Into the Saint Johns River

Bob and I left a very cold Jacksonville Beach at nine o'clock. The overnight low was 39, but it had already warmed up to 46 and was headed to 55. The wind was very strong from the NE, blowing 15-20 knots.

In addition to a strong headwind, we were bucking a strong current as the tide was rushing in at the Saint Johns Inlet. When we got to the Saint Johns River about 10:15, the current was wild and frothy. I could feel Agaliha's rudder revolt in the strong conditions. As soon as we entered the river, the current started pushing us, but it was working against the strong wind, so we had some big waves that were splashing us in the face.

We followed the buoys upstream in the river towards Jacksonville to the west. We passed Sister's Creek, where the ICW continues north to Georgia and South Carolina. Our speed through the water was about 5.8 knots, but our speed over ground was almost 8 knots. Soon we were passing the giant cranes of the Jacksonville Port Authority.


Bob and I were concerned about the absence of ships in the port. We couldn't help but wonder if it was a sign of a stagnant economy. Before we knew it, we were approaching the Main Street lift bridge in downtown Jacksonville. We called the bridge tender and he matched our speed for a perfect lift as we sailed under as traffic waited. Our marina was just past the bridge, and getting into our slip in a 2 knot current was another character-building experience.


After I rinsed the salt water off of Agaliha, Bob and I walked over the same bridge that had lifted for us to visit the Jacksonville Maritime Museum. It was a disappointment. They are missing an opportunity to tell Jacksonville's role in a rich marine history all the way back to 1564 when the first French boat landed here in search of gold and silver.








When we checked the weather, the forecast had changed dramatically. Last night was the coldest night and the normal temperatures would be returning soon. I looked enviously at the charts into Georgia and South Carolina. It would be fun to keep going.

Maybe there will be a "Bucket Trip Two." But for now, I am very satisfied with all I have seen and accomplished. It's time to go home.

Tomorrow should bring us to the end of the line...the boatyard at Green Cove Springs.





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