We turned the corner (or) change of seasons. WE ARE HEADED NORTH

Jacksonville: We are back in Jacksonville at Pier 32-Ortega Marina. It is very much an upgrade from most of the marinas on the river. The best part is the pool, especially on the hot Florida days. We plan to stay at this marina for 4 nights (we took advantage of the special-pay for 1 nite, get 3 three + electric). These days included changing the fuel filters, taking out a leaking heater, provisioning at Publix, washing and waxing the boat, organizing our food supply….and the list goes on. We also had dinner with a fellow loopers (Nagui, Jeff & Lisa) and also Donny (has a business like ours). It really seems like warmer temperatures have finally arrived in Florida (assuming it stays warm) so it is time to continue our journey and head north tomorrow.

Tuesday: We started early today because it is shallow around our marina and low tide is about 11am. Also with the tide going out, it pulls our boat, increasing our speed without having the engine doing all the work. The waters/oceans are mystical creatures….treat them with respect or else… It took about 1.5 hours for us to arrive at Sister’s Creek which is the turning point North from the St. John’s River. We were both taken aback with the new surroundings: basically the lowlands which are marsh, floodplain etc. Due to the new area we motored slowly getting accustomed to the new environment. After a while, we felt more comfortable and resumed our normal speed.

We arrived in Fernandina Harbor Marina without incident (like a grounding). We were fortunate to arrive when we did because a thunderstorm moved thru the area about an hour after we tied up to the floating dock. It was interesting to be in a thunderstorm on the boat and watch the storm move across the water. I am thankful we are safe and dry in our boat and that there are many sailboats around us in case of a lightening strike (not that I would wish that on anyone….)