Well, we left the marina on Thursday morning. Plans had been made to leave Wednesday afternoon but, when we got back from storing the car and paying the marina bill, the wind had switched around and was pinning us to the dock. So, we stayed put for one more night.

In the morning, we arose at dawn to slip out before the wind picked up. We had to motor all the way to Jacksonville, about 20 miles. There we picked up a favourable current which gave us increased speed through the water. Of course you realize, that was planned by the intrepid navigator. The current carried us along at over 8 knots and we made good time. Before we anchored for the night we had covered 62 nm. It know that it doesn’t sound like much compared to car travel but we are not going very fast.

We tucked into a quiet spot for the night with only one other boat nearby. The anchor was hauled again at first light. Timing was perfect for the Bridge of Lions at St Augustine at the 8:30 opening. That was the last bridge for a while that has restricted openings – the rest open when you call them.

Now, we are motoring beside huge houses. And, as we go further south, they only get bigger. We will stop briefly today to fill up with diesel fuel. Then, no stops until we reach Daytona tonight. Not quite such a quiet anchorage tonight – the boat traffic there never stops and we will rock violently at times. Tomorrow we should reach Titusville and meet up with some friends. We may stay there a day or so.

A few gliches have shown up so we have some chores to do in Vero Beach and will stay there for a week or 10 days. Besides, I have to go shopping with Cindy! Without the guys!

A few high points, we saw dolphins, pelicans,a bald eagle and storks all on the first day. Today we saw white pelicans and another bald eagle. The sun has shone both days with high temperatures in the 70’s ( or 20’s C ). We bundle up in the early morning but strip down to shorts and tees before noon. Lovely.

Hope all is well up north. Stay warm. Hugs to all, Heather & Murray