May 16 Palm Coast to Sisters Creek

May 16, 2022 Palm Coast Marina to Sisters Creek Free Dock (Jacksonville, FL)

Back at the boat after our trip home to take care of dental appointments. Boat was just as we left it despite a few days of high water due to king tides from a full moon coupled with several days of heavy winds keeping the water backed up. We've found this to be a great marina for layovers. Roxine the dockmaster is easy to work with, the marina is safe, secure and well protected, water depths are good and OnSpot wifi is available. Fixed docks but normal tidal change is pretty small. We got back late Friday. Provisioning run on Sat. Boat washing on Sunday - which of course lead to unforecasted overnight rain and thunderstorms. I've got to say our impression of Palm Coast improved significantly over our last visit. Having the car and driving around a bit helped us get a better feel for the entire development. Ray and Dianne said they've talked multiple Loopers into purchasing dirt homes there. Had a boat tie up at Palm Coast our last night that was also "As You Wish". Hailing port was our old stomping grounds on the Chesapeake Bay.

A fellow "Princess Bride" fan

Off the dock a bit late at 8:45 after returning the rental car. Palm Coast as well as Palm Valley south of Jax have some pretty long no wake zones. Lots of houses and docks built right on the waterway which is essentially just a long dugout canal through these areas. We were trying to play the currents against timing an opening at the St. Augustine Bridge of Lions. They only open on the hour and half hour except they don't open at noon. So we either needed to make the 11:30 opening or we'ld be waiting for the 12:30 which would have gotten us into Sisters Creek late. So once outside the no wake zone we had to put the hammer down for about 1/2 hour to insure we made the 11:30 opening. Made it, but definitely consumed some fuel!!

Waiting for the Bridge of Lions

Thankfully we made that 11:30 opening

Castillo de San Marcos on the St. Augustine waterfront

Currents are a constant battle. Either 1.5 kts with or 1.5 against approaching each inlet. Anyway, timing was perfect for our docking which was at slack tide. One other boat there - All Time High - helped us with our lines. They were docked next to us at Palm Coast and got an earlier start. Beautiful sunset, leftover Mexican and salad for dinner then off to bed early.