Well, we have now begun the 2nd leg of our journey...as our son-in-law Glenn so aptly calls it, "Life's A Journey; Destination Unknown!!" We arrived at Ortega Yacht Club Marina on Tuesday; had Lady Lady hauled on Wednesday, cleaned hull, installed 2nd ac in v-birth, painted her bottom, and, dropped her back into water and back to her dock on Thursday...a VERY busy 24hrs!! We stayed at the Marina until Sunday morning...allowing time to provision, fix a flat tire on Jim's bike and enjoy a barbeque on the dock Saturday night to say "so long" to our "marina mates."
Jacksonville is "big-time." In terms of population, the city ranks #1 in FL and 11th in the US. During the Civil War, the city found itself invaded and abandoned 4 times by the Union forces. The Confederate navy had purchased the famous racing yacht America, and ultimately it was sank up the St. Johns River. Union soldiers found, plugged and raised her...dispatching her to their Naval Blockade, and she became a training ship at the US Naval Academy!! She finished 4th in the 1870 race for the famous cup that still bears her name.
Jacksonville is amass with multiple military bases; among which is the JAX Naval Air Station, home of the impressive Blue Angels!!
Jacksonville Landing...in the center of Jacksonville, on the river...offers attractions and events all day long as well as nighttime hotspots...including the "Jacquars Stadium."
We spent 1-day exploring Jacksonville Beach...21 miles of sand dunes, surfing, treacherous currents and heavy winds...but I imagine a beautiful vacation spot on a more calm day!!
We cruised away on the St. Johns River, notorious (and correctly so) for its' currents on Sunday mid-morning. Winds came up in the afternoon, and we settled on anchor just north of the Dames Point Spansion Bridge. The river itself is outlined with cargo ports and carriers...getting ready to head out to the Atlantic. Tomorrow we arise early (??) and head down the coast (ICW) to visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the country and the home to the "fountain of youth!!" Stay tuned...