28 March, 2020 Safely isolated in the Ozarks

We walked 2.2 miles to the Enterprise rental car.  Corporate headquarters said Enterprise would deliver the car.  Not.  This was 23 March.  The walk was easy, but we waited about 30 minutes outside of the rental agency waiting for our Van.  Not impressed with their social distancing procedures.  We had brought hand sanitizer and bleach wipes.  We cleaned our hands and wiped down the touchable items of the van.  Returning to the marina we began off-loading Serenity.  Worked till nearly sunset.  Up early the next morning, we completed the off-load; van totally packed.  We finished final securing of Serenity.  Double lines, fenders everywhere and all food removed.  Secured all DC power except for bilge pumps.  Have left shore power connected and on to keep batteries topped off.

At 0930 24 March we began the 1000 mile drive.  Traffic was light and while most other times we generally avoid Atlanta, today I-75 was nearly traffic free and we zoomed through.  An hour after sunset, we stopped and spent the night at a Hampton Inn.  Our first night off the boat.  We used our spray bottle of bleach solution and scrubbed the door knobs and such within the room.  Removed most of the bedding and slept on our pillows and in our sleeping bags.

Up early, 25 March, completed the final 6 hour drive.  Arriving at our locked gate at 1300.  All appeared ok.  Opening up, getting electricity back on, opening the water valves and purging the winterized lines, we had water, lights and heat.  During the final few hours of driving, listening to the local radio station, we learned that the county we live in was going on a 30 day shelter in place at midnight!

It is the beginning of spring.  While we were so looking forward to watching spring unfold as we journeyed up the Atlantic seaboard, we will appreciate what we have here in the country.

Lilies are blooming

Fruit trees are blooming

I had contracted with a lawn service last fall to mow this spring/summer.  Glenn is a disabled man who has a custom van and custom mower for his lawn care service.  I had to call him and cancel.  I hated to take away his work, but I will take care of the mowing while we are back.  It has been unseasonably warm the past few days.  But, cooler and wetter weather on the way.  All non-essential business and such are closed.  Our Cowboy church is also paused, no large gatherings. However, there will be a live youtube service on Sundays.  Good to go.

Everyone take care.

21 March, 2020 Hair on the back of my neck standing up

Reversal.  49 SM; 8.5 engine hours

It is with much sadness and heartbreak, but we have decided to pause our waterway journey and return to the Ozarks.  It has not been an easy decision, lots of hand wringing and nearly bed wetting, but it was time to put the big boy pants on and decide.  Once we arrived at the anchorage last night, reviewing the latest information from scientific articles, 1st hand accounts of those on the waterway north and south of us, I personally began to question the sanity of continuing.  This morning, POC and I had a long discussion.  Our health and taking care of each other comes first.  We are healthy and feel good, but there are too many uncertainties as we attempt to move north.  Marinas are closing north and south.  Why cruise into a hot zone?  The NE USA is a hot zone.  As more shut downs loom, supply chains tighten and economic uncertainties are real we have decided to park Serenity and drive back to our little place in the country.  We have agreed, that we can tackle what lies ahead better on dirt, then on the water.  Serenity has safely and securely been our home for the past 142 days.  We have never slept anywhere else since our departure on 1 November, 2019.

Tows and barges rude today.

Combat operations or peacetime aviation, you never have perfect 100% information.  You have to go with what is available, assess the risks, apply risk mitigation and trust your gut and your instruments. For us, we have reached the point, no more second guessing.  Matthew 6:34.  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

Last big bridge for a while

Last night at anchorage, we gave thanks.  We grilled hot dogs at sea.  Watched the sun set over smooth water.  Tomorrow we will tie up Serenity at the Ortega River Marina.  The dock master is a Marine and lives aboard his boat there.  He will keep a good watch over Serenity.  We will off load our personal belongings and all of our food. We have a rental van reserved.  Securing Serenity the best we can, the marina is well inland and has faired well in the past hurricanes.  We are optimistic that in a few months we may return and perhaps find a location close to get Serenity out of the water. We will resume later in 2020 our journey on America's great loop.

