Back in Stuart

This evening finds us back from our adventures to the UK and South Africa for Christmas. A brief and frigid (-26C) trip home for Ken. Now both of us are back on Sylken Sea, provisioning for a cruise to the Bahamas. This year we have the Jumentos, Acklins, Cat Island, Eleuthera and the Abacos on the radar. Can't wait to cut loose and cruise free of marinas and schedules.

Stuart FL

We had another easy overnighter from Jacksonville to Ft. Pierce. Got into Ft. Pierce on the 27th of November about 17:00 and dropped anchor. In the morning we had swung far enough around that the keel was in the mud, used the thruster to pivot the boat back towards deeper water then bumped into fwd gear at idle, just a bit of power and we were moving. Could have been a challenge if we had waited much longet as the tide was about to go out.

Anyway Sylvianne is looking after the boat now at Sunset Bay, Stuart, while I run off for a quick business trip to Dusseldorf, it is snowing there, YIKES!

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.