11/19
Stayed in Isle of Hope Marina. I had a cold and the temp was in the 30s so needed the heat. Today traveled thru Hells Gate, which is a narrow pass with skinny water that necessitates you feeling your way through. Made it through without any problem - just stayed on the red quarter. Tonight made it to Wahoo Creek for the evening at mile 630. Saw a few porpoise today and keep seeing something rise out of the water but nnever surfaces, but leaves a flat spot on the water. I'm thinking it may be a manatee, but it seems that this water may be a little cold. Tilapia with string beans and rice this evening. Filled up with 5 dollars of fuel and topped off the water since we are on the hook tonight.
11/21
Stayed at Lanier Island last night. The passage was again filled with tense moments passing through thin water. The air was cold with gusts up to 28.5 kn. Still looking for that warm weather.
11/22
Ran to the food store this morning to replenish those things running low. We are waiting till noon to leave because the passage behind Jekyll Is Is touted to be shallow and it's suggested that you wait till the low tide comes up a few feet before trying to traverse it. Before we get to the passage we need to go across St. Simon Sound which shouldn't be bad except for the cold air. Stayed in Brickhill river last night. This was a staging place to get to the Jekyll passage. Was a quiet night but very cold again. Yesterday and today seem to be the two coldest yet.
11/23
Made the passage behind Jekells. Saw pods of porpoise that came right up to the boat and arced a few times. Tried to pull off and go to an anchoring spot just past the St John's inlet, but as we were pulling in we foundthe bottom bumping in 2.5 feet of water so I did a quick U turn back to the main channel. Now the delema was where to stay tonight. Found a marina near Jacksonville Beach and tied up at 4:00. Filled up with 6.9 gallon of diesel today. They offered free beer and hotdogs this evening so we had a easy meal - this was good because I felt the need for a hotdog. In the morning I decided to stay an extra day. The temp is supposed to be the warmest we have had for awhile - in the upper 60s. So this will be a chill day. Plan on sailing to St. Augustine tomorrow and spending a day there. The city was initially constructed near 1560 so I'm interested in seeing the architecture.