1514.1 hobbs; 2662 SM elapsed

Addendum: 22 March.  Serenity secured at Ortega River Marina.  We shut down our trusty and reliable Yanmar at 0800.  I did connected the raw water hose from the now closed sea cock and placed the end into a five gallon bucket.  Filled with fresh water and with the garden hose running, started back up the diesel and flushed fresh water through her systems for 10 minutes.  We have emptied and cleaned the composting head.  Removed the fuse for the 12 vdc mini fan to the head.  Shutting down most DC systems and removing what can be removed from the helm and storing.  Itemizing what to remove and what remains behind.  Will place double lines port/starboard and bow and stern before we leave.  Rental van to be available tomorrow morning.  Will begin off loading the boat and loading the van.  We should be on the road sometime Tuesday.  Temporary suspension of our at sea blog as of today.  Will continue to post once safely back in the Ozarks and from time to time if anything relates to Serenity or the Great Loop.

Everyone take care of each other, and thank anyone who is on the front lines.  Semper Fidelis

20 March, 2020. Handful of miles from Georgia

Early morning transit back through Jacksonville. 49 SM; 7.8 engine hours

Early rise and shine.  Coffee and breakfast quick.  Review of the weather, tides and untie the lines checklists and we were ready.  Away from the dock at 0730.  Decreasing flood tide up on our end, but 15 miles away at the ocean inlet the tide was reversing and begin the ebb.  Slow speed the first hour due to bucking the tidal current.  At one choke point there was 3.5 MPH of tidal current against us.  But slowly the current slowed and soon reversed.  We really picked up speed and toward the end of our return journey toward the AICW.  For a while we were making 9 MPH over the ground.  At 1135 we once again entered the AICW northbound.  Narrow, twisting and with many shoals to stay away from.  We came upon BOAT US attempting to drag a sailboat off of a shoal.  Sailboat must have been asleep as they were clearly too far west of centerline.  Tow got them off and we continued on around.  Terrain becoming more and more marsh and exposed to weather.  Freshening SE winds while not significant on the waterway, is causing a bit of chop.

Two weeks ago on our journey on the St Johns river, there were no cruise ships.  Today there were two secured to the commercial ports east of Jacksonville, and we met one, a big one in the opposite direction.  One of the berthed ships was raising and lowering their life boats.  Doing maintenance?  Wonder if they are parked because there is no business?

It really looked that big as it was  traveling at 12 mph

We have anchored in Bells creek or St Mary's river.  Chart lists both.  Location is about two miles NW of  Fernandina Beach.  Surrounded by marsh we are exposed and the SE winds of 15 MPH are making it lumpy.  We set the anchor at 1500 in 17 feet of water.  Anchor held great and I have put out 100 feet of rode. (map) Plenty of swing room to wander about as the tide changes in a few hours.  Forecast for dying winds after sunset.





1505.6 Hobbs; 2589 Sm elapsed

17-19 March, 2020 Serenity loaded up; time to get out of town

Serenity and crew have pretty much hunkered down and assessed our position, our intentions, risk, risk mitigation and options.  Boat is clean.  We have been pretty successful after several trips to grocery stores to have sufficient stores to make it another month if required.  Nothing fancy, lots of rice 'n beans, pasta and peanut butter.  We have enough cans of fish and tuna to jazz up the pasta, beans and rice.  We were pretty good with dried soups and instant mash potatoes before the dash-rush of grocery stores of this week.

Serenity among the sail boats.

Ortega River Marine has been a safe place we think.  We feel good, have been washing hands like crazy, wiping down the boat and trying our best not to touch our face.  We limit our exposure and keep our distance from all.

 I spent the day yesterday working on the raw water strainer.  It is a quality piece of kit, but it is nearing 40 years old and prone to leaking.  There are two flat circular seals that have been compressed too many times.  The strainer has to be disassembled often and debris cleaned out. A 3rd generation boat yard is a couple of blocks away having an excellent reputation and a well stocked chandlery.  I took a picture on my phone of the ID of the strainer and the older gentleman at the parts counter knew exactly the manufacture.  Unfortunately, they have been out of business for 20 years.  He even had an old catalog and I was able to get original part numbers.  He also found for me two round o-rings which will work temporarily.  I have installed and pressure checked and there was no leakage.  Will keep my eye on them.  The alternative, is to replace the entire strainer with a new production strainer.  Also, will have to replace the intake and supply hoses and clamps.  Both readily available, just not ready to make that elective surgery just yet.

