Frederica River

 APRIL 19,2010 -Although the weather reports were calling for a chance of stronger winds  we decided to give travelling a shot. We made plans ahead of time where we would anchor, if either of us felt uncomfortable or if the weather became nasty. Most of the trip would be inside but there were a couple of large sounds that we would have to traverse, we also made plans to try the alternate route if necessary. So we weighed anchor and headed out for the day. Our destination today was the Frederica River, where we planned to go ashore and finally see the fort.

The Sun Trying to Peek Through

Entering St. Andrews Sound the winds had kicked up and the winds and tide were against one another so the ride would have been uncomfortable, especially since the ICW goes very close to the mouth of the ocean. So we decided to take the Little Satilla River alternate route. Our timing was good for this because again at the furthest part the river would have been at high tide. Well we discovered that high tide was absolutely necessary because our depth sounding alarms peeled off at 2 feet below the keel. At one point we even saw 9 inches under the keel ,,,, YIKES! Only a little ride left. Well we entered Jekyll Sound and the sun was finally trying to come out. St. Simon's Sound was not as rough as St. Andrews.

Little Satilla River

Shortly after lunch we dropped anchor in the Frederica River. You cannot believe how dissapointed we were when we noticed the landing dock had not been completed. So, exploring Fort Frederica was no longer on our to do list. Oh, well, maybe next year.

Sunset in Frederica River

APRIL 20,2010 Early in the morning we weighed anchor. We rose to a very calm morning and set out for our next anchorage Big Tom Creek.  Our conversation arose as to whether we should have attempted to land at the dock the day before.  We soon realized we made a wise decision not to attempt it because along the grass there was a good size alligator just relaxing and we would have had to step near the grass,,, YIKES!!!

Early Morning

Cumberland Island

Summer Wind anchored

Saturday April 17th we untied from the dock shortly after 7am. It was great timing for us because the tide was running very slowly and getting on our way would be easy. Our destination today was Cumberland Island anchorage. This was a new adventure for us, we had planned to stop here in the fall but the weather didn't cooperate. The trip down was lovely, the sun was shining and the seas calm, we enjoyed a great day travelling. Shortly around 4pm we anchored down and enjoyed a delicious and quiet dinner on board. After our almost two weeks of being with friends it was very peaceful with just the two of us.

Sea Camp Ranger Station

Sunday morning we rose lazily,and prepared for our adventure on Cumberland Island. For those that don't know Cumberland Island is a Federal Park and rich with history, wild horses and great beaches. We prepared our dinghy to land ashore, we were very excited about this new adventure. We timed our landing for the Park Ranger tour around Dungeness, however we were a little early so we decided to explore on our own. The Park Ranger gave us a map, made recommendations about the route we should take and told us the horses were not "Flicker". They were indeed wild horses and would bite or stampede if provoked.

Well the route the Park Ranger gave us was about 4-5 miles and we walked the whole thing. It took us through the natural forest, then through Dungeness with the ruins around to the Beach and then back to Sea Camp where we began.

 Each area was a contrast and wonder. Our first encounter were the large oaks and heavy foliage with Spanish Moss, absolutely beautiful. Believe it or not our first critter of wonder was the Armadillo. There is an Ice House museum with history of the Island, very interesting. We followed the path and came to Dungeness. As we were walking we came across several hikers asking, "Did you see any horses?" Well our answer was typically, No not yet but we know they are on the Island." Dungeness, although in ruins gave us an idea about how immense and affluent the Carnegie family were at the time. We had walked to the most southern part of the Island before the Salt Marsh and decided to go for a little lunch.

Armidillo

Wild Horses

Even though there were signs (manure piles) that horses had been roaming this island we haven't seen any other evidence at this time, until there was this loud neighing coming from the Salt Marsh. I (Elle) told Dick I could hear this neighing and walked back behind the Dungeness. The sound was louder but I couldn't see any horses. All of a sudden four horses came bounding up the back and braying loudly as if to say , "Clear the way" and we did. We stood back in awe and watched these four beautiful horses come to a pipe that was leaking fresh water. Obviously this was the herds normal routine. We remembered what the ranger saying, these aren't Flicker and gave them a wide berth.

Cumberland Park Trail

Dungeness Entrance

Dungeness Ruins

The Back View of Dungeness

After that we sat down to a lunch we brought with us. Now for those that have never been to this Island whatever you bring in way of garbage, you take with you. Even the restrooms do not have garbage bins. But the restrooms did have some interesting historical pieces.

After lunch we explored the beach, beautiful soft looking dunes surrounded the beach. Crossing the dunes off the advised path is not wise, we were told there are snakes and biting bugs in the white sand. There are paths where people can walk and explore. The beach is wide and flat and goes for about 5 miles.

