Finally back in Florida, but looking for warm weather

11/16/16
Marineland Marina, Palm Coast FL
Position: 29 40.140N, 081 12.887W
Posted by Bill

On the 14th, things had calmed down enough that we could transit St Andrew’s Sound just south of Jekyll Island. If you remember, last fall we got our asses kicked going across the sound in high winds out of the north. Smarter this year, we waited until the weather calmed down. We made our way into Florida and past Fernandina Beach, one of our usual stops. The marina and mooring field are still closed from hurricane Matthew damage. We started to see much more evidence as we got into southern Georgia and continue to see it through Florida, mostly damaged docks and boats.
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We pressed on and tried to get a spot on the free dock outside of Jacksonville FL, but it was full. We doubled back to the Fort George River, one of our favorite anchorages, but we arrived at low tide and found the river entrance to be shoaled over. After running aground and backing off, I was able to find a deep spot in the entrance to get us in to the river and anchorage area. Sophia Jeanne followed and we rafted off to them after they set their anchor in position 30 26.600N, 081 26.489W. That night we ate dinner together and enjoyed the Beaver Full Moon over the water. It was spectacular!

On the 15th we upped anchor and made it to St Augustine, taking a mooring in the south mooring field. We went ashore and enjoyed our favorite happy hour in St Augustine, then partied with Matt and Shirley on our boat for several hours. Great fun!! Picture of the mooring field:
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Today we did a short day run to Marineland marina on the Palm Coast. We did some boat maintenance and walked the beach.
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It was finally a warm day. The last 5 days we have been freezing our asses off in low 50s temps at night and mid 60s in the day. Funny how your perspective changes after you live in the south for a few years. It was nice to take a short trip and enjoy the beach as we have been running pretty strong.

The next 3 days will take us to Vero Beach where we will meet up with good friends Kurt and Sharon on Byrd Ketcher. We also expect to see many other friends that will be gathering there for the Thanksgiving festivities that are very popular. We really enjoyed it last year and will be looking forward to seeing people that we have met and catching up with them.

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