We have discussed parking the boat and returning to the Ozarks.  Coastal Florida is approaching Hurricane season and we hate to leave Serenity so exposed.  We considered returning 300+ miles back south, then taking the Okeechobee waterway to one of the inland storage areas.  However, one location was not taking any new customers and the other probably would.  But, we would be traveling nearly 10+ days to get there.  So, we have decided to press ahead and plan to depart tomorrow on the tide and rising sun.  We will continue northward on the AICW.  We will not need water for at least a week.  We have diesel for 300+ miles.  While several federal, state and county marinas have closed, there remains many private marinas still open and planned to continue being open.  It will either get really bad or improve.  One day at a time.

16 March, 2020 Hunkering down, stocking up and washing our hands

CSX bridge, Ortega River

Leaving the anchorage, wind strong, out going tide made a lumpy and bumpy surface.  We headed only a short distance but through a closed railroad bridge to Lambs Yacht center for diesel fuel.  Bridge tender hailed on channel 9 and quickly opened the bridge and we scooted through.   A little tricky down the long fairway to the fuel dock as tidal current one way and winds opposite.  Deck hand assisted and we were good to go.  Took on 37 gal of diesel.  We are good to go easily another 300 miles.

Underway we reversed our course through the RR bridge back to Ortega river marina and temporary tie to end T.  Awaiting slip assignment.

Temporary location for a few days

POC off like a bullet to Publix only .04 mile away.  I finished securing boat, checking and looking over our slip assignment.  POC texted and asked if I could come and help carry groceries.  I took a dock cart and walked to Publix looking like a homeless person doing the bag drag.

Shelves not totally empty of everything

We were able to load up on pasta, dehydrated potatoes, fresh veggies, and can goods.  Plenty of plain rice to cook in the thermal pot.  Maybe I should get a small cast net and add little fish to the rice bowl?   Even found a thermometer and a gallon of bleach--both were the last ones on the shelf.  Between last week's loading supplies while down south on St Johns river and today, we have a pretty good supply of dry goods.  Four or five packages of wheat wraps, 4 big jars of peanut butter, big container of honey, we will not starve for a while.  We had stocked up on paper products a couple of weeks ago.  Based on the shelves at the grocery store and CVS, if you think you could live on soda and candy--seems to be unlimited.

We have secured Serenity at a nice floating dock slip.  Great showers and laundry room.

Crazy headlines

This afternoon we walked back to the shopping area and got cash from the bank ATM, bought 4 bottles of propane at west marine, health items at CVS and back to publix for more apples, pork tenderloin and cabbage.   Maintaining six foot standoff distance from folks, washing our hands and trying not to touch our face, we hope all will be well.  Grilled tenderloin on the marina grill which is about 10 steps from Serenity.  It is a well maintained and a clean weber.

It has blowed hard today, harder than forecast out of the east.  80% rain and thunderstorms tomorrow.  We are waiting out the weather and the COVID-19 threat and give it a few days to see how the world plays this out.  Markets crashing, people panicking, general craziness.  We have food, suspect water will not be a problem.  We are social distancing pretty much as we have for the past 2500 miles.

15 March, 2020 Another calm smooth day on the water

Jacksonville part deux.  43 SM; 6.2 engine hours

Great sleeping in the wilderness surround last night within the confines of Deep creek.  Not a rock of the boat all night and the slight tidal swing was unnoticed.  Bass boats in the creek early, passing slowly abeam Serenity and crew with friendly waves.  Coffee, breakfast and Mending Fences Cowboy church via youtube began our Sunday morning.  Anchor came up relatively clean with no snags at 0920.  Lazy morning for sure.  Back tracking our electronic bread crumbs out of Deep Creek we had no issues returning to the St Johns river.  Clear, nearly calm with rapidly warming temperatures, we pointed the bow of Serenity northward and headed toward Jacksonville, Fl.  Increasing boat traffic as folks began to move about on the water.  Retracing our course made good last week in really terrible conditions.  Today, much more enjoyable and the scenery pleasant.  We passed on our planned anchorage as it was a bit exposed and tomorrow the winds are forecast to pick up to around 10.  So we pressed ahead another 14 miles to the Ortega River which is just south of Jacksonville.  There were no indicated anchorages noted in our boating apps or contained in our hard copy book of East coast anchorages.  But after chart study we figured we could find a place.  Exiting the St Johns river, we proceeded up the narrowing and shallowing Ortega river.  First obstacle was the draw bridge.  Historic bridges  We followed a sail boat through the open bridge.  Closed height seven feet.

