After breakfast, Pete took the scooter over to the marina office to pick up the new Port-a-pottie, which takes up most of the floor space in our head. We will try to use the marina as much as we can, but it will be a necessity while under way.
Views around Daytona Marina and a Maiden Fish
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| Bailey's Elevator |
After completing a few chores, we enjoyed the great weather and read in the cockpit. Texted and spoke with the kids. We were looking for movie recommendations. Chris mentioned that they used my macaroni salad recipe for this weekend as they camp down at Cape Henlopen. That inspired Pete request my potato salad to go with dinner. I really love using the canned diced potatoes as it really cuts down on time and work and it tastes great!
Sunday, 4/17/22 ~ Daytona ~ Day 5
Today started out great, but clouds gathered and winds increased late afternoon as storms popped up around the area. We once again chilled and enjoyed.
It was a real shame that I needed to use up the lobster and shrimp that I had in the freezer. Based on checking number of recipes, I was able to make a really yummy creamy seafood, pasta and veggie dish. It was so good Pete insisted that I write down the recipe so we could have it again!
Monday, 4/17/22 ~ Daytona to Comachee Cove, St. Augustine, FL ~Today: 73.8 miles 9.4 hours ICW ST Mile: 755.6
Total: 1295.9 miles 293.65 hours
We were up, dog medicated, fed, walked, and boat away from the dock early. Key cards dropped off on the fuel dock and we underway making way by 7:05 AM.
Weather was calm and overcast with temps in the 70’s and winds out of the NNW increasing to the high teens later in the day. During the morning we were able to use the jib to increase our speed by a half mph. Due to curves and wind shadows on the lower Matanzas River we had to roll up the jib.
Today was a 2-eagles day! We spotted one near Ormond-By-The-Sea sitting in a tree. The second fishing at the Matanzas inlet, diving twice, but unsuccessful in capturing dinner. Not enough time to try for the photos
The Pirates of St. Augustine 
St Augustine's North mooring field and The Castillo
As we pulled into Comachee, we were directed to the face dock on the South side of the entry. Water was very skinny coming in the channel. We had less than 6 inches under the keel! We couldn’t make it over to the dock. We got stuck in the mud about 5 feet from the dock. Thankfully, they were able to put us on the South fuel dock for the night. Once secured, I went to settle the bill and get the loaner car keys. Pete walked Bailey, then settled in for about 2.5 hours of work.
Views of Comachee Marina. . .and PEKABU at the dock
On the St. John’s River, a Naval ship was being moved from repair dock to somewhere down river. There were 3 tugs moving her as I doubt she was operational with all the scaffolding still present.
Naval Warship 61 under repairs and under tow
The Sisters Creek free dock still has the submerged boat at the dock, barely visible at high tide. As we passed, we saw SV SEQUOIA looking to drop anchor. Pete spoke to Shawn on the phone.
We continued on to Fernandina and secured to the dock by 4:45. The boat needed to be rinsed due to the salt spray.
The mud flats at the marina and "Snail Etchings" in the mud
Shawn anchored at Fernandina and invited us to join him for dinner in town. I was already prepping so Pete suggested possibly tomorrow night at Jekyll.
The golden hour and sunsets can be so beautiful here!
Wednesday, 4/20/22 ~ Fernandina, FL to Jekyll Island, GA ~Today: 31.0 miles 6.6 hours ICW ST Mile: 685.0
Total: 1326.9 miles 293.65 hours 
Blue hour at the commercial terminal and derelicts on the barge for scrap
Sunrise at the Inlet and a seabird condo
We had planned to fill up at Jekyll, but earlier this morning, they had run out of diesel. Thankfully, we have the 10 gallons on the rail. Pete transferred them into the tank. With a 1/4 of fuel in the tank, plus’s the newly added, we will have no problem getting to Kilkenny tomorrow. Pete called to confirm that he has fuel.
