St Augustine and Palm Coast

On our way finally and heading for St Augustine which is approximately 60 NM. As we leave Fernandina Nana had the opportunity to take a picture of the paper mill with the hill of pulp that will eventually become cardboard boxes! Depending on where you are on the Island and which direction the wind is blowing will determine the type of odor you will experience.

 The train takes the pulp from the mill almost hourly to the harbor where it whistles for all to hear.

We also pass several shrimp boats docked along the way which I believe is primarily for local consumption. 

Nandad looking yonder as the blue sky turns to grey.

It turns into a cold, dark , rainy afternoon. Along the way Nana spotted several pods of white pelican, several dolphin playing at dodging the bow spray , and white snowy egrets perched high in the dead branches that line the banks of the ICW. Todays  cruise requires concentration as it is very narrow, shallow in many areas, and tricky navigation. We are safely docked by 4.30pm at the Municipal Marina and we are ready for a stroll into historic downtown with its beautiful shops, bars, restaurants and festive lights. 

The familiar towers of the Bridge of Lions as you approach St Augustine is always so spectacular. The Lions that guard the bridge are modeled after the historic Medici Lions that once adorned the Villa Medici in Rome. The Lions on the western side of the bridge are called Faithful and Firm, and the Lions on the eastern side Peace and Happiness. 

We had a wonderful dinner at Columbia Restaurant downtown. We have eaten at their restaurant on St Armand’s Circle and Tampa and very much enjoy their service, food, decor and ambiance.

Friday NH leaves for Daytona MM 833 however due to a slight deviation our destination was switched to Palm Coast Marina which is MM 803. While cruising we heard several instructions on the radio warning boats of a shallow passage however we were not aware of where or why this area was having difficulty. Nana handed over the helm to Nandad at about 1.30pm and shortly thereafter we discovered what the problem was! Dredging was taking place right before the Matanzas Inlet at the tip of Rattlesnake Island and close to Fort Matanzas. Unfortunately for us we did not follow instructions quickly enough and ran aground and literally were stuck in the mud at low tide. Needless to say we were not happy campers - or cruisers for that matter. For two hours Nandad attempted several times to free us from the sandbank without much success. Sea tow was called and while we patiently wait - well maybe not quite so patient - the tide rose and a very nice Captain in a Boston Whaler tugged us off the bank. We were so grateful especially as sea tow were not due to arrive for at least another hour. All is well that ends well - no vibrations felt or heard and so we dock at Palm Coast Marina for the night. A reminder that boating may not always go smoothly. 

In the background you can see the area that the dredging was taking place. Happy to be on our way.