March 10,11 2023 Palatka, FL.

 Fri.  March 10, 2023  7 Sisters to Corky Bells - 11 miles

7 Sisters anchorage has probably been one of our favorites on this trip.  Great wind protection from all directions, plenty of swing room, nice depths without being too deep and requiring excess scope, all natural surroundings and just an occasional fisherman passing through creating minimal wakes.  One thing we noticed on today's trip headed back north is how the native palm trees along the river thin out considerably - replaced by more hardwoods and thus reducing that tropical Florida feeling.    Just a few hours cruise today.  The only potential obstacle was the Buffalo Bluff RR bridge, but it was in the up position allowing quick passage. 

Martha takes us under the Buffalo Bluff RR bridge

Got to Corky Bells dock at 11:30. Despite a bit of wind, we looked like pro's easing the boat alongside and quickly getting tied up all by ourselves. Gave the onlookers on the outside patio something to watch while munching on their fish and shrimp platters.    We opted for a late lunch and a trip to the grocery store across the street.  Then chilled and returned to the tiki bar for a drink later that evening.  Got some overnight rain.  Was hoping it would wash off a quite dirty boat but just seemed to make it worse.  Wind was blowing until around midnight which was making a symphony of noises with water splashing against the hull sides and dock. Once it settled down we got some good sleep.

Journey for March 10, 2023

Sat. March 11, 2023  Around the bend to Palatka - 2 miles

Weather Saturday was sunny and very light northerly winds. Perfect for anchoring in the open waters off the town dingy docks.  So we headed over early, dropped the hook, dropped the dingy and headed to the dock.  Saw a number of EZ UP tents at the waterfront park and figured it was a farmers' market.  Nope.  Bass tourney today and that will be the weigh in area later. We walk up to downtown and headed for This and That Cafe for a very late breakfast.   Then up and down a few streets in the historic district. 

Town dock and waterfront park at Palatka

AS You Wish swings gently at anchor

Palatka has a long history.  The Spanish had established a settlement here dating back to the late 1500's for cattle farming as part of their development of St. Augustine.  It's a narrow part of the river and was used as a cattle crossing location.  The Florida territory went back and forth between the Spanish and British several times and each time saw Palatka either start to flourish or decline as loyal citizens came and went.   Once Florida became part of the US it still had ups and downs.  It became a significant seaport for central Florida during the steamship era as it was as far south as deeper draft vessels could go.  Imports got unloaded and moved south on the river on smaller boats or else moved inland.  Orange groves were an abundant agriculture industry and northern tourists during the winter months drawn to the natural wonders and amazing fishing kept the town growing. 

Nicely restored home in The Hammock historic district.
Now Grand Gables Inn B&B

 A fire in 1864 destroyed much of the town but it rebuilt quickly until suffering through the great freezes of 1894 and 1895 which destroyed the citrus industry here and moved it further south.  Rail transport then replaced steamships as another nail in the coffin.  And rail moved tourists even further south along the coast.   The town survived on lumbering, tourism and farming but its best days seemed to be over despite it being the Putnam County Seat.   It remains a town in flux.  There's a lot of charm and two distinct historical areas.   Some homes having been lovingly restored - some still need help - but at least they haven't all been bulldozed.  They've done a nice job with a waterfront park. Nice effort downtown but still too many empty stores.   Plenty of lawyers' offices supporting the County Courthouse. It has potential to be a cute town.   Nicknamed "The Azalea City" due to all the plants at the nearby Ravines State Park planted as part of a WPA project during the depression.   It's also known as "City of Murals" for the 25+ murals painted throughout the town depicting local natural and historical subjects. 

Noaha Ark - built locally in 1929 - took the likes of Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart 
on St. Johns River fishing excursions during its hayday.
  Now waiting for restoration funds.

By mid afternoon we're thirsty.  Back downtown to sample the local craft brewery.  Azalea City Brewery is housed in the old Coca-Cola bottling building.  It is an iconic building style that Coke used in many small towns. We had one that looked identical in Spartanburg. Classic dark red brick with a big bold Coca Cola logo in concrete imbedded over the entrance.  Good selection of beers. Nice red ale, stouts, etc.   Their juicy hazy IPA was very refreshing with a nice 8.4% ABV kick. 

Some afternoon libations for the thirsty tourists

The very short journey for March 11, 2023