rained out pretty fast. We tied to the dock and took on enough fuel to get us to Daytona where it costs considerably less. 

Debbie was pumping diesel and all of the sudden… well, we washed the boat and took showers and all is well!

We are hanging here to relax Wednesday before heading home Thursday to begin the long list of chores!