Ortega river draw bridge

Charts showed very shallow water either side of the Ortega river channel.  To our surprise once clearing the bridge, sail boats anchoring left and right off the channel.  I am guessing the sail boats need deeper water than Serenity.  We have anchored on the north side of the river in 4'6" at low tide.  Dropped the anchor at 1530, not a lot of scope, but did backdown pretty hard setting the Mantis anchor.  (map) Not a lot of swing room as we are in and among the sail boats.  Heavy wind not forecast tonight.  Splashed the dink, went for a swim/bath in brackish 76 degree water.  Refreshing.  No big water critters spotted.  However, just in front of us about 1/4 mile is two adult eagles and only one juvenile eagle observed; juvenile noted moving around and going to an adjacent big pine and exercising their wings on the limb.  Very cool.  Nice late evening as the wakes began to subside, grilled a couple of burgers, steamed a few veggies and watched the sun fade in high cirrus, altocirrus and cumulocirris.  Marine weather folklore

Evening on the water

1497.3 Hobbs; 2562 SM elasped

14 March, 2020 Smooth water and every bass boat in the world--seemed like it

Saturday fishing day.  Busy waterway.  48 SM; 7.0 engine hours

It was dead calm at 2130 last night, but at 0130 we were woken to significant waves and hobby horsing of the boat.  Checking all of our weather apps all continued to forecast nearly calm winds.  I looked outside expecting to see a thunderstorm.  Nope, nearly clear night skies.  About 0230 amplitude of the waves began to subside so went back to sleep.  Sunrise flat calm.  POC paddled around the shoreline before we got underway.

POC's paddling adventure

Easing out of our very private anchorage we were underway at 0930.  A few boaters on the water but the volume really increased as the day went along.  Mostly respectful.  Another sunny, hot and nearly calm day.  Winds never above 10 MPH so enjoyable cruising.
We pressed ahead to an anchorage we wanted to try tonight.  It is in Deep Creek off of the St Johns river.  Deep Creek Conservation Area  The mouth of the creek has shoaled up according to the charts with five foot depth at the entrance.  We began our approach from the St Johns river at nearly idle speed, sounding our way.  The chart also presents a few submerged obstacles to avoid.  We entered at nearly low tide, and the skinniest water observed was 6.5 feet.  Once inside the creek depth rapidly dropped off to 12-15 feet.  We slowly made our way up the creek.  In places there were 20-30 foot deep holes.  About three miles in, we selected a position where with limited rode we could swing with the tidal flow and wind changes.  At 1615 we set the hook in 17 feet of water.  I have attached a trip line to the anchor with a float because I suspect debris on the creek bottom.  (map)  Water temperature a nice 74 degrees.  There is room for the bass boats to pass port and starboard and several have.  Observed small gator near the anchorage.  Decided no bath in the creek tonight.  Wilderness surrounds us.  Night sounds should be amazing tonight.

Splashed the dink and paddled around for an hour.  Amazing spanish moss and air plants.

Blooming air plant  about 3 feet off the water

Great air plant descriptions and pictures.  Air Plants
Another perfect evening aboard Serenity.  Salad and grill cheese sandwiches.  Bug screens installed so crew content and secure.

Serenity anchored in Deep Creek

1491.1 Hobbs; 2519 SM elapsed

13 March, 2020 Lake George very tame and pancake flat

Calm winds and balmy puffy clouds.  33 SM; 5.0 engine hours.

As a treat, we walked down the the river a bit this morning to the Shady Oak cafe.  We have walked by each morning since we have been at the marina.  Today we treated ourselves to a good shore breakfast.  The cafe according to the folks inside, used to be a bait and tackle store.  Food was darn tasty.

Shady Oak cafe on the St Johns river.

POC gave me a hair cut dock side, now I am ship shape.  Untied the lines at 1230.  POC at the helm for first time Captain leaving the docks.  Well done.  Warm day almost hot.  Leaving the marina on the river behind we pointed the bow northward and resumed our travels.  Planned to spend the night at a free dockage near a little fish camp north of Lake George.  However, several no-wake zones put Serenity and crew behind schedule.  No problem, such a nice calm day to be on the water.  Saw one little three foot alligator near western bank this afternoon.  Lots of turtles sunning on logs.

Lots of signage, no manatees spotted.  

