Slow Drift

For sanity's sake, we stopped counting bridges
and overhead electrical cables along the ICW

Our second night tied to Coinjock Dock was a quiet & calm delight.  Well rested, we then began the process of running very long days along the ICW until we could (hopefully) find an inlet (preferably, a wide, shipping channel) out to the Gulf Stream and slip down the outside (i.e. along the coast) to our RV destination.  First exit considered was Beaufort, NC (winds too strong), then next opportunity was Cape Fear River (there’s that name again!) and still no weather relief.  Finally, we managed a good day, the GPS was working at last and we even had an outgoing tide to slide out at Charleston.  So out into the wild blue we charged.  All went well until the evening when winds and rain resumed from the north and we banged and crashed our way 140nm south until GS called for mercy.  No, she could NOT take a further punishing 100nm down to Fort Pierce, so early next morning, taking care not to tread on any more submarine tails, we entered at St Mary’s River near Fernandina Beach. Florida, we have arrived!  Oh my, but it's still rather chilly!

Stunning sunset over our Alligator River anchorage

A strong wind was howling over a busy Fernandina anchorage.  It was jam-packed with boats waiting to head north.  After 20 seconds of consideration, WJ3’s anchor was lifted and off we moved, further south along the ICW; the Cap’n clocking up 36 hours straight on this run.

During our gallop down the ICW, the cold refused to relinquish its hold so we found ourselves early one morning in Bucksport SC, cracking ice off the boat.  Further excitement along the ICW was had by a chance meeting with a rather interesting drone.  The owners, perhaps a bunch of university nerds, decided we were suitable guinea pigs for a little observational study.  It dashed off in a hurry, red lights indignantly flashing, when the Cap’n produced his phone to take a photo. 

Icing up in the fog at Bucksport NC on the Waccamaw River

There's a bald eagle on top of the large tree.
What do you mean, you can't see it?

We also managed to avoid going aground this year (phew!) but just past St John’s River we hit some very strong eddies under the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge, Florida that sent WJ3 into a bit of a spin.  Next challenge was finding ourselves in rather “skinny” water off Pine Island to anchor for the night.  Even a tow was having to be pulled off muddy river banks by tugs, causing much shouting by various workmen.  We didn’t feel so bad after all!

As for wildlife sightings, we were fortunate to see a couple of alligators this year, including a rather heavy-duty guy off the Haulover Canal near Titusville, not to mention seeing manatees (dugongs) wallowing in the warmth near our Vero Beach mooring.  

And we always hold our breath so as not to meet a tow
in the middle of the swampy Stumpy Pungo

The list of boat challenges however, became increasing longer.  WJ3 was letting us know she did not want to leave Deltaville and that she was also not happy having been left alone for 3 long, lonesome years.  By Vero Beach, we had our hardworking main sail stuck inside the mast, the dingy outboard refused to work, the bow thruster battery was as dead as a doornail, our little Waeco fridge was struggling to keep cold drinks cold (NO, not hot beer again!) and our poor Cap’n was working hard at every stop to keep us afloat and going south. No rest for the wicked, so they say! 

Still, it was not all bad as we eventually made Vero Beach Marina for a 5-night stay; a goodly time to rest and prep for the arrival of our guests in West Palm Beach.