Doctors Lake to Palatka City Dock 1.5.10

Another early day….the wind is bitter cold…the coldest yet…but we were snug in the sleeper last night…a bit nippy on the trip through the cockpit to the head or galley (heat the birds water bottle) but cozy under the covers.

The current was against us but not too bad…the wind at our backs. It was good running even though the river was rough all day.

We looked up….and guess who is coming….

He gave us a shout….the boat’s name is Sparks. …and is headed for Palatka…that’s twice he’s passed us….great looking boat. He’s going to be at the anchorage before us…..must be nice to have a fast boat. Perhaps we’ll get to visit with him before we leave in the morning.

Supposed to be 30 tonight….

Pine Island to Doctors Lake 1.4.10

We got up early and headed up the ICW towards Jacksonville. We had a bit of current against us most of the way…but once into the St Johns River we started getting a push and it lasted well past Jacksonville. The current can be a bit of a problem in that area with all the bridges and the ocean entrance etc. Our timing was right for once.

As we were headed into Jacksonville…the sailboat from the anchorage passed us. Wonder where he’s headed?

The Pelicans must think we are a fishing boat. They keep following us. This one cruised up to the front of the boat and looked in at me as if to see if I had any fish.

We’ve seen several flocks of white Pelicans but they usually sat in a bunch like these.

We got into Doctors Lake around 4 pm so went to Whiteys Fish Camp for supper…then back to the anchorage in Mill Cove. All totaled we did 65 miles today.

A bit of wind on the lake tonight…like being in a cradle…should be good sleeping.

U turn…heading N 1.3.10

We managed to stay warm last night. Generator is doing it’s job. We have a sailboat on either side of us. The Nonsuch has a starter problem and moved to a dock with electric. The other boat cant get his generator started this morning.

We had  perfect morning to leave the dock..no current or wind. Jim did a great job backing out….then he opened the window and told me he needed me to go to the rear and fend us off another boat…he had no “forward”. The owner came out an helped me tie up to the dock so Jim could check out the problem……shift cable casing came apart…..he made a repair…everything working again..but we are heading back to the house. I’ll feel better with a new cable…and with all this unseasonable cold…we should check out the place…we don’t winterize like we did in the N.   When we left the heat pump wasn’t working up to par…they aren't very efficient in the deep cold…but turns out it is low on coolant….

when we went through St Augustine they were shooting the cannon and this ship was cruising by.

Jim was hoping they were going to shoot back…that would have been a bit of realism.

This fishing boat was coming in from the ocean.

We are heading to the anchorage behind Pine Island. We wont make it before sundown…Look at this beautiful sunset.

The sailboat that shared the anchorage with us a few days ago is here also.

Palm Coast Marina 1.2.10

COLD last night but the generator lasted all night with the small heater…we are going to try the larger one tonight….hope it runs at least 10 hrs. It puts out more heat….but uses more fuel in the generator…

Had a nice visit with my daughter, Tammy and my granddaughter, Shaina. My Great-grandson, Matthew, was having a great time showing off on his electric 4 wheeler.  He was so busy watching us watch him …he kept forgetting to steer.  2….wow..never had toys like that as a child…ever!!!

It is COLD again tonight!