We left Charleston at first light. Sunrise wasn't until we were in the shipping channel headed out past Fort Sumpter.
It was almost totally calm and not quite as cold as it had been. The forecast was for near calm at Chucktown with a north or northwest breeze and 2ft seas in Florida waters. That is pretty much what happened. Go figure. At times the sea was glassy with a very small, gentle swell. At other times there were ripples on the water. The breeze picked up as we neared the St. Marys channel, at first on the beam, and then later on the stern. St. Marys Inlet is the border of Georgia and Florida. The seas were up to 2ft but because they were behind us we were quite comfortable.
During the first day we had 3 different large pods of dolphin come to us and play in our bow wave. Stern wave, too. The ocean was so clear we could see down into the depths and it seemed the dolphin were swimming in air. We've had this happen a few times over the years but it is still amazing to see. The thrill hasn't faded.
I don't know if this dolphin video will play for you.
We ended up in St. Augustine as planned after 27 hours at sea and got a city marina mooring. The seas entering the channel were a workout for the arms but at 2ft we were not uncomfortable. We caught up on some of our sleep, showered ashore and did some shopping in the tourist traps. We also went out to dinner at A1A restaurant out on their balcony. Even though it was 70°, it got a bit chilly. Good food, however.
The next morning we got underway about 20 minutes later than usual because the sun is getting up later and later. We had an easy time dealing with the bascule bridges and the George Musson was nice enough to hold the opening a couple of minutes so we could get through there without a 30 minute wait. They do not have to do that but some tenders are nice enough to help the boaters out if possible. We appreciate it when they do. A couple of the fixed bridges were very low (okay the water was high) and we had to crawl under them. We made it without hitting anything. We stopped for fuel at Daytona Beach. It was the most we have ever paid. Over $400 for 78 gallons. Highest rate we have ever paid, too. Ft. Pierce will be only a dime cheaper per gallon but we won't take on as much. Sigh.
So we anchored at New Smyrna at a wide spot in the road. I left some kidney stones and half my prostate here 6 or 7 years ago. The anchorage was a bit rough due to the wind and the wakes from passing-by local weekend boaters. Both were forecast to fade overnight and did.
Crepuscular rays at sunrise at New Smyrna.
Departure from New Smyrna was problematic. Our windlass woes got worse. Sounds like a gear issue on retrieve and an electrical issue on lowering. Makes no sense. Not going to be fun the last stretch to Marathon. We went down to Eau Gallie and anchored around Dragon Pt. This is just north of Melbourne and a regular spot for us. This passage seems long when it is nice out like it has been recently and endless when it's dismal as it has been a few times in the past. Our nice weather stretch was forecast to continue. Going to Fort Pierce was tricky because the water was very high at several of the bridges. We barely made it under the Wabasso and the 2 Vero Beach bridges. It was a very close call but we made it. The fact that we are finally into 80° weather made it better. After a stop at the City Marina for fuel we crossed the ICW to anchor in Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce. This is a favorite spot but while we were here we observed a boater dinghying back from someone's personal dock after trespassing through their yard. Those are people who end up ruining it for the rest of us. Powerboaters. From the midwest. Sigh.
We will stay in Ft. Pierce 2 nights, visit old friends, and then head out on our last segments to Marathon. The weather forecast is great so we will probably inlet hop... go offshore each day and come in each night. Next posting will be from our winter home.
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