If you have been following our trip you will know that we have navigated a number of bridges along our route, some fixed and others requiring opening. Opening bridges can be where the entire span lifts straight up, 1 span is hinged on 1 side and lifts like a draw bridge or 2 spans lift up each being hinged on 1 side. For those requiring opening the charts we use on our gps usually list opening intervals and instructions so you can plan your trip accordingly. it's another thing to factor in along with the tidal currents to plan how far you will get in any given day and useful to plan a safe overnight location.

Coming into St. Augustine you have to go through the Bridge of Lions, a landmark for the city. The bridge opens every half hour and the usual protocol is to announce your intention to the bridge master so he knows if you're transiting under or not. In many locations they record the name of your vessel as well. This bridge has 2 spans each hinged on a side that meet in the middle when closed.


For some unknown reason, on Sunday we saw a trawler that appeared to be stuck under the bridge. Not a good place to be considering the current can be quite strong and you are blocking passage by any other vessels, many of the smaller ones which do not require a bridge opening. This photo was on facebook and showed the mast of the trawler in contact with the bridge. We saw it stuck in place for over an hour with th police boat circling and several boaters calling the bridge master for info. Finally they opened and the boat was released. Whether it was a skipper who thought he could clear without an opening or charging through when it was stating to close is anyone's guess. But, just another case in the series of "DON'T BE THIS GUY". This truly was a bridge over trawlered waters!

https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/blog/the-bridge-of-lions/

Meanwhile, back in Ponce Inlet, we toured the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse museum. A very nice attraction and the view from the top was awesome. There is also the historic Pacetti Hotel that is almost ready for its grand opening, that started out as a fishing lodge in the early 1900's , long before there was any development in this area. At 1 time it was owned by the Nippert family, who also owed the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. At here are lots of photos and stories of the team coming here for some R&R, with famous players including Johnnie Bench and Pete Rose. Also had some Coronas sitting by the dock on the bay watching the tide come in.

https://www.ponceinlet.org/tour-explore/virtual-tour/


https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug?si=HNA0G8-dS9rKSzZE

Everything has been great today…..until……