November 19
We enjoyed our time in St, Augustine. A lay day is always welcomed. The municipal marina has nice facilities. Nice bathrooms and a laundry/lounge area. We enjoy not having to rush this morning. Still, we have a lot of things to fit into our day. Carl fills the water tanks and heads off to take a shower and do a load of laundry. Becky, Judy and I head off to find the grocery store for provisions. We all need fresh produce. I think we must have walked 3 miles. We all have our bags and rolling carts, but we are already thinking of calling a cab to go back to the marina. On our way, we walk through the historic district which is along the waterfront. There is a Fort and the Flagler college which has tiffany windows and painted ceilings. These may warrant a trip back for a closer look. After loading up with provisions, we do indeed call a taxi service. The taxi arrives within 5 minutes and we are back at the marina at lunchtime. After lunch, Carl, Robert and Don head off to the marine consignment shop. Judy and Becky go with them and then head off to see the sights. I hang back to do a load of laundry and use the marina wifi that works better at the lounge. Around 6:00 we all meet up to walk to A1A restaurant and micro brewery for dinner. I had their new Bridge of Lions dark ale. Really good! The calamari, shrimp and grits and seafood tacos are delicious and we shared a white chocalate, dried cherry bread pudding for dessert! Back to the boats. We have an early morning again.
On the road again- November 20
Time to get moving again. We are ambitious and plan a long day. It is 6:15 when we leave the dock at St. Augustine. The sun is just coming up. These are nice roomy slips which makes it so easy to get out. I spot a snowy egret as we are leaving. One of my favorite birds. We have planned our departure with the tide again.It really pays off today. We are doing 7.5 knots with no sails and only 15-1800 rpm. Giving the engines a little break today. We must have gone through a dozen bridges. There are dolphins everywhere today. I just love the dolphins. I've always said, since I was about 10, that I want to come back as a dolphin in my next life! We see a pair of bald eagles near the Ponce de Leon lighthouse. The Coronado Beach bridge is the last one of the day. We are 8 minutes early for the 3:00 opening. It is 3:34 when we tie up to the free town dock at New Smyrna Beach. We made great time and almost 65 miles today! Cocktails and dinner on Sea Quell tonight. Becky's making a seafood chowder!