Reentering civilization…

2/10/22

The 60 mile trek from Amelia Island to St Augustine was completed in intermittent rain but good visibility. The meandering rivers, through rural marshes, gradually gave way to a more residential shore line (obvious affluence on the people-populated eastern shore…rustic scenery on the wildlife-populated western shore) And then, we entered the military-industrial landscape of the Saint Johns River and Jacksonville. This part of our trip was well marked, including caution signs to slow down for Manatees.

Our day worked to plan and we arrived in late afternoon. However, we realized that we have only encountered a handful of fellow ICW travelers since we left Charleston.

The solitude and serenity has been nice and probably indicative of ICW boating in February. However, we’re ready for some civilization so look out St. Augustine!

We love St Augustine! Having previously spent a week here, we were familiar with the layout and chose to tie up at the St Augustine Municipal Marina, tucked into the corner between Old Town and The Bridge of Lions. Arriving in time for a short stroll and dinner ashore, we checked the weather for the following day (60s ish) and decided to stay another day.

We started the day having brunch with the locals at Marys (8 tables, 4 counter stools, 2 septuagenarian waitresses and Mary (whose mother ran the place until Mary took it over 35 years ago). Great food, conversation and local info. Then over to St George street for a day of touristing (museum, art galleries, wierd little shops), checked out Chatsworth’s for cocktails went to Harrys for dinner and Prohibition Kitchen for music. More humanity than we’ve had in the past week, few masks & many smiles…very normalish.

We left the marina at 7:30 in preparation for the 70 mile trek to New Smyrna. It was 38 when we threw off the dock lines and 40 in Rhode Island…where is this Florida we’ve heard so much about?

on to New Smyrna Beach…stay tuned!