Almost a week ago, we crossed Lake George with three foot waves; today, nearly pancake flat.  A completely different looking lake.  We have anchored for the night about 3/4 mile further NE than were we anchored on 6 March.  Close to shore.  We dropped the anchor at 1725 in 5.5 feet of water.   77 degrees SST.  Nice.  (map) 

Anchorage looking NE

Splashed the dinghy and rowed along the shore.  No signs of gators, but a dense hammock of pines, sable palms (state tree) and bald cypress.  Saw some squirrels.  Landed ashore, without my crocks, did not walk far as it looked snaky.

Buckwheat and KAOS

Nearing sunset, a little gator has decided to swim around Serenity.  Nice, I just finished swimming.

God made a perfect day

1484.1 Hobbs; 2471 SM elapsed

8-13 March, 2020 Time to return cruising north

It has been a relaxing past few days.  The winds died off, the temperatures have warmed to almost hot in the afternoons. Our relief in finding a canvas shop and replacing our lost panel allowed a more relaxing pace.  Linda from the Discount Marine and Canvas shop preformed excellent work over the past weekend, completing final adjustments late Monday evening after she returned from a days work in Daytona. The panel fit well and the material was the exact color of our original canvas.

The marina has been nice.  Nothing fancy. The floating docks are nearly new and in excellent condition.  The power pedestals containing both electrical service and fresh water service are clean and well maintained.  The shore water pressure is very good.  Folks have been friendly, the restrooms and showers are clean and easily available.  Laundry on site.  Serenity floating in fresh water has been a plus.  Only down side is Deland is about 5 miles away.  Too far to walk.  But we did play bingo one night---cannot believe we did, but....

Did not win

Walmart in town has delivery.  Two resupply missions complete.  Except for drinking water which should be assessable along the way, we have food for a good while now.  Boat sits a little lower in the water.

I had a great visit with my friend Trapper Joe.  We braved the COVID-19 threat and had breakfast at Waffle house, visited the local airport and looked around.  Joe and Alison have recently purchased a beautiful country property with acreage north of Deland.  Joe took me there and we walked around the property before returning to the marina.  Great visit.

Maintenance tasks are complete.  Oil sample taken, mailed off and results emailed back.  Satisfactory report, nothing unusual noted.  This is a good thing.  Completed draining the engine oil and removing the filter.  Refilled with Rotella T-4 and new Yanmar filter.  Drained the external fuel filter; no water noted.  Replaced 10 micron filter with new.  Removed and replaced the engine fuel filter with a new Yanmar fuel filter.  Bled the fuel system of air until fuel seeped out of the bleed screw.  Sucked out transmission fluid and replace with fresh dextron ATF.  Drained, removed and cleaned raw water strainer.  Inspected and replaced.  Adjusted v-belt slightly and preformed overall inspection of the entire engine.  Nothing unusual noted.  Started up the Yanmar and ran for 10 minutes.  No water, oil or fuel leaks noted.  Good to go.  Topped off all four of the house bank batteries.  Installed new 10 AWG wiring from the helm station new 12 VDC fuse box to the v-berth area for the freezer/refrigerator.  Previously, the new frig has been running on inverter powered 110 VAC.  I wanted to get off the inverter due to about 15% energy loss due heat as the process converts DC to AC.  Oversized the wiring to account for voltage drop over the run.  New wiring is fused and switched.  Works great.  The Frig has been operating this week on shore power AC and will switch to DC if AC power is lost.  Tested and works perfect.  Good to Go.  Completed a very detailed outside wash of the boat and canvas. Serenity looks really good all clean.  Polished the newly cleaned Strataglass/ isenglass too.  Inside and out.

Exercise had been easy this week, as there is plenty of room to walk throughout the marina/campground area.  Next door is a state operated boat launch ramp and picnic area with waterfront pathways.  Lots of squirrels, wading birds and even a pair of Sandhill cranes.  

Sandhill cranes

A mother duck with ducklings will let you get reasonably close to look.  Muscovy duck is not native but feral and a growing adapting population in south Florida.

It is time to begin the migration with 1000s of others who spend the winter in Florida.  We will get underway today and slowly proceed down river toward the north.  A few days anchoring on the St Johns river then a brief stay and visit once again around Jacksonville, Fl.  Verify the weather, review the charts then finish the final miles of NW Florida traveling the AICW before entering Georgia.

