Time is flying and we cannot believe that it is approaching mid July. The events of the past few months are a blur and we have trouble keeping which port at which date in proper order. It is a good thing we are keeping a log of our cruise. Several times daily, some place or someone comes to mind for which we discuss when it was or where we were. We are now 716.5 statute miles from the zero marker on the ICW in Norfolk, Va. This is right at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, our destination unless weather allows us more northern ports.
From this place north, things get more congested boat wise. This is mostly due to commercial and military traffic. Sub and surface Naval activity seems to occur every few miles or so from here north. The ICW gets narrower in spots and shallower in others. Tides will play more of a roll in the planning. Just yesterday in this marina, the tides were almost 8 feet. We depart tomorrow and the tides will be plus 7 at 0900. Guess that is a good shove off time since at low tide we are sitting in the mud at this slip.
We have enjoyed this place with much history within walking distance. The dock master and his staff are very professional and helpful. Being at the inlet to sea, we have seen some really interesting boats of all kinds, we have seen no submarines to date. My guess is that they might depart or return in the middle of the night (something about those pesky satellites).
Amelia Island is the place where a Third System Fort was built in the 1840’s, Fort Clinch named after General Duncan Lamont Clinch of the Second Siminole War. It is the most preserved one we have seen thus far. It actually has a supply room with supplies, barracks with beds and even living history troops. They actually do reenactments here on certain holidays. The fort was never completed but was occupied by Union Soldiers during the Northern War of Aggression as well as several Confederate Infantry regiments. Like all Third System Forts built of brick and stone, the invention of the rifled barrel cannon with heavier shot and greater accuracy spelled an end to this technology. Nevertheless, it was occupied off and on thru 1945 with elements of the Army, Navy and Coast Guard keeping spies out of these waters. Now comes the dilemma; if we are to get north, given the number of forts from here to the Chesapeake, I will have to skip a few lest we get nowhere. Dang, so many forts------.
Mooring Field at Fernandina Beach
Bear terms her readiness at 75 to 80% which is not great but she is ready to get underway again. We know that to get back to 100%, more drastic measures will be required should she choose to play rugby again. Then again, has there ever been a crew that hit on all cylinders?
Keeling Time left for Jekyll Island where they will leave their boat for about six weeks. We will catch them again on Monday and sail past. Methinks we may not see them again until the Chesapeake.
2 comments:
Okay Captn Monkey Nutts, when are you and the Bear gonna be somewhere on the east coast to meet and have drinks?
Not sure when or where but will give some indication when we plan to stick somewhere for a few days.
Post a Comment