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

 St Augustine marina looking towards the Bridge of Lions                              and looking towards the Santa Maria (seemingly a strictly non-sailing galleon)