Despite last night’s partying an early 7am start was needed to cope with the 57 miles and eleven bridges which were today’s challenge. We left in brilliant sunshine but it was surprisingly chilly with a cold wind gusting from the north. The Bridge of Lions was an immediate barrier, we were through it at 7.30am in advance of the rush hour closing at 8am, the strong tides trying to take us the other way.

As the next six bridges were high bridges some of us were able to relax and watch the scenery as we passed huge areas of reed beds with their attendant bird life, the occasional glimpse of passing dolphins and a bald eagle sighting with its  nest in Palm Valley caused  huge excitement.  Again in Palm Valley , a long narrow stretch of water we were back in the world of splendid riverside homes and their trappings.

As the morning progressed we became progressively colder and eventually were all togged out  in socks and shoes, jumpers , anoraks and trousers. All the more strange as the Sunshine State lived up to its name , we had sunshine for the whole nine hours or so of the journey. While travelling through the high bridges we became aware from coastguard radio calls that there was a problem with the  Sisters Creek  bridge, our next on demand which appeared to be closed. In the event there was a  one span opening and we were able to pass. Soon after we were startled by a mayday call from the motor cruiser Night Cents which claimed to be sinking,  soon after it overtook us at a faster speed than we were making  with a coastguard conversation continuing. We watched their progress over the next few miles, both of us eventually arriving at the Amelia Island yacht basin where we learnt that his engine room had been half full of water on arrival.

It was a hard day with strong winds and adverse currents for a lot of the time. The sunshade was particularly challenged but it was too windy to take it down. It survived the day but with breakages and some bending. The water was rough on sea rivers and constant vigilation and course changes were required but at least we did not run aground like some! Low water on arrival  meant we ploughed our way up the channel and had to lie slightly off the pontoon as we were on the bottom.

Approaching the Bridge of Lions                                                                       and safely through

Plentry of shrimpers operate in St Augustine Inlet

and they come quite close!                                                                              There is other commercial traffic on the ICW as well

Bald Eagle's nest - it did have a bird in it too                                                       the Americans love to be patriotic

Is this a dock or a house?                                                                      Another home owner hoping that global warming will stop

Every house has its own dock                                                                     even triple decker ones

The sky was clear but it was cooooooooold                                                     even John eventually put more clothes on

Ship in dry dock on St Johns River - see the white horses!                            Sisters Creek bridge only opening one span

This bridge is always open unless there's a train coming, but this is the start of the approach channel - just look at the mud

Amelia Island Yacht Harbour                                                           Phew, we made it, even if we are on the bottom away from the pontoon

    So did Night Cents - no sign of any holes. He went by too fast while Maydaying, for a picture!