Sailing South aboard Lucy III: 2020-21 (Part III - returning North)

 Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina Beach, Florida: April 22, 2021

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oasis+Marinas+at+Fernandina+Harbor+Marina/@30.6704631,-81.465111

Fernandina Harbor Marina sunset  (sailboat Fleetwing)

Marc-  We awoke at our usual early hour but to no avail since our departure would be delayed due to opposing winds and contrary tidal currents.  We decided to depart the Sisters Creek Free Dock at 11:30 when the 2.5 knot current had deceased to 1.5 knots and the wind was now only 10 knots out of the North.  No issues leaving the dock with a little help from a fellow boater who gave us a push off the dock.  It was still a long trip with opposing current and wind keeping our speed down, and it was cold!  57 degrees this morning with a high in the 60s.  We arrived at 15:00 at the Fernandina Harbor Marina and the dock fellows were very helpful in docking.  The city was welcoming with its many open shops and restaurants.  Fiddler's Green arrived about an hour after us having traveled more than twice the distance.  It is good to have the team back together again.

We ran into some of our boating friends here rather unexpectantly.  As I walked along the pier past one boat a dog head popped out through the sunbrella cockpit enclosure - it was Hoolie ( a very friendly Brittany) belonging to Bob and Ann Sherer.  

Great Blue Heron

My new favorite house.

Trees ( live oak) are preserved here even if they grow in the middle of a street.

Another live oak.

Fernandina sunset photos.

Sailing South aboard Lucy III: 2020-21 (Part III - returning North)

 Jacksonville Sisters Creek free dock, Jacksonville, Florida:  April 21, 2021

https://www.google.com/maps/search/jacksonville+free+dock+sisters+creek/@30.3956525,-81.464106

                                                  

Sisters Creek free docks

View from above

Marc-  Today we awoke to a sunny morning with fair Westerly wind 10-15 knots.  It was time to leave St. Augustine that we have grown to enjoy.  Unfortunately the boating duo of Michael and Marc had to temporarily split up while work continued to be done on Fiddler's Green.  We plan to reunite tomorrow in Fernandina Beach (Fiddler's Green can travel greater distances in much less time that Lucy III).  A bird greeted us so as to say safe travels as we left the Rivers Edge Marina and then we headed downstream for the next opening of the Bridge of Lions.  This would be our only drawbridge today.  The remaining five bridges were all fixed 65 foot clearance bridges.  The tide gave us an extra knot of speed until we turned into the ICW at the St. Augustine Inlet.  I though we might just go outside here and come in at the St. John's River.  It actually adds some mileage to go outside.  Mostly we motored but added the sails at times allowing us to stay in front of two 40 foot Beneteau sailboats.

Leaving River's Edge Marina

Waiting for the Bridge to Open (Southern view)

The Bridge of Lions

The Castillo San Marcos

Houses on Pablo Creek, Jacksonville Beach

A greeter to our slip at Sisters Creek.

Sailing South aboard Lucy III: 2020-21 (Part III - returning North)

  Rivers Edge Marina, St. Augustine, Florida, April 19, 2021

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rivers+Edge+Marina/@29.8862113,-81.3252588

Marc-  Today we stayed put due to weather that never came but for a brief passing shower.  The storms passed to our South.  I helped Michael remove his non functioning stern thruster but was not able to reinstall it after repair.  My body is just too big for that space in the lazerette of Fiddler's Green.  

Sue and I went walking about town, peeked at a few Art Studios, found an ice cream parlor, and walked over the bridge of Lions to a "new" section of town called Davis Shores (developed in the 1930's).  Many flowers were in bloom.  Lions are a big theme in the parks here in St. Augustine evidenced by the Park in Davis Shores.  Our return through the old town was spent admiring many old buildings including a few churches.

                                                                 

                                                                 At The Bridge of Lions

                                                          Grace United Methodist Church

 Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church (Flagler is buried here)

Neighbors

                                                                  Osprey on top of mast

Rivers Edge Marina sunset