Fernandina, Florida

 

Sunrise at Wally's Leg.  Stunning.  

And cold enough that we had ice formed on the jib sail bag and on the deck.  In addition to the cold start, we were stuck in the mud.  Overnight we had swung towards shore, the tide went out and we were in 3  feet of water.  We need 3 feet 6 inches to float.  But with Paul and Ximena pulling on the anchor chain, we were soon free and headed south to warmer waters.  

                                            We saw white pelicans for the first time!

And all the docks we passed and bridge structures were covered with birds,  So many cormorants, seagulls and pelicans.

And then because I made a wrong turn (Paul and Ximena were messing with the main sail and unable to be my second pair of eyes, I made the decision to go off course), we headed to the ocean.  We could have turned around but the waves and wind looked good.  So we wound up traveling down the coast.  Fun!

We stopped for the night in Fernandina, Florida and grabbed a mooring ball.  Only when we first entered the mooring field we attempted to grab a crab pot disguised as a mooring ball.  When the dockmaster saw what was happening he hailed us on the radio.  Did we feel silly!  It is slightly warmer here and the low is only going to be 37'.  We managed showers at the marina which felt great even though the water was only lukewarm.  We are still hoping for warmer weather as we head south.  Where is it warm?

Sunset from Fernandina Marina - gorgeous!

Today is National Slime Day and National Joy Day.

                            Here is Madelyn Joy and Brooke playing with slime (a few years ago)!