March 25, 2004 -
view the pictures
We’re moving!!!! We left Canaveral Wednesday morning early.
This time we did better in the lock. Two engines are
definitely better than one. The picture of the engine is the
first day of v-drive replacement. That went one for several
days. I would like to say thank you to the gang at Scorpion’s
for helping to make the best out of a sad situation. Tom, the
primary mechanic became another member of the family for the
almost 2 weeks we spent there. The entire crew was extremely
helpful and friendly. If you ever need repair on the
Intercoastal give them a call.
Wednesday night we spent a very calm night at Palm Coast
Marina not too far from St. Augustine. We were off the ICW in
a much protected bay. After all the rough water we’ve slept on
last night was heaven! The picture of the bridge is St.
Augustine from the water called The Bridge of Lions.
We breezed right on past there this morning staying on the
Intercoastal. The winds and cool temperatures remained with us
all day. The sun did come out about 1 pm but back in in time
for us to dock at Fernandina Harbor Marina. What a great town
this is at the tip of Amelia Island. (Bart would like the 8
golf courses.) I’m still feeling the “motion of the water”. We
spent a leisurely dinner at an Italian restaurant called
Pompeo’s. Our waitress Melissa has only been here 10 days. She
knows the menu and has learned a lot about the Island already.
We met 2 new boats running the Loop today, “Old Grumpy” from
Panama City and Hippokantos from Holly, Fl. That is one of the
unexpected pleasures of this cruise. We have met so many folks
that are cruising as we are. The sailboats are two of three we
met today. I know they have the right of way under sail but it
is hard to steer our boat going slow enough to give them that
space.
We start into Georgia tomorrow. I hope to see the sun again.
My tan is fading and my bones are getting cold again.
March 30, 2004 -
View the Pictures
We have arrived in Charleston, SC. This past week has been
enjoyable cruising. The wind continued to blow so we traveled
the ICW. We cruised the water of Georgia in a day. The waters
are marshy and peaceful. Lots of inlets to the ocean so the
winds were sometimes a problem but our “Cats” motored us thru
without problem. We did 120 miles on Friday from Fernandina to
Savannah. We stayed at a fairly new marina Bahia Bleu. I would
like to anchor out but the tides are 6 to 8 feet. I’m not that
brave. I like the security of tying up to a floating dock and
sleeping all night rather than tending the lines and fenders.
Since we made such good time in Georgia we decided to run a
short day to Beaufort, SC and spend Saturday and Sunday there.
Beaufort is a beautiful town. We stayed at the Beaufort City
Marina which is literally in the downtown area on the
Intercoastal and a stones throw from beautiful homes and many
great restaurants.
We got our bicycles down and rode the streets of Beaufort.
What beautiful homes and what a charming community. Their
Intercoastal water front park is well done and visitor
friendly. There is a huge wooden playground/castle for the
kids with walking paths and wooden swings along the wharf.
Spring has found this part of the country. The azaleas,
dogwoods and wisteria are blooming with a frenzy. Window boxes
are full of color and the south is in full bloom.
We left Beaufort Monday morning in the sunshine and cool
temperatures. We only had to make a short run to Charleston
(60 miles) and were here by early afternoon. We will be here
until Friday and leave the boat here while we go home for
Taylor’s birthday and Easter.
Today we put the bikes down again and rode to the historic
Market and homes area of Charleston. I am a chicken when it
comes to street riding but between a bike path of sorts and
the sidewalk I could do the street or walk my bike and do some
sightseeing. The problem with sightseeing and biking is
dividing your attention between the two. The other problem is
riding with Bob. I enjoy the gardens and the homes. Bob’s
comment was if you see one garden you’ve seen them all. See
why I like to walk my bike sometimes.
Well, we made it to the “Market” and managed to fill up our
backpacks with souvenirs. Again the restaurant selections are
endless. We had lunch at a place called A.W.Shucks. I could
have ordered everything on the menu. The “She Crab” Soup was
heavenly. This trip has been a sea food bonanza and I look
forward to continuing that fare up the coast.
The sky clouded shortly after we left the marina so the
temperature was cool. By the time we started back the rain was
starting. We made it back to the boat in time to be damp but
not soaked. It’s raining right now but we have cable TV and a
new stash of books so we should survive.
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE
ENTRIES
|