7 March, 2020 Bucking bronco ride across Lake George

Liking the southern end much better. 33 Sm; 5 engine hours 

Salt cove anchorage was pretty secure for the night, but sometime after midnight the wind drifted around to the NE and we became a bit more exposed and the water lumpy.  But before that, I had set my alarm for 2330 to be awake before the SPACE-X launch at 2350.  Skies were very clear and visibility unlimited.  I tuned into SPACE-X web page for the live broadcast of the launch to make sure launch was still a go.  It was and at T-10 the live feed began.  As I watched and listened to the final preparations, I orientated my outside scan toward the cape.  As the video image on my iPhone showed the lift off--to the SE I could see the glow.  Shortly a bright orange blob of light rose above the horizon and began accelerating upward.

Space X over Lake George

Higher and higher with velocity rapidly increasing I was able to track the rocket as it arched NE and finally out of sight.  Definitely worth losing sleep over.

We planned an early departure because the winds were to remain strong mid morning from the NE and Lake George on the St Johns river is about 10 miles wide by 15 miles long.  Up anchor we made way from the anchorage at 0700.  Clearing the relative protection of the cove, the lake was all ready pretty angry.  We turned south toward our rendezvous with the river inlet, and protection from the 15+ winds.  It was a very uncomfortable hour and 40 minutes crossing the lake.  Not unsafe as long as you have propulsion and steering, but uncomfortable rocking and rolling.  Interesting, as you approach the south end of the lake it appears that there is a lock ahead.  Actually, it is large breakwater structures east and west and a small chute you squeeze through and back into the river.

Rolling waves even as we exit the lake

While the winds remained quite strong, nearly 20 MPH,  the remainder of the journey was within the protection of the narrowing and twisting river.  Scenery became more sub-tropical and even jungle like. Bald Cypress, spanish moss, ferns, air plants and lots of birds of all kinds; wading, ospreys, eagles, vultures, gulls, crows and bass fishermen.  Cold morning around 50 degrees with wind chill we never saw an alligator.  We continued along our twisting route toward our destination.  St Johns Marina  This is a newly rebuilt marina with floating aluminum slips, power and water.  Showers, laundry and an KOA RV park. Near the town of Deland, FL

Good news, the company we contacted to fabricate a new canvas panel has an employee only 4 blocks away and has their own heavy sewing machine and equipment at home.  The Daytona company sent the required materials home with "Linda" on Friday afternoon.  We called Linda once we were secure at the marina and she came over, took final measurements and the mirror image starboard panel to her house to begin fabrication.  Linda returned at sunset with the starboard panel and hopes to have the finished port panel replacement later on Sunday.  What greatness.

Duration of stay remains TBD.  Waiting on canvas replacement, boat work and packages via USPS.  Yippee, temperatures forecast to warm during this week.

1478.6 Hobbs; 2438 Sm elapsed

6 March, 2020 Bumpy start, calmer evening.

Cruising south, upstream.  56 SM; 7.6 engine hours

Frontal passage occurred last night around 2115.  Turned out to be nearly a non event.  A bit of lightening, brief heavy rain, then the wind clocked around to NW and begin to diminish.  Our anchorage was closer to the shoreline to the NW so the water became reasonably smooth.  Slept great.  However, today was forecast increasing NW-N winds un to 20 and gusting.  We quickly got ready and were underway at 0700.  Anchor was deeply buried in gooey sticky mud--a very good thing, considering how strong the wind was yesterday afternoon and evening.  We had about 12 miles of open water orientated north south and with the freshening NW winds knew it would get rough quick. It did but was aft and not so bad.  After 1.5 hours we turned the corner west as the river finally narrowed and we were getting pretty good wind blockage.  Pretty nondescript route.  So far we are not too impressed with the St Johns river.

Power plant along river with early morning low clouds

Approaching the Buffalo bluff RR bridge, which should normally be open if no trains are approaching was closed.  Height above water only seven feet so definitely needed it open.  We hailed on channel 9 without response from bridge tender.  However, bridge opened and we proceeded.

Opening RR bridge, choppy waters

Wind has been a steady 15 with gusts to 20+ all day.  Waters choppy but nothing like yesterday.  We passed up free docks at our intended stop point due to waves and wind as the docks were pretty exposed.  Continuing another 10 miles to Salt cove on Lake George of St Johns river.  This position is leeward of the northern winds but still a bit choppy.  Easing the bow toward the shore we dropped the anchor in six feet of water at 1430.  (map) Excellent anchor set.  Surface water temperature warmed to 72 degrees.  Approaching sunset, the winds as forecast have died down to probably 10 MPH or less.  Pretty smooth supper with a great view.

