To Little Sister’s Creek, Jacksonville ~

Friday, 4/3/20 ~ Bailey was out of sorts last night. She woke us up at midnight and again at 2 am needing to go out.  Pete took her and she has slight soft stools.  She might be starting on a flareup of her vasculitis.  Her hip is also getting weaker.  We will have to be more helpful with her on stairs, as well as getting on and off the boat.

     She was walked and we were on our way by 8 am.  She was stressed and wanted to just remain down below this morning. I finally gave her a sedative and she was really sleepy until able 6 in the evening.

   

       The current was against us up to Tomalto River, allowing us to only make way around 5.5 mph.  Just before Roscoe Road, we began to increase speed. At one point we were cruising at 8.3 mph as we got closer to the St. John’s River.  I was at the helm and was surprised seeing one of the Norwegian Cruise ships heading down river.

    The county ramps were very busy with small boats as we passed.  However, we were shocked that there were no other boats on the free dock.  We had it all to ourselves all night!  There are fisherman on both the dock and the walkways, but the fish don’t seem to be biting today. Pete has taken the opportunity to speak with a number of fishermen about gear and technique.  He would like to take it on as a hobby.

     We were fully charged when we pulled in. Seven hours later, we were still at 90%.  The big draw at anchor is the GPS. Here we don’t need to leave it on. Pete opted to run the engine for about an hour to top off the batteries before bed.

Saturday, 4/4/20 ~  It was a great night for sleeping, cool temps and gentle breezes.  Bailey slept well, but we could hear the shrimp snapping on the hull for most of the night. Once I realized what it was, the noise didn’t keep me awake.

Fishing ~

        

Visitors around the water ~ including a container ship coming up St. John's River ~

        

The big ships are constantly blaring 5 horn blasts due to small boats not paying attention ~

     

     We will stay here today and tomorrow head to Jekyll Island. Pete sat up above socializing at 6-foot social distancing to those who walked the dock and reading.  I am trying to catch up with the blog.  I have had most of it typed and ready for posting but need the photos processed.  With luck, most of the blog will be updated.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K