May 11 - 15 Heading Out - St Augustine

Well we are finally on our way!!!  After several hours of final prep and an evening meal with our friends Jim and Gail (who gave us some welcome advice), we left the dock and headed north the next morning.  Our hopes of going on the outside to St Augustine were dashed when we heard that the seas were 2 to 4 and would be increasing during the day, and with an easterly fetch would have made an uncomfortable ride.  So, up the ditch (Intercoastal Waterway) we go.

We used our new sun enclosure which is perfect as the trip was about 80 to 85 degrees.  Keeping the sun off us with the breeze that flows through the fabric, makes it seem cooler than the 85 degrees.   With the wind at a steady 10 knots, we launch our new jib.  It is a yankee cut and smaller than the 150 jib it replaced.  Though it does not have the same sail area as the original, seeing the other boats from the helm on both a starboard and port tack is great.  Before, on a starboard tack, we would have to leave the helm seat to look around the sail.


Since we were just in St Augustine about 6 months ago, coldest trip ever, our plan is to stay two nights.  However, looking at the weather, we are in for a blow on Wednesday and Thursday, so we will be staying put until Friday.  St. Augustine is not a bad place to be stuck.

It is funny, we have been prepping for this trip in what seems forever, and of course we forgot things.  We left our fresh veggies in our fridge at home, took everything else, frozen foods, cheese, etc., but forgot to get them out of the crisper.  Then, I forgot to pack the 5 gallon water jugs, although not essential as you can stop at marinas and fuel stations, but always nice to have as a back-up.  Beth has already made notes on what we missed for our next trip's check list.

Since we forgot the veggies, we found a produce market about a mile away from our mooring.  Walking across the bridge gave us a view of the marina and moorings. There are two galleons at the docks; a little pricey to tour, but we did get a great view from the bridge.  There are also several large "Cats" in the marina; lotto boats all.

Well the rain is finally here.  After being ominous all day on Wednesday and Thursday morning, we are getting the storms they have been predicting.  Beth went ashore using their "ferry" service, a small boat that picks you up at your boat and then drops you at the dock.  The only issue is that it runs every two hours and only runs until 6 PM.  After some "work", I dingyed in and Beth and I went for a walk around the town.  Once we heard thunder, we hurried back to the boat arriving right before the first deluge.  I turned on the marine weather to hear that there is a tornado warning south of us.   Looking at the radar, there is a huge thunderstorm over us right now.