Land of Bridges

We left our anchorage in North Palm Beach today for a day of 12 bridges -- most of them restricted openings. Though we traveled less than 30 miles catching so many bascule bridges made it seem like a long day.

Let's see...where would we rather be?

It's the first day of 90 degree weather. We're just north of Stuart, FL and expecting some strong winds tomorrow.

Vero Beach City MarinaHappy Hour

On Thursday evenings the boaters at the marina get together with appetizers and drinks and is a great way to meet fellow cruisers
We spent much of the day riding the bus for errands. Vero Beach has the best bus system of anywhere we've cruised.

Rafting up at Vero Beach

This is one of our favorite spots to stop and apparently a lot of other people too. There were so many boats at the mooring we had to double/triple up. We are rafted up with some some really nice folk from  Portland, ME aboard a really nice Fisher sailboat.

Sunrise at Melbourne Beach

Beautiful sunrise gave us a great morning to cruise to Vero Beaach.

Atlas V launch

We had a real treat today watching this rocket go up. We could see it from our anchorage and a minute later hear the boom but we too far to get a good photo. So here's one from NASA.

That's what I'm taking 'bout!

Great ride from Titusville to Melbourne. Wimd was on our nose so no sailing but a beautiful day.

Titusville, FL

We made a guick stop late afternoon at the mooring field but still managed to get some things done--showers ashore is always a treat, then a trip to the tiki bar at Island Jack's Restaurant where Annie snapped a photo of us.

We made a quick run to the grocery store while Tom picked us up a pizza. He only managed to eat 2 slices before we got there.

Sun, sand and blue water

This was taken just north of New Smyrna Beach. We anchored in Rockhouse Creek and dinghied over to walk on the beach at Ponce Inlet.

Harley overload

Tom wanted to come to Dayton Bike Week with his motorcycle but we made it by boat instead. We enjoyed walking around amid the bikes.

Silver Creek band at Blue Grotto

We stopped at Daytona Beach and went to one of our favorite restaurants at Halifax Harbor Marina. We loved this band.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Creek-Robert-and-Deborah-Carothers/214639455228088?sk=info

Scarlett O'Hara's

Paul and Pam met us in St. Augustine on their way to the Dania Flea Market in Ft. Lauderdale. We enjoyed an evening at this restaurant. We had a great time guys!

James Hensarling

Tom's brother passed away on Wednesday. We love him and will miss him. Far too young to be gone.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=163639130#fbLoggedOut

But I thought we had the right of way...

This cargo ship entering St. John's River entrance really made us feel small.

Goodnight from Fernandina Beach

Haute Cuisine

Lunched at at great burger joint called Tasty's. Wonderful hamburgers...

How the other half lives

This Berger is docked across from us at the marina in Fernandina Beach. Beautiful yacht

Palace Saloon

Claims to be the oldest saloon in Florida

New speed record

We made it to 11.5mph today in Jekyll sound before turning into Andrews sound off Little Cumberland Is. Some rough water for a little while.

Fernandina Beach

We made it here mid-afternoon and were able to keep our sail up all day. We cleaned up, checked in and went to Peppers Mexican Cantina for nachos and DosXXX.

Jekyll Island

We made it to Jekyll Island with great speed. At one point we were sailing at 9.5mph -- a new record for our boat. We borrowed the courtesy car and made a trip to Dairy Queen and the grocery store.We enjoyed  Happy hour at SeaJays and ae heading to Fernandina Beach tomorrow.

What a difference a day makes

Much better weather today with light winds and calm seas. We made it through St. Catherine's and Sapelo sounds with no problems. We're anchored in South River just north of Doboy sound.

Rocky ride

After a day of riding white caps the wind is starting to drop a little. Fortunately we've had no problems with a dragging anchor. You gotta love a Rocna. Sea Fever is looking good in her spot.

near gale force winds predicted

Weather forecasted strong wind for last night and today -- 20-25mph with gusts of 30-40. We tucked into Kilkenny Creek and decided to stay an extra day to let the winds die down before

crossing the next two sounds. This is the spot we're anchored in.

Competition for the waterway

We usually see traffic around Savannah River because it's such a busy port and passed this big boy.

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL

We pass this cemetary on the ICW where the film was made from Jon Berendt's book. Great book, great movie.

Sunglasses

Finally some sun today! We stayed toasty in the cockpit with the vinyl enclosure acting like a sunporch. We're in New River and can see the Savannah River bridge from here.

Leaving Charleston...

We left Charleston on Saturday after a great party at Cooper River Marina Friday night.  A few cold nights (low 30s) but we're heading in th right direction.