BAR-B-Q Adventures

 We left the hustle and bustle of Jekyll Island Sunday morning. It seems to me people are still in the hurry up mood even on vacation. The 25mph speed limit was mostly ignored although the crosswalk laws were obeyed. We traveled about 70 miles to the docks at Sunbury Crab Co. We had an enjoyable meal, seafood sample platter and good conversations with the owners.             Monday we anchored out in Redbird Creek. We were alone except for an occasional flyby of military helicopters. I missed the fly by of the Apache choppers but caught the CH46. I actually flew in one 46 years ago. Still a workhorse after all these years. 

 April 6,7,8,9   Our break from the weather, which was strong winds and cooler temperatures, brought us to the tourist destination, Jekyll Island. This was a fun stop, we were here four 4 nights. We got lucky and were put in a slip. The face dock took a pounding with spray crashing over the dock.Our first day had us stop at the marina restaurant for some appetizers.  Thursday we walked to the beach and visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Rehab Center. We also stopped to play a round of mini golf. Friday we borrowed the golf cart and drove to Driftwood Beach. Saturday we visited the Mosiac Museum, the history of Jeykll Island. This barrier island was the winter playground for the rich and famous of a bygone Era. During WWII it was evacuated and the State took over in 1947. 

  JACKSONVILLE      We departed Ortega River Marina, had a bridge open and headed North DOWN the St John's River. As we approached Jacksonville a train was crossing the river. Unlike road bridges where many are 65ft clearance, RR bridges are just a few feet off the water. The train also moves slowly when crossing. What seem like 15 minutes, the bridge finally opened and we were on our way.  The waterways were quiet this day with just an occasional gun boat guarding Navel Vessels   Waterfront  We left the St John's and entered the ICW to continue our northbound journey. Just a few hundred yards into the ICW we stopped for the night at the free dock. No water or electric but the price was right. The current was strong and just behind where we docked was a partial sunken boat. It wasn't there long because it wasn't stripped. 

Another dock BAR-B-Q  was to big, but it was free. We stopped for the night in a small town along the river, Welaka. It was good to get off the boat. We walked to the dollar general for some supplies. For such a small town, they had several parks with basketball, tennis, pickleball and baseball. The docks were mostly used for locals fishing, with us being the only boat. We had lunch at" Shrimp Are US More" and walked to the small National Fish Hatchery Aquarium.  Later I needed a break so I went to the local bar.  The place had character and characters. A solo guitar player provided music. I met the mayor and his wife, a fun couple with new ideas for their town PALATKA We got a slip at the Boathouse Marina. Strong storms were predicted for the evening.  We went to lunch at Angel's Dining Car. This is Florida's oldest diner. It was a trip back in time.    The sky's opened  up and the rain poured down but the wind was not as strong as predicted. The storm didn't

Some of the art work around town  Sanford, Florida back to Silver Glen Springs March 23- 27 Our final night in Sanford was a lot of fun. At the German Restaurant they were having a Bingo that night. They called it Meat Bingo. I called it Wurst Bingo. I hope I didn't offend anyone thinking I said worst bingo. It was for charity,  special needs kids and I was drinking German Beer. What could be better,  Nancy enjoying Bingo and me enjoying a cold one (or two or three). While in Sanford, I did some maintenance. Oil and filters were changed. I got a ride from one of the slip holders to the auto store to drop off the three gallons of used oil. The marina took the used filters but wanted $2.75 a gallon for used oil.  We did a free pumpout. Departing was stress free. We stopped at the city free dock and went for breakfast. The lake was choppy until we were back in the river.  Along the way we met up with the BARBARA-LEE. This time the captain stopped and let us pass before he did his turn

Sanford, Florida March 21-22 Time to head North We reached the end of the navigatable waters of the St John's after traveling about 150 miles Up river to Sanford. The river continues another 150 miles south through swamps and marshes. As we rounded the corner to enter the marina, we were greeted with 5 horn blast( danger signal).   The "BARBARA-LEE" was leaving port at the same time we were entering. With no room for both vessels and a 110ft long, five story monster bearing down on us, I did a quick 180 degree turn and went back into the lake. The BARBARA-LEE departing  their dock on Wednesday One of the challenges doing the Great Loop is dealing with unfamiliar waters including Marinas. Every time we move the boat, we are operating in new to us waters. You never know what's around the corner. Safely in our slip, it was time to unwind. Lake Monroe and the breakwall I   Tuesday we took a walk and came upon this work in progress. The detail was astonishing. I have see

 March 19 What a Great Idea                   The turkey vultures didn't read the sign..  One less vulture Sandhill Cranes with youngsters  Waiting to grow up Moma not far away Manatee in the clear water ' Ugly duckling(Muscovy Duck)

March 16-17 Corky's Belly's Dock Fog greeted us in the morning. We had a great seafood dinner at Corky's last night. They allow you to stay overnight at their dock. After the fog cleared, we headed for Silver Glen Springs. 65 million gallons of water flow out of the vents at 72 degrees each day all year long. We entered the inlet and were greeted with crystal clear water. It is such a contrast with the dark tannin waters of the St John's.  It's a Friday and already the Springs are full of boats. We anchored before the party zone off the channel. It was a good choice. There was a constant parade of boats passing by. Houseboats, pontoon boats, jet skies, air boats, homemade boats, bass boats, runabouts, paddleboards, kayaks, it was quite the variety of people enjoying this beautiful place.    Part of the 'parade' "Lake Effect" fellow looper boat Early Saturday morning another SpaceX rocket was launched. What a treat. Night launch. The experience was

March 15   We took advantage of the free pumpout at the docks. With the change of daylight, departure was around 0730. We had a long travel day to Ortega River Marina, pass Jacksonville,  UP the St John's. Jacksonville is a busy port. Tows,tugs,navel ships, and container ships lined the waterfront.  Occasionally we would meet the commercial traffic in the channel. We ducked into the Ortega River after getting the vintage drawbridge to open. This is Florida's most frequently opened drawbridge with over 15,000 openings a year. Safely docked in the pouring rain,we stayed two nights. I did some maintenance,  Nancy did some cleaning and we did a grocery run at the nearby store. We also bought new boat shoes at the nearby West Marine store. We are ready for our adventure on the St John's. Being only one of a few rivers that flow north, we are planning to go UP river to Sanford about 150 miles away. Paul, the dockmaster, was very helpful with information on the river. Jacksonville