An early start was attempted but a misunderstanding about the
bridge opening, which was closed for the rush hour period, had us considering
having the delayed breakfast, when a crane barge asked to come through from the
other way. As the bridges open at any time for commercial traffic, we were able
to go through rather earlier than expected and were on our way on a forty seven
mile journey which was to take eight hours. A total of four bridges came thick
and fast in the next hour, two of them were on demand. Breakfast was delayed
until these were behind us and we had a long stretch of waterway with only a
narrow channel to afford us passage. This led to some concentrated navigation
which was to continue for most of the journey.
A feature noted that day on the still grand houses was great areas
of insect protection which looked like vast conservatories, some of them
completely covered the whole back/front of the house. Their presence led to
speculation about the insect problem in the area although we had little evidence
of it so far as they certainly did little for the appearance of the properties.
It was a fine day with little wind although it became feasible to unroll the jib
as the day progressed and at 16.00 we arrived at the St. Augustine Municipal
marina where we were to stay for three nights.
We chilled out for the next couple of hours while Ted and
Kay dinghied out to the moorings to meet up with John and Travis and
their mutual friends Jennie and Robbie, coming back to say we were all meeting
the next night for dinner. Ted then hit the galley and turned out a very
acceptable Spanish omelette with chips, most appropriate as we were to find out
that St Augustine had a strong Spanish history evidenced by the Spanish Galleon
sitting across from us in the
marina.
Waiting for the restricted Memorial Highway Bridge at Daytona - we
just weren't close enough to get through for the early opening
Saved by the
barge!
Nice to see what trouble they take to beautify the 65ft bridge
supports
Is this everyone's image of the USA? (Daytona
Beach)
Helmsman happy to be sailing at last
Why we need to concentrate on accurate
pilotage!
Shallow water on both sides
John watching out for houses with mesh
screens
and there were plenty
Posh docks and posh houses
and not so posh docks
