Ebb Tide

We are heading out today, as I write this we are approaching Jacksonville to catch the ebb tide, big current here so it will be nice to get the push. Forecast offshore is for light winds, currently 4-5' seas with an 11 second interval, really just swell. Hopefully it is accurate and holds so we can make Ft. Pierce by tomorrow evening. 

Images on the St. Johns

Kayaking on the St. Johns River

We're anchored at an oxbow at red marker #30. This is an amazing place! We are still looking for the manatees and the alligators.

At Anchor

Most of you know being "on the hook" is our favorite thing. Well, this is a special spot, right up there with our favorite Georgian Bay anchorages or our spot "Up River" on the Pocomoke River. Just south of the red "30" marker, enter the oxbow. There's 10-20' of water, just begging for the anchor.

Cruising the St. John's River; a Birder's Paradise

Beautiful peaceful scenery, lots of bird life but no gattors and a few turtles. The fauna seem to all be in the winter "dormant" mode.  It is chilly, 60F daytime, water 63F. We're seeing lots of new bird species and a few old friends. Wood Stork, Little Blue Heron, Black Crowned Night Heron, Great Egret (or maybe Great White Heron, I forgot to check the leg colour), Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, American Coot, Osprey, Black Vultures (ugly when perched, scruffy looking bird that transforms into a graceful flyer). I'm sure there a few I've missed.

Oh, BTW, Sylvianne is convinced the Manatee is like the Sasquatch, very rare and most likely a myth. The signs are for tourists!

Jacksonville

Later, we pass Jacksonville and have a great rear view mirror look of the Jacksonville skyline as we leave the heavy commercial traffic behind. Heading south on the St. John's River, FL.

PULL OVER!!

We're travelling upstream, fighting a big current when this guy comes up our stern. I try hailing on 16, get no reply so we think that means "PULL OVER, I'M COMING THRU". We're only too happy to oblige. Oh yeah, did I mention the armed escorts? 2 of them! Not sure how accurate that thing is off the front of a big inflatable but it sure looks intimidating. 

Travel Plans

Today finds us tied up at Fernandina Harbor Marina in Florida.  Dream Weaver and Morning Star are here. Twocan left this morning as did Lili. FYI cruisers, we have tentative but no real firm plans from here.  Heading up the St. John's River for 10-14 days, plan to be in Stuart at Sunset Bay by Dec 1st. Miami area mid to late Feb then over to the Bahamas. We want to try some new cruising grounds maybe check out Andros, Acklins, (the Raggeds?) then north via Long Island, Eleuthera, Abaco. Back to the US maybe the Carolinas late May early June. Safe travels all! We hope to see you along the way.

Approaching Fernandina Beach, FL

The sun rises following our second night at sea off the approaches to St. Mary's Inlet.

Beautiful Thing

It's a beautiful thing when the weather cooperates and the forecast is true. Here we are about 40 nm off the coast of SC. 1650 RPM, 7.4 kts, 2 gph. Heading 232 M, wind 060 @ 4-6 kts, seas 2'.

Gotta love that autopilot!

On Our Way South

This morning we were up early, left the Galley Stores Marina in New Bern, NC at 4:30 am. By 10:00 am we were heading out off shore. If the weather holds we should make Fernandina Beach by Sunday.

Burrrr!

Chilly here in New Bern, NC. Sammy man's the fueling as we take on some diesel. We are here for a few days while I attend  a couple of meetings in CA. Then we hope to start south to warmer climes.

Blogging from Android

Well it took me a bit to figure it out but maybe..................

Splash and Go

We were launched on Wednesday and departed Wayfarer's this morning. Since I need to do a quick trip to CA next week we decided to finally visit New Bern. This evening finds us on the hook at Goose Creek, just outside of New Bern. It's a really beautiful spot with 9-10' of water.