We booked 4 days at Safe Harbor Beauford, SC through DOCKWA and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a free stay! As Safe Harbor Kent Narrows is our “home” marina and we are annual slip holders, we can get up to 12 free dockings at other Safe Harbor Marinas. We have never been successful in SC before as we were traveling during their blackout periods. This time we are between them. It is perfect in that we can’t arrive at St. John’s marina until 4/27. The harbor master “E” said that the boat club has taken over a lot of slips so they are at a premium.
Zachary's Riverside Restaurant and the Jekyll Island Marina office
We were hoping to meet Shawn for dinner, but he chose to head up to Brunswick. Perhaps we’ll meet in person tomorrow.
Pete and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Zachary’s Riverside Restaurant.
Total: 1397.9 miles 300.25 hours
On the way back from the bathrooms this morning, we found a manatee sleeping on the river bead. He looked like a lump of mud as the tide went out.
That "lump" is really a sleeping manatee and the crab traps are above the water line!
We pulled away from the dock by 7:05. Our run up Jekyll Creek was a little skinny (down to less than 1.5 feet under our keel at dead low tide,) but it was passable. There were also crab pots that were high and dry on the mud.
The capsized Golden Ray car carrier is finally gone. Her last piece of hull was removed about 3 months ago.
The rural scenery of this tidal region of Georgia is beautiful. If it wasn’t for the other cruisers, channel markers and the occasional power lines in the distance, we would feel like the first explorers.
We were crossing one of the inlets when I saw a fish, that had to be 3.5-4 feet in length, become completely airborne. I can tell you it was long and thin, with topside dark and the belly light.
The currents were mostly unfavorable to us today. It was a 10.5-hour day. Pete watched the fuel gage faithfully during our entire trip as it crept slowly to “e!”
We didn’t tie up until 6:15. Pete called earlier to let the know that we’d be coming in after hours. The dock master hoped no one would come in after closing, tie up illegally, and taking our spot. To our surprise, they waited for us and we were able to fill up with fuel. Though the gage said “empty,” we apparently have a 4-gallon reserve. She took 35 gallons ($188) of fuel. We definitely do not like to get that low, especially now with the fuel market a bit crazy!
Shortly after securing, another Catalina also secured to the dock. Anne came over to introduce herself and to ask about our 350. They just picked up the 2003 Catalina 350, SV TIPSEA, yesterday to bring her home to the Neuse River. They haven’t discovered her hull number yet. They wanted to get together so they could discuss 350’s. Unfortunately, we didn’t see them when they returned from dinner.
Friday, 4/22/22 ~ Kilkenny to Thunderbolt, GA ~
Yep! Getting passed again --both coming and going!
Eagle, eagle's nest and an osprey!
Pulled into Safe Harbor Bahia Blue close to 2:30 and chilled for the rest of the day. It was a shame that the pizza defrosted and we had to heat it for tonight. It always tastes better when reheated.
Sunday, 4/17/22 ~ Daytona ~ Day 5
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| Storm to the North |
Today started out great, but clouds gathered and winds increased late afternoon as storms popped up around the area. We once again chilled and enjoyed.
It was a real shame that I needed to use up the lobster and shrimp that I had in the freezer. Based on checking number of recipes, I was able to make a really yummy creamy seafood, pasta and veggie dish. It was so good Pete insisted that I write down the recipe so we could have it again!
Monday, 4/17/22 ~ Daytona to Comachee Cove, St. Augustine, FL ~
Total: 1295.9 miles 293.65 hours
We were up, dog medicated, fed, walked, and boat away from the dock early. Key cards dropped off on the fuel dock and we underway making way by 7:05 AM.
Today was a 2-eagles day! We spotted one near Ormond-By-The-Sea sitting in a tree. The second fishing at the Matanzas inlet, diving twice, but unsuccessful in capturing dinner. Not enough time to try for the photos
While traveling today, we spoke with SV SEQUOIA. He is taking his boat to Rock Hall and is looking for a buddy boat. We thought we would meet up at Comachee to discuss it, but we didn’t.
We cleared both the Knox & Crescent Bridges without needing to back off speed. We did need to circle for about 20 minutes waiting for the 3:30 opening. The wind & current would not allow for holding station.