The beach leads back to the Sea Camp park where we began. There is a grove of Mangroves that provide a canopy away from the pelting sun. We were exhausted when we finally reached the dinghy dock but thoroughly enjoyed our adventure. We made notes to visit this island again because in the northern part there is a church that John F. Kennedy Jr. had married in and Plum Orchard a mansion to be explored amongst the natural setting of the park.

Cumberland Beach

A Canopy of Mangroves

Playing in the Sand

Miles of Dunes

Before we reached the Summer Wind we noticed a boat out in the anchorage. It was Diamond Girl, so we went over to say hello. That evening we went aboard for cocktails, and conversation. Great catching up with Bud and Elaine, thank you so much!

Diamond Girl

Southern Rendezvous in St. Augustine with the MTOA

Saying goodbye to Danette and Jim

Saturday April 10th we said good bye to Danette and Jim and the quiet dockage in Palm Coast.We were the second vessel in a train of boats. Our destination today was the MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) Southern Rendezvous in St. Augustine. There were an expected 50 + boats and approximately 188 people. St. Augustine Municipal marina was offering MTOA members 7 nights for the price of 5, not to mention that this city is one of our favorites, its always a must stop.  Our timing into the marina was important because we wanted to get past Matanzas Inlet which had been shoaling badly and several boats have run aground. There is also a current that can make docking pretty tricky so, slack tide is best for this feat. We had no problems and soon we were settled in St. Augustine. Next we were on the dock greeting other MTOA members. We could tell this was going to be a great week of fun!!

Our Turtle Badges

Let us take a moment to tell you about this wonderful organization. It's geared for cruisers that travel at 'turtle speed' and enjoy the cruising lifestyle whether you are snowturtles or full time liveaboards. If you need help anywhere on the water,there are port captains only a phone call away and always wanting and willing to help. We have made  many wonderful new friends that when we come into port, they greet us like long lost family. If you cruise and want to join check it out http://www.mtoa.net/ .  Oh yes and if you do join, give them our MTOA number so Dick can earn a yellow turtle!! He has earned three, but shared and gave Elle one ,, isn't that sweet. Oh Yes, one cruiser was a sail boater so come on Harlemites!  Just remember with MTOA your never alone on the waterway!

Working the Dock

OK, back to the rendezvous. Dick went right to work on earning his Emerald turtle pin. He volunteered for dock duty. Because the tide runs so quickly the marina dock master  preferred that volunteers be meeters and greeters rather then handle the lines which was understandable.

Ed & Delores, Elaine & Bud join us
for lunch on the Summer Wind

Elle began her list of chores with laundry and tidying up the boat. The boat needed tidying because we were hosting lunch on board for Delores and Ed from Palm Coast and Bud and Elaine from Diamond Girl . Monday morning  at 8am Elle started earning her Emerald Turtle pin with registration. For those that don't know us, early rising isn't our normal routine, if we are staying put for a few days. However ,,, with the help of the construction machines pounding on the bridge starting at 6 am,,, who could possibly sleep in???

For four days we were busy with with many, many seminars. Some of our favorites were, Active Captain, Engine room class ,Fitness aboard, Northern Right Whale, but most importantly Medical Emergencies aboard your boat. Elle enjoyed the Picture Yourself in Shells craft. Each day was topped with 'social hour' where everyone shared an appetizer and great conversation. Tuesday we were invited out to dinner with the Treasure Coast group. They kind of adopted us seeing as we joined them for lunch in Manatee Pocket when we were in Stuart. Wednesday was the theme dinner 'Lion around in St. Augustine' where PJ's were the formal wear of the event, this was great fun! There was a rooftop PJ social hour and the view was absolutely amazing ( not just the pjs).  No we didn't win the contest but Dick decorated our pj's with stickers of lions and turtles! The competition was just too stiff!!!  Never the less we had a great evening with dancing ,, can you imagine no uncomfortable shoes to worry about! Thursday night was an awards dinner and we both were given our coveted turtle pins.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Yacht
Club

Friday some of the MTOA members left St. Augustine but there were a few of us remaining. We were all invited over to the St. Augustine Yacht Club for cocktail hour and appetizers. The 'appetizers' (chicken wings, lasagna,salad, veggie sticks, rolls) were free and the drinks reasonably priced.We were welcomed by the group and came out stuffed. Another great night!

Our Party PJ's

Contest Winner
picture courtesy of Linda Getzold

Sarah is into Turtles
picture courtesy of Linda Getzold

Passionata at uhm her best!

Rooftop Party
picture courtesy of Linda Getzold

St. Augustine Municipal Marina &
Summer Wind
picture courtesy of Linda Getzold

Sadly the fun with the MTOA came to an end on Saturday morning. We pulled out shortly after 7 and headed north. Looking forward til the next time we meet.

Sunrise in St. Augustine