Our transit to Saint Augustine was relatively uneventful except for a wee bit of tidal misinformation that found us almost grounded and running around in circles but I'll leave that story for Gregg to tell...I am currently in discussions with his agent to see if we can strike a deal to have him write the occasional post from "the Captains" perspective. Could be entertaining! ;o)
Our loose plan was to be in Saint Augustine for the July 4th celebrations and we were able to arrive here by the 2nd so managed to find a mooring ball and get ourselves "hooked up". There are about 50 mooring balls in the basin and I can assure you, this exercise is not for the faint of heart when you factor in depth, wind and current. It is always amazing to me as I watch Gregg maneuver through a mooring field, chock full of all size and shape of vessels as though he is taking a leisurely stroll through the park and then, about the time my very last nerve is about to shatter, doesn't he just gently ease up to the mooring ball and all but put the mooring lead right into the boat hook as I'm reaching out....seriously, it's not surprising he is such a good negotiator because I, for one, don't really believe he is feeling anywhere near as calm as he looks! It is pretty cool though...
A quiet afternoon of showers and dinner and next day, we were off to check out the town and it was just adorable! So steeped in early Spanish and American history with tons to see and do. Just what a couple of stir crazy cruisers need to stretch our weary limbs. There is music in the bandstand of the local park for every taste from symphony orchestra to jazz, blues, rock and everything in between...museums, cathedrals, art galleries and ancient hotels. The day after, we toured the Fort which is an engineering marvel for it's day and has apparently never been taken in war but has changed hands through negotiation. Quite a feat, I would say.
The evening of the 4th found us tucked into the cockpit of Simplicity II with a lovely dinner and a glass of wine, awaiting the fireworks. I can tell you that the good folks of Saint Augustine did not disappoint as all around the bay there were shows going off from backyards, waterfronts and beaches right up until the big show being launched off the site of the Fort....spectacular! As we watched the show we were missing friends, Tom and Lydia and family, Caitlin and Mr Man who had shared the Symphony of Light in English Bay, Vancouver BC and wishing they were here with us for yet another wonderful show on the back of our sailing vessel.
Yesterday was laundry day which is always an opportunity to meet other cruisers an live-aboards and we spent the afternoon chatting with some lovely folks who we expect to see along the way as we move north. One more day in Saint Augustine and we are off to Jacksonville area and out to the ocean for our transit north of Georgia to the Carolinas. It would seem Georgia has decided to opt out of the dredging so cruicial to passage for a sailing vessel so we will miss all that this state has to offer.
Well, that's all for now!
Until next time....
Love and hugs,
Shelley and Gregg
PS Thinking of Jim, Kathy and Dave on their transit around Vancouver Island, fair winds and following seas to you!
July 10 & 14, 2013 - Not to sure about how to use these blog sites but wanted to send birthday greetings to the two of you - wish we were there to celebrate with you. Hope you enjoy your special days - have to let us know how you spend them (not the x-rated part :) You guys are wasting no time covering a lot of sea/land. What a great adventure. We are headed out to the US tomorrow; all new places, so should be fun. Will have laptop with us to keep in touch with everyone. Take care, love yas, miss yas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!
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