It was a beautiful sunrise as we left St. Augustine. We really enjoyed our time there.
We headed down the Mantanzas river on the ICW for a shorter run today to Hammock Beach marina. Initially, the current was against us but once we passed Mantanzas inlet which is not navigable, the current was behind us. There was one wild area but mostly there were large homes on either side of the channel with docks extending out.
We arrived and docked fairly well. The dock was short next to our boat and the dock hand secured our spring line. David stopped the boat with the engine but the pressure on the spring line pulled our bow over. Our whiskerstay went over a fire hose fixture on the dock and when we attached the bow lines, it got caught for a second and pulled on the fixture. Nothing bent but two bolts on the fixture loosened but were easily tightened. The marina here is very protected and there is no current as it is well out of the channel. There are condos behind and several golf courses here. The marina used to be part of a larger community on the ocean side but they split the property.
We met some really nice people who are living here or staying here for longer periods. There were many beautiful boats here including another Tayana and a different model built at the same boat yard. We went to look at the other Tayana. A dog named Rocket lives aboard and his owner built him a little straw bed to lie in with a sunshade above. He seemed very happy perched there but came out to greet us before I could take his picture. His owner spoke to us about boat life being a way to live intentionally.
It was actually hot for the first time and we decided to walk to the beach. We walked for a bit on the jungle hut trail but then realized it was not getting us to the beach. There were many gated communities with no public beach access. The main road is lined with real estate offices. There were nice paths and sidewalks.
By the time we got to the beach, our Florida Day had turned into Maine Coast as the fog rolled in and it got cold. We dipped our feet in the water but did not stay long as it was misting. We decided to head to a seafood shack. It was supposed to be open until 9 pm but when we got there it said closed. We went back to the boat and cooked some spicy jambalaya.
We heard from friends and family. Jer is busily making cookies.
The Fishes are still in Fernandina having some work done. They sent a picture of cockpit cookie decorating.
Panuco’s are winding up Christmas concerts.
Our friends on Nautilus made the jump to the Bahamas today. They had a little excitement on their way out when there was a Mayday for a motor vessel near them. Not sure what happened but the boat was sinking fast. The coast guard got there before Jeff and Deb. Everyone was safe. They will arrive at Chubb Quay in the morning. They reported an easy Gulf Stream crossing.
We walked the marina looking at lights on boats. The boat next to us was exceptional.
