Events Today:
Wx & Travel - we debated travelling due to forecast winds 15-25mph with gusts to 35. Checked with the marina in Fernandina and since the wind was easterly, the marina was protected, and there is only a 'face' dock for transients - face docking is easier in a wind [certainly for me]. So with mixed sun/clouds, winds 10-15, we left at 09:10, traveled 64 miles, averaging 9mph, arriving at 4:30, and had no problems; bit windy crossing St.John's inlet at Jacksonville and we had to 'race' a bit to get ahead of a cruise ship (the Norwegian Pearl, 10 stories high - see photo]) entering the inlet as we were trying to cross it; that was simultaneous with our trying to avoid rocky submerged shallows, which the automatic route would have taken us over, except I had read to ignore that and follow the western markers, which we did, and therefore did not run aground. But, it remains a tish stressful, because each day is 'new' territory to reconnoiter and plan for. Fortunately, not much boat traffic all day; no bridges to wait for; Landscape has been much the same - sandy, marshy open areas [see photos], or high-end homes on the water - haven't bothered with any more 'real estate' photos, since no real change.
There were a couple of water skiers [at different parts of the river, a few miles apart] which required us to be vigilant - they [with a boat pulling them - of course] would be out in front and we didn't want to hit one if they fell in our path.
A first - saw a boat with a fellow riding his stationary bicycle on the bow; if we could have, we would have yelled/called and asked if his efforts helped reduce their fuel consumption! Weren't quick enough to get a pic.
Pink Flamingos - a flight line of 7 flew across our path; and then several others in singles or pairs; never seen a pink bird in flight before. Another missed camera opportunity unfortunately.
Winds were gusty on arrival in Fernandina but the two dockhands were excellent and they helped us squeeze in on the inside face and I just let the wind blow us into the dock, 'under control'. Marg throws them a bow line which secures a point and then I can pivot the stern alongside the dock. Actually a rather 'easy' docking experience, given the winds.
The Fernandina Harbor Marina only reopened a month ago, after being closed almost 4 years apparently, following a devastating hurricane. Really now well built, attractive, long face docks, with a new restaurant. [see photos]. There are 3 other looper boats tied up here; one will soon be 'crossing her wake', in N.Carolina, which means they will have completed the Loop; 2 others have already completed and are subsequently called 'Gold Loopers' and can fly a gold flag. They are heading to Cumberland I. tomorrow to anchor and see the wild horses and ruins.
There is a photo of a 247 ft yacht docked here, Bella Vita, right 'beside us, across the dockway; has a beam 44' [almost as long as our boat!], and a 12' draft; range is 7000 miles, cruises at 16 kn, has a steel hull strong enough to break ice. It is under quarantine due to being from the UK [flying the British ensign]. Marg googled it: a crew of 22, with only 6 staterooms for 12 passengers, built in 2009 and refurbished in 2017 - see photos - note the huge fenders [dia. is about 4ft]. A beautiful blue hull, it leases for $750,000 per wk. [I was going to suggest to my brother Tom, that since we both were married in June, we celebrate this year by going together and take our families on a week's cruise in her!! ]
Mechanical:
Batteries - no problems. The voltmeter readings are great! Everything worked well.
That's all folks. Stay distancing while staying in touch.
Tomorrow, we have confirmed reservations at Brunswick Landing Marina, in Brunswick, GA, about 41 miles north of here, for 2 nights. Will be an easier day [LOL] at 41 miles and less wind.
Comments:
Ernie R • 02 Jun, 2020: Rob, can’t believe you cut in front of an ocean liner! Please try to remember you are not on Wilson Lake any more!!! It’s really ok, I am sure the captain saw the looper flag and expected anything which was probably confirmed when he saw Alabama on the stern! Sounds like you all are having fun!
Robert & Margaret • 03 Jun, 2020: Ernie, I had contemplated calling the capt.when I heard him announce on ch.13 he was entering the inlet; we could see him across the marshes and didn't really realize he was headed our way until we started across and bingo there he was. Decided it was better to goose the engines and get across rather than risk getting blown into the rocks beside us, as channel tish narrow at that point. Don't think he was too worried about us!