6 Nov 2009 at sea
The EJ's Voyage
Mike Everton-Jones
Fri 6 Nov 2009 20:04
Left at 7AM following morning (or 8AM as we believed!) And made an attempt to enter Bodoy Creek but decided to turn round as it became dangerously shallow for us. So we pushed on to St Simons Islands, Georgia, and got there in the dark at 8PM. The long channel in is well marked and the moon was full in a clear sky so there was no problem getting in. There also was plenty of space to drop the hook so anchoring was easy. We thought of staying there the next day but when we woke up the day was so beautiful that we decided to go to sea again and sail to Fernandina Beach, Florida where we got early afternoon. We went straight to the fuel jetty of Fernandina Marina to refuel and top up with water and Mike asked if there would be a space of us to stay the night. We had called them previously and they had told us that they were fully booked. Anyway they allowed us to stay on the fuel jetty which was great. Had a tour round historic downtown. Very pretty, far west style. Had a drink in the oldest saloon in Florida. The Palace Saloon. We drank their speciality cocktail, delicious. One was enough as it was so strong! Will upload photos on the blog when we next have wifi access. Then back onboard for dinner and a movie.
Got up early this morning and got our dinner cooked and ready for tonight as we will be sailing overnight. Then Mike took his bike to go grocery shopping and I went for a run to the Atlantic side. Gorgeous beach. Beautiful weather.
Then we left at about 11AM and made our way up the channel. We had tide over wind so it was a very lumpy and wet ride. And then as we were already half way up the Coast Guard called us on Ch16 and ordered us to turn around and go back towards harbour because a submarine escorted by two navy ships were coming in! So we did, waited for them to pass - very impressive with two additional escort rubber boats with gunmen at the bow - and sailed all the way back up again in the sloppy sea!
However, we are settled now and are enjoying a beautiful sail. All sails out, about 15kts of wind on our quarter, 7.4kts speed over ground. Sun is out, blue sky, warm.
We will sail overnight and get to Cape Canaveral tomorrow.
Will let you know how the trip went tomorrow.
Love
Catherine and Mike
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device