We cleared both the Knox & Crescent Bridges without needing to back off speed. We did need to circle for about 20 minutes waiting for the 3:30 opening. The wind & current would not allow for holding station.
The Pirates of St. Augustine
Small ship attacked the large one. Cannon shot, little people Grrr'd, screamed, and hoorayed!
St Augustine's North mooring field and The Castillo
Views of Comachee Marina. . .and PEKABU at the dock
I headed over to Publix in Vilano Beach, on the other side of the bridge. It is small and well used after a day on the beach. Since I was there around 5, I had to wait at the deli counter. There was only 4 people in front of me so I “parked” my cart out of the traffic (about 10 feet from me). Since there numbered ticket system wasn’t working, I didn’t want to lose my place. Well… only 2 slicers we’re being used. One for meats and the other for cheese. One person handled the orders from folks in line, while the other was filling electronic orders. The in-person guy always seemed to be waiting for the slicer or having to search for the new log of meat or cheese. The gal before me, gave her 1-pound order of roast beef, but that machine was in use so she said she would finish her shopping and return. She came to claim her order and I was still waiting. Finally, my turn! Two of my cold cut requests were wrong and he needed to find the correct ones, then we had to wait for the cheese slicer, so he took the meat order from the next person, who also needed large quantities of 2 cheeses. He completed that order before returning to mine. After 45 minutes I was finally on to complete the rest of my shopping. . . BUT . . . Now my cart was now gone! I had to go back outside for a new one. What should have been a half hour food run turned into a 2-hour ordeal! Once back, Pete and Bailey took the food back to the boat while I picked up our favorite pizza from Vinny’s here at the marina. Pete had to carry all the bags back to the boat as the low tide created too sever of an angle to bring the cart down.
The pizza was delicious! We now have 3 more meals of it in the freezer.
We had an early night as tomorrow is again an early start.
Tuesday, 4/19/22 ~ St Augustine to Fernandina Beach, FL. ~
Tuesday, 4/19/22 ~ St Augustine to Fernandina Beach, FL. ~
Today: 69.8 miles 10.3 hours ICW ST Mile: 716.8
Total: 1295.9 miles 293.65 hours
The winds kicked up overnight. Temps were in the high 50’s skies clear and the winds were out of the NNW 17-20 with slightly higher gusts. Once we were more protected by the narrowing of the Tolomato River. The temps only climbed into the 60, while the winds lessened to 10-15.
Sunrise this morning
On the St. John’s River, a Naval ship was being moved from repair dock to somewhere down river. There were 3 tugs moving her as I doubt she was operational with all the scaffolding still present.
Naval Warship 61 under repairs and under tow
The Sisters Creek free dock still has the submerged boat at the dock, barely visible at high tide. As we passed, we saw SV SEQUOIA looking to drop anchor. Pete spoke to Shawn on the phone.
We continued on to Fernandina and secured to the dock by 4:45. The boat needed to be rinsed due to the salt spray.
The mud flats at the marina and "Snail Etchings" in the mud
Shawn anchored at Fernandina and invited us to join him for dinner in town. I was already prepping so Pete suggested possibly tomorrow night at Jekyll.
The golden hour and sunsets can be so beautiful here!
Wednesday, 4/20/22 ~ Fernandina, FL to Jekyll Island, GA ~
Total: 1326.9 miles 293.65 hours
Blue hour at the commercial terminal and derelicts on the barge for scrap
Sunrise at the Inlet and a seabird condo
The predicted winds of 15-20 with gusts to 30 from the ENE were right on. We needed to fight the incoming tide in St. Andrew’s Sound (just south of Jekyll) so we could avoid the “washing machine” waves caused by currents opposed to the wind. It was still a bit rocky ride, but no nose planting into waves, and it only lasted about 20 minutes until we turned. There were a number of trawlers that cut across rather than following the channel markets. Not a great idea at dead low with stronger winds, but they made it and probably cut about a mile + off their trip.
