St. Augustine (ICW 778) to Fernandina Beach (ICW 717)

Note how low the channel markers are at high tide!

     As planned, we left Camachee Yacht Harbor at 8 AM, to begin our return home on the ICW.  The current was with us and we were able to cruise for a while at 7 knots up the Tolomato River. Things progressed quite well.  Star, a fellow sailboat traveling north has warned us of shoaling at one red marker, but with the high tide, we had no problem.  We were able to pay back the favor by warning them of shoaling between marker40 and 42 in the center of the channel.  Andiamo and Brunelle both touched bottom in a number of places in this area.  A temporary green has been placed, but the shoaling is more pervasive.

Oops! Chose the wrong side of the marker.

    
    The fishermen were out in droves in the St. Johns River intersection.  The strong currents must be quite a draw for the fish.

    

Fishermen on the St. John's River

      We continued on into Sisters Creek, where the current was now against us for a while.  Pete was depressed to see our speed had dropped to 4 knots. We had one Bascule bridge and 3 fixed bridges.  It was remarkable to have the current with us as we passed under the fixed bridges and reach 9.2 knots and then steer through the whirlpools and currents as we came through on the other side.

    

    Fernandina Beach

 

    The Fernadina Municipal Marina had no more mooring balls available, so we stayed at the marina.  After eating dinner on our own boats, everyone joined us aboard Pekabu for cherry pie and our staff meeting.  Since we only have about 18 hours of traveling from here to Hilton head, we will be checking out late tomorrow.  That means we can check out the town tomorrow before we leave!

    Tonight was the full moon. We were able to see the sun set and the moon rise again with our friends. 

~  ~ (\_~ ~ ~     Kathy and Pete