We're in Green Cove Springs. It was a grand trip.
Fernandina to Jacksonville was a stressful trip. We draw 6' and a large portion of this waterway is shallow. For some long stretches we had 1' under the keel. But it was 20 miles ICW and double that if we had gone outside - and the seas were a little whipped up so we chose the inside route. It was a slow go against current but once we hit the St. Johns River on flood tide, we were exceeding hull speed.
Anchored off of Exchange Island. Very quiet, motionless water despite being on a very large, swift moving river. The Crew (rowing) teams were out rowing when we dropped anchor and again in the morning just before we pulled the hook. The Matthews & Hart bridges were lit up beautifully and we were between them.
Today was a sweet, sweet trip. The St. Johns is very wide, deep channel. We motorsailed with the wind on our starboard stern quarter at about 7-15 mph. A nice little push. Of the 6 hours spent on the river I manually steered for maybe 1 hour total. The rest of the time KITT (autohelm) steered us on a perfect course. It was a true treat to sit back and relax, tend the main and staysail, and monitor the instruments. Out here markers are far apart, lots of room to get on a nice reach and sail. We also saw the Navy doing War Games. Touch & Go's, helicopters dumping guys and doing water rescue, hovering maybe 25' off the ground.
We are anchored between Piers 11 & 12 in about 7' of water. A little bobbly from the current but a nice little spot. Greg in Southern Cross is anchored here too. We went into the marina/boatyard and asked about a place to grab a sandwich - we were starving and didn't feel like cooking after bring a-go for the last 3 days. Across the street. Marios. Cool. It is an Italian-Mexican Restaurant. Authentic, too. I got the Reuben. Heather got a Smoked Turkey sandwich, Greg wasn't particularly impressed with the burrito. The nacho chips were good but the mild sauce was tasteless and the hot was skin-melting hot.
As you walk out of the Marina/Yard there is a sign that says "You are now entering the USA" This is a unique place. They told us to be back for "Happy Hour" at 4. Well, I've never felt so welcome. It's sort of a meet & greet, social time. An eclectic group of people, we should fit in well.
More to come another time, the Cap'n & Crew have to shower & ralex with a dvd.
Read, not proofed.
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