We departed Brunswick in moderate fog, but visibility in the
river was adequate, so we pressed on. A
strong cold front is due in 2-3 days, and we want to be securely situated in a longer-term
location by that time. Also, it is quite
possible that daily fog will be a factor until the passage of that front. We passed down behind Jekyll Island in
moderate fog, with the radar, navigation lights, and fog signal all going. We only thought the fog was dense…we passed
behind Cumberland Island, and I doubt we saw a thing! We certainly did not see the horses which
were clearly visible on our northward passage.
The King’s Bay naval submarine base was cleared, and fog was somewhat
lighter as we crossed the St. Mary’s River into Florida. We docked at the Fernandina Harbor Marina,
and went off to renew our acquaintance with this quaint, downtown stop.
The following morning we were off early, at high tide, to
traverse a very shallow area that lies just south of Fernandina Beach. With the high tide and careful attention to
suggestions from those passing before us, we had no difficulty. We traversed Sawpit Creek, cleared the
Sister’s Creek Bridge, and entered the St. John River about 0945. Our travel upriver through Jacksonsville was
uneventful and faster than we had anticipated.
We passed a number of large vessels, and after passing the downtown area
we turned out of the St. John River into the smaller Ortega River, the location
of our destination marina. Once out of
its center, the St. John River was shallower than admitted on charts, but we
had no difficulty passing through the little Ortega River Bridge and docking at
Ortega Landing Marina before noon. This is a very
nice facility with pool, hot tub, and nice facilities, and we are glad to be in
Florida, only four months after the arrival anticipated in our original plans
last fall!
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| Fernandina Beach, FL |
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| On Watch |
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| Jacksonville, FL |
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| Jacksonville, FL |
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| Jacksonville, FL |
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| Jacksonville, FL |
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| Ortega Landing Marina |
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| Ortega Landing Marina |
Brings back memories! Are you going to be at Ortega for very long? There is great shopping and restaurants nearby. We will be back in Green Cove Springs just 20 miles further up the river in June.
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