March 30, 2023 Ortega River to Fernandina Beach

Thurs. March 30, 20203 Ortega River to Fernandina Beach (Mooring Ball)

Been an eventful couple of weeks while in Jacksonville. Arrived at Port 32 for a one week stay. Time to clean the boat, chill out and get together with our old Looper friends. Jamie and Trish invited us and Greg and Sonia from Golden Daze over to their townhouse in Nocatee for an Italian dinner. We had a rental car and were amazed how easy it is to get over to the beach area now that all the roads that were under construction when we lived here have been completed. Unfortunately, Sonia was under the weather and couldn't make it. Major topic was everyone's travel plans. Jamie and Trish on their new boat No Rush and Golden Daze are heading out in about a week to start the Down East loop. Can't figure out why, but we always seem to forget to take pictures when we're with old friends. Think it may be a factor of too much good conversation going on. Same thing happened when we met up for lunch with an old fraternity brother and his wife. No picture!! The craft brewery scene in Jacksonville is top notch. Lots of places to try with an outstanding selection of very tasty and diverse choices. While we weren't able to hit them all, we tried our best.

Always nerve wracking watching 50,000 pounds of boat
getting lifted from the water

The following week in preparation for our trip home to attend a family wedding, we took the boat to Lambs Yachting Center. Hauled and blocked so it could get a full detailing - hull and topsides. Bottom paint was in great shape. A few barnacles on the running gear and trim tabs so had that cleaned and painted as well as having all new zincs installed. Had a wonderful time at our niece's wedding while all that work was being done. Katherine and Zack make a wonderful couple. Wedding, dinner, drinking, dancing. A good time had by all!! A rare occurrence where the entire group of us kids were able to get together with mom.

Newlyweds Katherine and Zack

Boat safely launched back into the water so time to start heading north. We have reservations at Osprey Marina in Socastee, SC for a month mid-April to mid-May to attend our nephew's wedding and take care of spring chores at the lake house. No big hurry - about 6-7 cruising days will get us there. After a quick pumpout we were off the docks at Lambs by 9. Caught the outgoing tide which sped our departure until we hit the railroad bridge downtown Jax. Normally up unless in use. Unfortunately for us there was a long line of railcars passing VERY slowly over the bridge. Made us even more nervous when the train stopped moving since we had heard horror stories of boaters waiting hours for the bridge to clear and reopen. Thankfully, after 20-25 minutes the bridge cleared and immediately opened.

Railroad bridge downtown Jax. after it finally opened

Going past the port area we saw plenty of activity. Several container ships getting loaded/unloaded, a fleet of new Toyotas getting unloaded, and a Carnival cruise ship being loading up with passengers. But no traffic moving on the river except us.

Carnival ship loading up passengers

Passing under the Dames Point Bridge - last one on the St. Johns leaving Jax

Made it to Sisters Creek by noon which was our Plan A stop but since it was still so early we decided to head for Fernandina. Forecast was sunny and lower 70's but with a cold NE breeze blowing 10-15 all day. Net effect of our headway speed and the wind was a cumulative 25 mph blast. We were bundled up in sweatshirts and windbreakers on the flybridge. Burr. Still, a nice cruise.

Passed these dredges headed south. Hopefully they were working
on those shallow spots in GA and SC

We picked up a mooring ball rather than staying at the town dock in Fernandina. A bit tricky with the wind and current but managed it on our second attempt. Initially thought we would stay one night but have decided to stay until Monday when we can fuel up here at Port Consolidated - best diesel price in the southeast this week. Wicked winds expected the next few days. Another reason to stay put.