Jacksonville.
Docked at the Jacksonville Beach Marina. Left St. Augustine at slack tide 8:10AM – much better to maneuver (vs. our docking). Had to slow down at U.S.C.G. admonition to let warship #55 out of the St. Johns River for maneuvers with several vessels. The ocean here is a great training area for instrument calibration and seaman training. Numerous U.S. Coast Guard boats completely armed and being sure to keep everyone away, patrol everywhere. They certainly make sure no one or boat gets between them (each has a fully loaded and manned 50 caliber machine on the forward deck) and the Navy’s ship. Normal distance to avoid the Navy ships is 500 yards, which they continually broadcast. Boy, can those ships move for such a large vessel. Up to 25kt. without much effort.
On to St. Symonds Island and Brunswick landing Marina. We’re on the outside with a S/SE wind and 2 foot waves. Easy goin’. Took a while to get up both the inbound channel and river to the marina but it was worth it. Lots of shrimp boats here. Important industry in this part of the U.S. Great for locals who always get fresh shrimp, plenty of it inexpensively and can even go out with a crew and catch those little boogers and cook them right on board. Would be fun if we had more time.
30 17’ 31” N
81 24’ 97” W
Great seafood restraunt on premises – Appalachicola oysters, 12 for $4. Place understandably was packed. Attractive diesel prices and we took on 450 gallons not knowing what’s ahead. With full tanks and running at 8kt., we could go 2000 miles, however many times run at 10.25kt. Which really takes away that advantage. Major new highway bridges being constructed parallel to marina row.
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