We're up at 5:45, and pulling away from the dock in Jacksonville around 6:15. We leave Nemo and Bay Breezin' behind once again. They're staying here another day. We had a wonderful dinner aboard Bay Breezin' last night, and shared stories over wine and cocktails. It's hard to leave them again, but we have to stick to our schedule. It's a little chilly this morning. I break out knee socks, jeans, a sweatshirt and jacket. Put on my knitted cap as well. Crazy Robert is still in shorts, but he does grab his fuzzy crocs and a jacket.
It's still dark , but the sky is filled with stars, and the moon is almost full. One other fishing boat is close by as we head thru the Sister's Creek drawbridge.
We seem to have caught the current in our favor, we're cruising along at 7-8 knots.
The sun rises just before 7:00.
We motor along the straight "ditch" for hours, seeing only a few other boats.
We arrive at The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine just a few minutes before noon, only to find out there is no noon opening on weekdays. Oh, well, guess we'll have lunch while waiting. Lunch today is a salad and black beans with tortilla chips.
We make it thru the bridge at the 12:30 opening. The current is wicked thru here.
Robert decides to try to gain a little more speed and deploys the spinnaker. It helps about a knot.
We arrive at Fort Matanzas at 3:30. This is our anchorage for tonight.We pack away the spinnaker in case the wind picks up tonight. Maggie pees on the trampoline--- woo-hoo!!
We are anchoring just in front of the fort, which was built in 1740 by the Spanish. It is now a National Monument. While we are setting the anchor, the free ferry comes by . It's packed with tourists! We see some of the coolest things!!
The anchor sets without any problems. There are only two other boats here.
Robert prepares for his fourth work meeting of the day while I wash
our lunch dishes.
We're both looking forward to a hot shower before cocktails and dinner. My shower was wonderful!!!! Robert plans to wait until later for his.
As the sun starts to set, three more boats pull in to the anchorage. Robert and I enjoy cocktails in the cockpit, listening to some tunes, and watching the other boats pick their spots and set a hook.
Dinner is pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and potato salad. Robert works for a bit after dinner, while I neaten up a bit, update the blog, and ready things for tomorrow.
Gonna be turning in early tonight.