Dolphin breaks the surface along side us

All bundled up to keep warm on watch

Ponce Inlet at dawn

Cormorants on the ICW

Charleston to Titusville (again plan B)

We departed Charleston on Wednesday the 7^th at 8AM; the tide and current were favorable for this time. Our goal was Cumberland Island Georgia, a National seashore park with lots of history and nature viewing possible. This island is on the Georgia Florida border. We arrived at St Mary’s entrance at dawn after a fabulous sail (yea! finally no engine running) of about 24 hours and made our way in. As it turns out we only spent 3 hours anchored there. We were able to connect for a quick check of the weather that indicated that we would not likely have favorable conditions to get to Florida for about a week. This could severely hamper our plans to fly to NY to be with family for Thanksgiving.

Whey anchor and off to Titusville Florida via Ponce Inlet a 100-mile passage. We wanted to time this voyage so we would arrive at first light as this inlet is not to be dealt with in the darkness of night. As usual the great wind we had from Charleston all but died leaving the seaway hitting us on the beam (side) so we did noting but roll, thus an uncomfortable and mostly sleepless night. The good news is the inlet was benign and we made a speedy trip down the ICW to Titusville City Marina. We will be here about a month. This should give us plenty of time to get a bunch of boat jobs done. Yesterday we dried out the dingy engine (once the diver retrieved it from the bottom) that decided to go for a swim as we were trying to get off the fuel dock, along with straightening out the port running light. At least both running lights match now. Duck tape works wonders. The wind is great for sailing but not when it pins you to the dock when you are trying to get off of it.

Today we tackled the removal of a port window that leaked during Hurricane Sandy. With plastic over the port we’ll get the needed caulk to finish the job.

It’s not all work we had a nice walk to a local park for an arts festival and some live music. Finally wearing sandals, t-shirt and shorts. It was 73 today! After sailing all night with weather in the 30/40 this is a welcomed change!