An absolutely gorgeous morning.
And then Paul spilled his coffee and we had trouble getting off the dock. The forecast was high of 85 with 86% humidity. We left with the high tide hoping to hit the super low spots during the higher tide and get to Fernandina on slack tide. Slack tide being the 30 minutes or so when the tide starts switching from high to low or low to high. This is the best time to dock, anchor or grab a mooring ball.
The macabre theme continues. The water was super calm most of the day with gray cloud coverage and the occasional sprinkle of rain. Most of the trip occurred without seeing any other boats or people. The only sound being the quiet hum of the motor and the water slapping against the hull. It was the perfect setting for a Stephen King novel. Even the dolphins were super silent and just slipped beneath the water without playing or talking.
Some spots were so narrow we could have jumped onto the beach. Others spots were so wide I could not see the shoreline. However the channel stayed narrow and shallow for most of the trip.
Old plantation homes and old railroad swing bridges added to the eeriness of the day.
Then we arrived in Fernandina. The first thing I spot is a yacht seemingly anchored in the grassy marsh. Positioned as if the owner will return at any time.
And then the small sailboat that apparently spends most of its time under the tide.
Fishing boats are fascinating to me since the amount of work and time spent doing the rough, heavy work of true fishing amazes me. However, they look like the perfect setting for a thriller. (Maybe I read too much!)
Back to reality. We managed to snag our first mooring ball. It was way more slimy and slippery than anticipated. Luckily we have a hose on the front of the boat to wash off our anchor or the mess left from putting green slimed mooring balls on the deck!
And now we are secure for the weekend and know we cannot swing into other boats or drag anchor. Or like this poor fellow, wind up on the beach.
The only unfortunate part of this mooring is the two paper plants between us and the ocean. We intermittently have to inhale noxious fumes.
A nice cool breeze on the back swing and a glass of wine complete my day!
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