Remaining Stops In Florida

After our Serenity Island anchorage, we had a long day. Past Melbourne, Eau Gallie, Cocoa, Titusville, through the Haulover Canal and into Mosquito Lagoon. The final miles of the Indian River were less than pleasant with open water and strong east winds. On our way south, we didn't leave the dock if winds were blowing over 10 knots. Heading north, we're fine with 15-20 and anchoring in less than perfect conditions. The ICW is very protected for the most part so wind isn't as much of a factor as we thought on the way down. However, there are several spots we need to respect Mother Nature!

We anchored in Mosquito Lagoon, 13 May. The wind was blowing out of the east at 15 knots with gusts over 20. We turned east off the ICW and headed as far east as we could toward the shore -- literally 'tip-toed' as close to shore as we could. We got close enough for pretty good wave protection but not wind. There was a beautiful beach but we never left the boat. The wind died down in the evening but picked up later at night. We both slept great with a cool breeze blowing through the boat!

We cleared it!

Pulling up the anchor the following morning was less than fun. We had 25+ knots gusts and the boat was flying all over the place. The anchor chain even flew off the roller more than once. Once out of Mosquito Lagoon, conditions settled and it was a beautiful day.

We traveled from Mosquito Lagoon to and anchorage called the, "Cement Plant". We wanted a nice protected anchorage after the night before. The Cement Plant is no more. It is now a construction sight. We don't know what they are constructing. Condos? On the other side is a Sea Ray factory. It wasn't very scenic and cell service not the best but it wasn't bad for a night. We were there with one other sailboat. 

Guess this was the old "Cement Plant".

Sea Ray Plant

Friday morning I tried to quietly get us ready to get underway for St. Augustine Municipal Marina. I managed to wake up a 'groggy' Sharon while making underway preps. My goal -- arrive at the marina at slack tide. The current can be really strong in St. Augustine and I wanted as zero current if possible. Slack tide is around high and low tide when there is basically no current in either direction and doesn't last long. And I nailed it! It seems we are always fighting the current! Naturally, this trip we had the current in our favor and I actually had to slow down. Seriously!?!

We got a slip for two nights. We originally tried to get a mooring ball but there was a wait list. This is a big time 'cruisers' marina. We were here for Thanksgiving last year for a fantastic potluck dinner. Once we were tied up, we hit the town. It was nowhere near what it was like last November! There were a lot of stores, restaurants, and bars open (at 25% capacity) but not many tourists. I even tried to get a haircut but they couldn't take me until Tuesday. We poked around some shops and stopped at Ann O'Malley's Pub for a couple of beers outside. It was so nice to actually have someone, other than Sharon, get me a beer!

Last time we were here we said we'd tour this next time. It was next time and closed so maybe next time...

This was packed last time we were here!

Enjoying a PBR at Ann O'Malley's.

Saturday, my friend Bob picked us up for a tour of the area and lunch. Bob and I met in Bootcamp in 1982! We've been good friends ever since. Unfortunately his wife, Christine, had just had minor surgery and not feeling up to hanging -- totally understand. Bob took us to a great produce stand and then to Valley Smoke (on the ICW) for lunch. Awesome!!! He gave us some more of a tour and then we said our good-byes. 

Wings. After two months I wanted wings!

We met several people on the dock that night. One couple, Turner and Naomi, just bought a Fleming, Stephy B, in Stuart and are on their way to Herrington Harbour South (our former marina). They will be on "M" dock and are a lot of fun! We hope to see them next month.

Sunday we left St. Auggie. I hailed the Bridge of Lions bridge tender for an opening. He told us the height is actually 4' more than the tide boards show. Let's go! We cruised right under and didn't need an opening. I hate being out on weekends. The boat traffic can be annoying.

Bob has a drone. A kick-ass drone that I always wanted! He was waiting at Palm Valley bridge and gave us a flyover. Can't wait to post that video! Most of this trip was non stop boats everywhere! Luckily it wasn't the day before because there was a major Trump rally of boaters in the section of the ICW we would have transited. 

We went north of Jacksonville and stopped at Jim King's Park. There is a free dock there. No electricity but water if you need it. The dock was pretty full but there was a spot on the end (right where I wanted to be!). A young couple ran over to help Sharon with the lines which she was totally appreciative of!

Jim King Park on Sister's Creek. Free dock!

Once we were tied up, we walked up to thank them. James and Melanie bought a sailboat even though neither one had ever sailed or owned a boat. They both quit their jobs and are living the dream with their dog. I love stories like this! They wanted to go to the Bahamas but.... now they are heading to Charleston. They introduced us to another couple, David and Tricia on a Katie Krogen Manatee. The six of us enjoyed boat drinks on Sovereignty (David and Tricia's boat). It's great making friends along the way.

Monday morning we got a relatively early start and headed to Cumberland Island in Georgia.