Salt Cove.  

Salt springs is just west of our anchorage and the creek empties into this cove.

We are headed to St Johns river marina and resort (KOA with a marina) for a few days.  We will meet our very good friends Trapper Joe and Alison, do schedule maintenance on Serenity and the unplanned event, attempt to get a new canvas/isinglass panel fabricated.  I have the alarm set for 2330 as SPACE-X has a scheduled launch tonight at 2350 from KSC.  Skies are clearing nicely.  We are 92 miles northwest of Cape Canaveral.

1473.6 Hobbs; 2405 Sm elapsed

5 March, 2020 Whew did not see 40 MPH gusts coming

Windy windy. 35 SM; 5.6 engine hours

Our intended relaxing cruise up the St Johns river has been with challenges today.  I knew about the 2-3 knot tidal current potential this morning, but our timing was perfect and we got under way at just about slack tide.  I knew about potential risk of limited severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening but the risk was low and acceptable since we were planning to anchor in a very protected location.  There was a brief period of fog forecast and fog was present, but not below 500 feet and visibility below was greater than three miles with ceilings and visibility improving.  No problem.

Park walk in the fog downtown Jacksonville, FL

We untied at 0800 with slack tide, and calm winds.   The backing out of the slip and around the corner and out of the marina was one of the easiest we have accomplished.  Exiting the marina mid-river we picked up an extra one MPH with a still gently flowing tide up river.  Nice.  Leaving Jax behind it was a pleasant morning.

Requested opening of RR bridge downtown Jacksonville

About two hours in as the fog dissipated, the south winds picked up.  Forecast 10-15 with gusts to 20.  Secondly, I did a really terrible chart study--cruising up river how hard is that.  We faced as the winds came up a wide and long stretch of river aligned north south with the southerly winds. About a 15 mile fetch. Initially, just light chop and we pressed on.  About 1200 and still two hours from our protected anchorage, we were plowing into three foot short period waves with 20 gusting to 30 plus.  We spotted a small indent on the western shore that looked like it offered some relief.  Took almost an hour to get over there and search for a suitable anchorage.  Do to shallowing water level we ended up anchoring in six feet about 1/4 mile from shore.  Still exposed, but maybe not too bad later tonight as the cold front passes and winds swing around to the NW.

During all of this with an approaching thunderstorm and heavy rain, we were putting in a side canvas/isinglass panel when a sudden extremely strong gust hit and our panel flew off.  We quickly did a 180 degree turn and had sight of it, but it became water logged and joined Davy Jone's locker.  We are now searching for a canvas shop on our journey up river.

Going to be wet and chilly with this opening in the canvas

We dropped anchor at 1330 and it has held. (map) I have 90 feet of rode out.  Have experienced sustained 20 MPH with gusts still mid 30s.  Anchor has held.  There remains one footers in this little cove with white caps.  Forecast to decrease around sunset in an hour.  Winds are not to be so strong as the front approaches; after frontal passage, NW winds only supposed to be 15 or so. Sure hopes so.  Showers all around, no strong thunderstorms yet.  Should be a wild night.  Not much sleep keeping watch on the anchor.

1466.0 Hobbs; 2349 SM elapsed

4 March, 2020 Free dock downtown Jacksonville, Fl

Bucking the tide wrong direction most of day.  56 SM; 9 engine hours

Released ourselves from the mooring ball at 0730 with ebbing tide.  Motored over to fuel dock and quickly filled up the fresh water tank and dumped trash.  Back underway, we bid so long to St. Augustine.

Sunrise departure from the mooring field

Rode the tide out to the inlet, Atlantic not too bad this morning, but Serenity is not a blue water boat, we steered to port and begin our trip north on the AICW.  This area of northern Florida and Georgia has significant tides.  Approaching full moon in a few days high tide will rise five feet .  Center of waterway critical as both left and right very shallow with mud flats rising out of the water at low tide.   Pretty quiet on the waterway today.

AICW

 Not a lot of traffic until reaching the St Johns river (River Facts) where major naval installations are located, USMC prepositioned sea lift at Blount Island (BIC) and commercial container shipping greeted us.  Massive tugs, tows and large barges all around.  Navigation tricky with many security zones patrolled by USCG and Homeland security boats.
We have exited our AICW journey to explore the St Johns river, which flows south to north and offers 150 miles of navigable water into Florida interior.

