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