2018: St Augustine to New Smyrna Beach FL

11/7/2018
Depart: St. Augustine Municipal Marina - Mooring 8:05
Arrive: Municipal Marina - New Smyrna Beach FL 3:05
Distance: 60 NM

Although we were up early enough to see the sunrise, we were a little slow at departing St. Augustine.

Sunrise over St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine Fort

Moored on the north side of the Bridge of Lions, we needed to pass under the bridge to continue our trek south. Clark checked out the height clearance ruler and determined that we would not fit under with the current tide height. The bridge opens on the hour and half hour except 8:00, 12:00, and 5:00. Of course by the time we were ready to make passage it was 8:00! We had two choices - wait until 8:30 or lower our mast. Clark went and grabbed the wrenches to take the mast down, and we were on our way at 8:05 heading for the bridge.

It takes both of us to wrestle the mast. Taking it down at the mooring was no issue. When it came time to put it back up after we navigated the bridge was a bit more hair-raising. We put the boat on Autopilot and both ran back to lift the mast as quickly as possible. As soon as it was up (several seconds later), I ran back to the helm and Clark put all the bolts, etc back in place to hold it there.

We, or should I saw Clark, changed destinations multiple times today. Finding out that our mail package had already been delivered to Titusville Marina, Clark considered making the trip directly there. Determining the trip would take longer than we had daylight available to us, he scrapped that plan. Next he considered an anchorage, and ultimately, he opted for the New Smyrna Beach municipal marina for the night.

As Clark was on the phone with the marina making a reservation, I piloted the boat and saw something up ahead in the water. Since it did not appear to be moving and I could see what looked like current flowing around it, I assumed it was some wood lodged in the water that I should avoid. As we passed it, I could see it was an animal and exclaimed, "It's a cat!"

I jumped up to run to the stern for another look while Clark took the helm (still on the phone). On close inspection I discerned that it was a raccoon trying to swim against the current. Although I felt sorry for the animal's struggle, at least I knew it had not fallen off someone's boat (or at least I expected not). I just hope it finally decided to go with the flow!

Given we had decided on New Smyrna Beach for tonight's stay, I quickly jumped on Messenger to let our friends Denise and Mark know of our plans. Even though it was such short notice, they said they would come and take us to dinner at a local seafood place. Given all the meals I have cooked on board with the exception of one night out for pizza, dinner off the boat sounded like heaven to me!

I had several hours of travel to New Smyrna Beach to dream about going out for seafood. Our travels today covered familiar territory, so most of what we saw was not new to us. Some sunken vessels did capture our focused attention however. One in particular near a bridge is a serious hazard. A “temporary” marker had been put in place to direct boaters around the wreck. The second vessel is almost completely hidden under water. A Danger buoy marks its location. All we could see was a piece of the boat’s railing.

Top of mast and "temporary" Green Buoy mark
sunken sailboat

"Warning" marker and just a trace of boat railing
mark this boating hazard

We arrived at the New Smyrna Municipal marina mid-afternoon. The boat docked next to ours, "Hummingbird", carried a white AGLCA looper flag. Of course we had to introduce ourselves. Mary told me some of their woes of having a too-large boat for the loop, and the difficulties they have had with their choice of vessel.

Sunset in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Denise and Mark said they would arrive around 6:00. As I chatted with Mary while waiting for them to arrive, a surprise visitor appeared! Kevin, for "Koastal Karma", came strolling down the dock looking for loopers to share docktails. What a shocker! I figured Kevin for somewhere on the western rivers and never once would consider that he would be in New Smyrna Beach. As it turned out, his boat is in Mobile. It's a long story, but due to required boat repairs, Kevin and Sandy had to leave the boat there and make alternate plans to meet their daughters who traveled long distances to visit them.

As Clark and I caught up on happenings with Kevin, Sandy and their daughters, Denise and Mark appeared. Amazing, or maybe not so amazing, Denise and Mark have met Kevin and Sandy. It turned out to be quite a reunion of sorts. With the impromptu get-together, our dinner plans got delayed to quite late.

The restaurant that Mark drove us to was a few miles away from the dock but well worth the ride -- JB's Fish Camp, which Denise said is a local institution! We had grouper all around. We all enjoyed our meals tremendously. Best fish I can remember!

Decorated "Buck" at entrance to JB's Fish Camp

Waiting for a table at JB's

The time flew at the restaurant. Denise ran the NY City marathon this past weekend and gave us the inside scoop on what it is like to run in the NY City Marathon. Fascinating! What a great accomplishment! I tried running for exercise once and broke a bone in my foot. That was it for me.

It was well past "looper midnight", 9:00 p.m, by the time Mark returned us to the marina. We said our farewells rather quickly and then headed to "Sunset Delight" for some zzzzz's. Mark and Denise still had to drive a few miles to return to their home near Orlando.