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| Fishing Camp along Georgia's lower ICW |
We booked 4 days at Safe Harbor Beauford, SC through DOCKWA and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a free stay! As Safe Harbor Kent Narrows is our “home” marina and we are annual slip holders, we can get up to 12 free dockings at other Safe Harbor Marinas. We have never been successful in SC before as we were traveling during their blackout periods. This time we are between them. It is perfect in that we can’t arrive at St. John’s marina until 4/27. The harbor master “E” said that the boat club has taken over a lot of slips so they are at a premium.
Zachary's Riverside Restaurant and the Jekyll Island Marina office
We were hoping to meet Shawn for dinner, but he chose to head up to Brunswick. Perhaps we’ll meet in person tomorrow.
Pete and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Zachary’s Riverside Restaurant.
Another early bedtime so we can be gone at dawn.
Thursday, 4/21/22 ~ Jekyll Island to Kilkenny, GA ~
Today: 71.0 miles 6.6 hours ICW ST Mile: 613.0 Total: 1397.9 miles 300.25 hours
On the way back from the bathrooms this morning, we found a manatee sleeping on the river bead. He looked like a lump of mud as the tide went out.
That "lump" is really a sleeping manatee and the crab traps are above the water line!
We pulled away from the dock by 7:05. Our run up Jekyll Creek was a little skinny (down to less than 1.5 feet under our keel at dead low tide,) but it was passable. There were also crab pots that were high and dry on the mud.
The capsized Golden Ray car carrier is finally gone. Her last piece of hull was removed about 3 months ago.
The rural scenery of this tidal region of Georgia is beautiful. If it wasn’t for the other cruisers, channel markers and the occasional power lines in the distance, we would feel like the first explorers.
We were crossing one of the inlets when I saw a fish, that had to be 3.5-4 feet in length, become completely airborne. I can tell you it was long and thin, with topside dark and the belly light.
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| Bailey is pretty mellow after her medication Lots of rainbows, puppy dogs and unicorns! |
We didn’t tie up until 6:15. Pete called earlier to let the know that we’d be coming in after hours. The dock master hoped no one would come in after closing, tie up illegally, and taking our spot. To our surprise, they waited for us and we were able to fill up with fuel. Though the gage said “empty,” we apparently have a 4-gallon reserve. She took 35 gallons ($188) of fuel. We definitely do not like to get that low, especially now with the fuel market a bit crazy!
Shortly after securing, another Catalina also secured to the dock. Anne came over to introduce herself and to ask about our 350. They just picked up the 2003 Catalina 350, SV TIPSEA, yesterday to bring her home to the Neuse River. They haven’t discovered her hull number yet. They wanted to get together so they could discuss 350’s. Unfortunately, we didn’t see them when they returned from dinner.
Friday, 4/22/22 ~ Kilkenny to Thunderbolt, GA ~
Today: 32.0 miles 5.7 hours ICW ST Mile: 582.4
Total: 1429.9 miles 305.95 hours
Total: 1429.9 miles 305.95 hours
We were underway by 8. By about 9, the various powerboats and trawlers started passing us. Many were considerate and called out the skinny spots. Pete was the first to call out the deadhead at 163. As we were going through Hell’s Gate slightly past low people had been reporting regularly. Following Bob’s track, we saw nothing less than 4 feet. It had just been dredged.
Yep! Getting passed again --both coming and going!
I had to defrost the house freezer and fridge. Thankfully, it only needs to be done about every 3 weeks. It isn't one of the fun jobs, but defiantly worth doing. Pete still plans on replacing the refrigeration unit this summer. Currently the house freezer is spilling into the refrige and keeping it cool along with frozen bottles of water I can make with the freezer. I simply rotate the defrosting ones for the solid ice ones.
There are still a few cool things to look for when we travel. The numerous trees that sit along the shore line. I am fascinated by their shallow root systems. The White Pelicans are only here a few more weeks before migrating back to the North West for mating. The Ospreys are migrating further north for the summer while some eagles migrate while others remain. Today we got luck any saw a lot!Eagle, eagle's nest and an osprey!
Tomorrow we head to Beauford for 4 nights. Looking forward to exploring again.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
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