Dec 16 - Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville • December 16, 2019

AFTER 1756 MILES TRAVELING AT 6 MPH, WE FINALLY MADE IT TO OUR DESTINATION IN FLORIDA - MARINA AT ORTEGA LANDING!!

At the crack of dawn, we decided to leave the free dock. The current was just starting to run. The more we were to delay the worse the current would get so we decided to leave immediately. With some help from our dockmates, we were able to get off the dock without damaging anybody's else's boat.

The St. John's river into Jacksonville was very busy. After we approached the river, we were immediately approached by a security boat that was enforcing a zone restriction around one of the US navy boats that was docked on the shore. After that we were free to travel up the river. After about 30 minutes, I looked back and there was this big honking freighter coming up behind me in the channel. I had to get out of the channel to let this behemoth pass by. Later down the river this happened again, These freighters note at great speeds compared to Fat Bottomed Girl. We also encountered 4 navy gun boats flying by us down the river probably to escort some navy boat. We did wave but got no response. I think Lynn said that someone waved but I think he was probably scratching his nose.

The pics below show the last freighter to sneak up on us. I decided to go off channel again and wait for it to pass, which it did. Then as I was following it down the river, the tug boats assisting it to dock, decided to spin it around 180 degrees blocking off the entire channel. Again we had to wait for this maneuver to complete before we could pass by it. Very stressful for the 1st mate.

We arrived at Marina at Ortega Landing outside of Jacksonville around 2 pm. The skies were clear and the weather warm at 25C.

The marina is absolutely great. First class facilities with very friendly staff and dock mates. Lynn and I both feel that at first glance, we have made the right decision to stay here for the next few months exploring the area as well as other parts of Florida.

As the "journey" has ended, I think we will be ending further entries in this blog as I am sure people will not want to hear about our "vacation in Florida" details. The support that everyone has given us on our trip has been outstanding. Getting comments and feedback on our entries was enormously appreciated and made our journey more comforting. Thanks to everyone who has supported this blog and I hope that you got something out of it.

Our next boat!

Ross • 17 Dec, 2019

Glad the crew made the long journey safely. Great blog, we enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Allan & Lynn • 17 Dec, 2019

Thanks Ross, glad you enjoyed it.

Grant • 17 Dec, 2019

Loved the blogs ! And photos ! Thanks ! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip when you get back to PD ! Take care ....

Katie • 17 Dec, 2019

Congratulations on reaching your destination. Your blog was well written and interesting. Thanks for sharing. Am envious of the temperature! That was in C wasn't it?

Linda O • 17 Dec, 2019

It was so nice to follow along on your adventure and I can now breathe a sigh of relief that you’ve made it to your warm and sunny destination in one piece. Enjoy your time there...eat, drink and be merry! xoxo

Mike • 17 Dec, 2019

Thanks for allowing me to travel along with you on your adventure ( via your blog) ,now you can relax & live your dream. Take care. See you in the Spring..

Yolande • 17 Dec, 2019

Al and I enjoyed following your adventure on your blog. We were with you all the way. Enjoy your stay in Jacksonville.

Diane & Jim • 17 Dec, 2019

Congratulations, on successfully reaching your destination!

Helen • 18 Dec, 2019

Hopefully you had time to uncork the wine and toast to you both on your accomplishments. We will also toast knowing you have safely anchored and are ready for the land experiences. Our knowledge has been enriched as we sailed with you and enjoyed all the beauty and history that you shared. A journal well worth keeping.

Sherry • 18 Dec, 2019

So happy for you to have completed your dream trip. Was great reading about your adventurers. Now to enjoy your retirement and by the way you may have to start work again to buy that new boat. Let me know once you have it I'll be down to stay on it!!! Merry Christmas in Florida xoxox

Sue • 18 Dec, 2019

So glad to hear you have finally arrived! Have really enjoyed following the blog.

Lee (from Nyack) • 22 Dec, 2019

A wonderful blog. Really enjoyed traveling with you guys! Merry Christmas and have a great winter.

Pat • 03 Jan, 2020

Congratulations, Allan and Lynn on achieving your goal. That was quite impressive to say the least. it took a lot of effort, planning, guts and determination, and most folks are just in awe of your accomplishment. Enjoy the next few months in sunny and warm Florida. Happy New years, and may 2020 bring you much joy, happiness, and good fortune...

Allan & Lynn • 08 Jan, 2020

Thanks Pat. We do appreciate all the support we got from everyone. It makes us feel great to have such good friends! Happy new year to you, Judy and the family. We expect to be back by early march ( hopefully before your big trip ) and look forward to seeing everyone.