We're in Florida!!

We decided to stay another day at Isle of Hope because of the incredibly cold temperatures and wind chill predicted. The marina had a loaner car, so Dad and Michael went to Walmart and stocked up on groceries. After school, we got the car again, so we went out to eat and did some Christmas shopping.

We achieved a record temperature during our second morning at Isle of Hope. It was 39 degrees in the boat when we woke up. The wind had been blowing steadily all night, so we were really glad we stayed in the marina. We left around seven, and started our long day toward through Georgia. There is one marina 13 miles south of Isle of Hope, but no more after that for about seventy miles. Mom and Dad were going to stop at that marina, because the temperatures were supposed to dip into the 20s again, but we convinced them to let us tough it out, so we could get further south.

We anchored at Duplin River, 65 miles north of Florida. There was a ferry landing there, so Michael and Mom were able to take Tazzie for a long walk on land. The area was not developed, but the University of Georgia has a marine research sight there. Before the sun set, it was warm enough to sit out on the deck, provided you had enough layers on. But it was nice to be outside, even if it was only for a little bit.

It was a cold morning to be pulling up wet anchor lines Wednesday morning. But our trusty anchoring crew, Dad and Erin, got us underway bright (well, not really bright) and early. It was a very calm day on the water, and we were even tempted to go out into the ocean at St. Simon's inlet, but we realized it would be dark when we had to come back in, so we decided to stay inside. Around four o'clock, we crossed the border into Florida. We tied up to a mooring ball at Fernandina Beach. While we were exploring the town of Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, we were quite depressed to see a snowman in front of one of the shops. That was not the kind of Florida welcome we were hoping for! At least it was melting.

Mom, Michael and I took Taz on a walk in search of the ocean beach. It was two miles and just about dark when we got there, but it was still nice to be on the beach.

Unfortunately, our desire to get south overruled any thoughts of staying at Fernandina Beach, so we left early, hoping to get to St. Augustine before dark. Seven years ago, when we were last here, St. Augustine had a huge marine consignment store, as well as a nice downtown area and the St. Augustine fort. We plan to spend tomorrow here at St. Augustine, exploring the town, and enjoying the predicted 60 degree weather.