Feb. 16, 2023 Ortega River/Port 32 to Black Creek

Thurs. Feb. 16, 2023 Port 32 to Black Creek - 21 miles

We had a great week long stay at Port 32 marina. It's where we parked the boat for 2 months at the start of the covid pandemic while doing the loop, so nice to be back under better circumstances. There are a ton of "in progress" and "wanna be" loopers here based on all the white looper flags flying from their bows. Watched as "Golden Daze" pulled in with their 55' Fleming the day after us. Greg and Sonia were in the same looper "Fleet of 2019" as us. Didn't know they were coming here so a wonderful surprise. Also have friends we looped with who now live in the St. Augustine area. Jamie and Trish drove over and we all went out for lunch. Great to catch up with everyone.

Trish, Jamie, Martha, John, Sonia, and Greg - Looper reunion

Attended a super bowl party in the clubhouse with potluck snacks - big crowd and a great game. One of the advantages to this marina is the proximity to shops. Just a few blocks away is a Publix, West Marine, CVS, various restaurants, etc. Worked perfect for us doing a big provisioning before heading down the St, Johns. No stop here is complete without a trip over to the Avalon area and a stop at Whits Frozen Custard. The Sea Turtle sundae was fabulous - topped with hot fudge, hot caramel and whole pecans. But be warned - never order anything bigger than a small - the serving sizes are huge. Got a quart to go stored in the freezer. Will see how long it lasts.

A bit of colored clouds reflecting the sunset over the marina

We've finally put together a semi-itinerary of places to stop on this trip. About 10 different stops so some are fairly short hops. Today was just a few hours to Black Creek. Finally off the dock around 11 as we had to wait for a pumpout before departure. Then out through the Ortega River Bridge and across the shallows guarding the river entrance. That poor little Ortega River bascule bridge gets a workout. It's classified as the bridge in Florida with the most annual openings - at one time over 15,000 per year!! Working down the river we pass NAS Jax. Watched a few bigger jets take off over us while keeping a keen eye and a good distance away from the armed patrol boats guarding the area. Then under the Buckman Bridge and past the entrance to our old homestead beyond the bridge going into Doctors Lake.

Ortega River Bridge built in 1928 makes another opening as we head out

Leaving Jacksonville behind as we exit the Ortega river

Saw 4 of these big jets take off as we passed NAS JAX.

Making headway under the Buckman Bridge. Great fishing in this area.
Everything from shrimp to stripers, redfish, trout, flounder, and lots of small bait stealers.

Easy open river cruising with Otto taking us down to the entrance to Black Creek. Hiway 17 crosses over the creek and we traversed it numerous times by car. I can remember seeing boats anchored in here and thinking how idealic it looked all surrounded by nature. So, we've now come full circle. When we lived in Orange Park we had a few occasions when armadillos, opossums, and racoons were becoming a nuisance. We set out a trap and any of the animals we caught were brought across this creek and released unharmed into the wild. Found out our trapping was totally illegal so had to stop it.

Chillin' at the helm while Otto does the steering

We picked an anchorage a little further up the creek behind an unnamed island. We've got 10-20 mph winds from the south today. A cold front coming through tomorrow with winds swapping to the NE with gusts into the 30's so this is a nicely protected area for us. Guess we'll stay an extra day or 2. A bit of small boat and jet ski traffic during the day but no one at night. We're at the end of the moon cycle so just a sliver of light making for extra dark and creepy evenings.

Peaceful anchorage. Perfect to commune with nature.

Pollen season off to a strong start with oaks, pines, juniper all turning green.

Solar tiki torch casts a glow as the day ends

We know this creek is loaded with gators but couldn't spy any of their beady blood red eyes staring at us after dark using our spot light. Had a boat stop in the creek with 3 teenaged guys aboard and was surprised when one jumped in the water. Then the boat took off up creek pulling him behind on a slalom ski. Never saw them return. Gator bait perhaps?? Amazed we had another one this AM. We never would have even considered swimming in these waters.