Sunday, January 30, 2011

We're here! (in Florida, that is)

Officially arrived in Florida on Thursday, January 27.  Had a lovely run from Brunswick, GA to Fernandina Beach, FLA.  Rocky from Hilton Head recommended stopping in this first and only American city to have been ruled under 6 different flags.  Coming up to it though, you'd never know there was a picturesque resort town, as it was sandwiched between two huge pulp and paper mills.  Fernandina is at the Northeastern most tip of Florida - look across the Amelia River and you see Georgia.  We enjoyed a three hour walk-around and a wonderful Southern style meal. 

Courthouse on Centre Street
One of the many circa 1800s mansions on 6th Ave North

The following day, we waited out the low tide and headed out a bit later for Saint Augustine, FLA.  The run had a few minor challenges related to low depth and shoaling here and there, but for the most part the day was beautiful and sunny.  We spent a good part of the journey in a gorgeous and fairly straight canal viewing some pretty impressive homes - essentially, we were in their backyard!

Before the Harbour Beach canal we passed this little fellow (Rob and Brad will know what this is for sure!)

Gorgeous canal system in Harbor Beach...


...and their beautiful homes!


Made it to Saint Augustine with a few moments of daylight left.  Sue hooked her first mooring ball on the first crack.  We then turned our attention to our dinghy (which hadn't been used since the summer).  Scott had fixed the winch last week, but we still held out breath to make sure the dinghy made it down safely.  It did fine; we had a little hearing damage though! 

Once settled, we actually got a chance to see a gorgeous vista that night and the following morning.  We've enjoyed our travels so far, but the warmer weather and sun are definately a welcome change.

Beautiful sunset as we approach Saint Augustine Municpal Marina

Another beautiful sunrise in Saint Augustine


A schooner floated by for a visit


Saint Augustine by day
After a few days here, we'll head off to Daytona Beach.




6 comments:

  1. Congrats on making it to Florida and thanks for the well written travelogue and great photos! Good luck on rest of trip. John K

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  2. You made it FLA! Congrats from both of us and we're enjoying the read and the pics. Peter and Meridith (currently in Arizona)

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  3. I understand you're goning to have some family dropping in while you are in FLA - Please say hello to them all for us. Enjoy your early "Spring Break" and sail safe! Kev

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  4. The USS Navy ship is the USS Independence and has a trimaran hull. Independence is a combat ship designed to be a fast assault carrier. Its wide trimaran hull allows it to carry a large volume of assault vehicles.

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  5. OK... Paul beat me to it on the Independence... but I think I can add couple items of interest. Note the angled sides which reduce it's radar profile. This brand new ship can make 40 knots, or 76 km/h max speed. Now that is "fast as fast can be... you'll never catch me".

    Love the photos again. Congrats on making it to Florida. Proud of you both.

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  6. Thanks' Folks - we appreciate the support! It did feel like a milestone to have crossed into FLA and we are already enjoying +20C weather!!

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