St. Augustine to Jacksonville

 TRAVEL DAY 17 - St. Augustine to Jacksonville

March 20, 2023

4.45 Hours/35 Miles

    Some days are just travel days and not much else. With a 50 degree morning we were glad to stay in the salon and motor out of St. Augustine and north to Jacksonville. As we moved across the St. Augustine Inlet I couldn't help but wonder how many cannon balls were laying on the bottom, fired from the many guns that lined the Castillo de San Marcus. 

Castillo de San Marcus from the St. Augustine Inlet
   
Lady of La Leche cross
  
Goodbye to the Bridge of Lions

    We knew there were not many options to anchor on this leg as the waterway is narrow and the wind was projected to pick up in the evening. Still chilly temperatures, running the heat from shore power seemed like the best option.

    We made our way along the Tolomato River towards Palm Cove Marina just off the ICW. The Tolomato River extends from the inlet at St. Augustine to the St. John's River east of Jacksonville. 
    
Beautiful unspoiled marsh and tree hammocks

    As we turned into the creek leading to Palm Cove Marina the current was pushing us at a fast clip and I had to gun the engine and "crab" into the channel entrance. Once out of the river's influence, it was easy going to the marina basin. Jockeying the gear and throttle brought us stern in for a port side tie. The crew had once again got us snug up to the dock.
   
Troll on a Troll

        Yes, some days are just travel days and not much else, but between the dolphin slinging a fish in the air, the otter playing in the marina basin and the beautiful landscapes, it's certainly something more.
  
The Conch sounded for this one
    
St. Augustine to Jacksonville



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