Impressive bridge over St Johns river, Jacksonville

Serenity and crew secured at 1630 at the free dock.  metropolitan-park-marina  Floating docks next to the Gator  Bowl stadium.  (map).  Great park, where we walked before sunset. Intend to get underway early tomorrow and begin the southward journey up the St Johns river.  Tidal currents very significant here so have to account in departure planning.  Also, cold front approaching with winds and thunderstorms so weather may impact departure.  

1460.4 Hobbs; 2314 SM elapsed 

27 Feb-3 March, 2020 Ancient City has captured crew and Serentiy

Attached to the mooring ball, we have drifted south, north, east and west as the tide and wind changed directions.  Nary a worry about anchor drag, sound sleeping for sure.  The mooring field is well maintained and the pennant was very clean.  I secured Serenity with two 5/8 lines, one each to the mooring pennant then back to separate ties port and starboard to the Samson post.  We have had 40 foot sailing catamarans around us, 40 foot trawlers around us and smaller boats.  Full time live aboard folks and others like us in transit.  There is a daily St Augustine cruisers net on channel 72 @0800, covering weather, tides, items for sale/wanted and local happenings and personal announcements.  The shuttle service has spoiled us.  Call in advance on the radio and request pickup at the scheduled time and on time the shuttle boat comes in.  Weather has been a mix of cold 1/2 day and all night rain; clear cold north winds to warm southern breezes the last two days.  We both have enjoyed the security  of being in the mooring, vice some questionable marinas with a lot of exposed stuff to damage the boat in a blow.  Solar would have been a nice addition this week.  But, I decided to invest in the upgraded alternator and external regulator and house batteries to provide my 12DC electrical.  As such, have had to run the engine 1.5 hours each day to recharge the batteries.  Have not been able to top off, but about 85 % State of Charge (SOC).  We use the iPhones, MacBook and I pad as we see fit for news, videos, email and web surfing and shopping.  We run the cellular WIFI to provide our connectivity.

We have a new addition to Serenity.  Waiting for us upon arrival via Amazon was a 62 quart 12vdc/120vac freezer/refrigerator.  What luxury.  We waited a day to verify it was working properly, then hauled back to the beach the boxes and deposited in the recycle bin.  Then UBER to Walmart and filled the freezer side with frozen veggies, chicken breasts, salmon steaks and ground round.  What a treat.  But, there is a price to pay with this technology--energy.  Keeping track now and then, about peak 8 amp hour (Ah) when cooling and the compressor is doing it's thing, then less, that one Ah.  I also bought a custom fit insulation bag that had flaps for opening and vents for the compressor venting.  Once chilled down, and minimize opening and closing, Ah demands have not been too bad.  The high Ah consumer after the Frig compressor is the fresh water pump.  We watch our usage, filling gallon jugs for daily drinking, brushing our teeth when underway and the alternator is topping off the batteries.  Will have to watch house battery bank more closely as heavier demand and recharge will require topping off with distilled water more often.

St Augustine is an amazing city.  While we have heard about this place, just never thought about the history.  Has been occupied since 1565.  Well before Plymouth Rock.
St Augustine
Spanish, British, Spanish the second time, USA, confederates then the US.  The French tried to burn it down.  Significant civil rights history from pre revolutionary war days to the 1960s.

Cathedral Basilica

The architecture is amazing.  Have never walked in such a small space and saw so many historical markers.

Henry Flagler  We had studied Flagler before during our land travels through the Keys.  Flagler made his money as a partner with Rockefeller and Standard Oil.  He built hotels along Florida east coast and then built the first railroad from northern Florida all the way to Key West.  However, there is so much of his influence here in St Augustine.  Hotels, churches, homes.  Amazing structures.

Castillo de San Marcos

New Frig/freezer

We attended Sunday service at the Memorial Presbyterian church  A beautiful historic church, that Flagler build as a memorial to his family.  Flagler is buried there.  Wonderful pipe organ, choir and service but a bit too formal for our liking.  We are Cowboy church people and like our jeans n' boots and hats.  Not one person at the service had a hat on!

It has been an enjoyable stay.  Boat is reasonably cleaned outside and top side waxed.  Battery bank serviced and topped off.  Laundry finished today and last supplies loaded.  Tomorrow, we will release from the mooring ball and bid farewell to St Augustine and set course to the north and Jacksonville.  At Jacksonville, our itinerary will have Serenity and crew turning west then south and journey upriver on the St Johns for a few days.