Ponce de Leon sunrise

We saw the shuttle lift-off yesterday and it was amazing! We were about 100 miles from the Kennedy Space Center but could really see the red flame from the boosters. The shuttle arched over our heads into a perfectly blue sky.....beautiful. This morning we left Ponce de Leon inlet at 6:30 and were treated to a splendid sunrise off the bow of our boat. We typically don't see really nice sunsets because there is always land to our west. But the sunrises have been spectacular! We'll be in Vero Beach this Thursday where we'll be meeting dockmates Jim and Joyce from Katlynn on Sodus Bay. It's always nice to see friends from home.

Fernandina Beach

Today was sunny and warm so we spent the afternoon at the beach. Steve was on the surfboard for three hours and would have stayed longer but the parentals were getting hungry. The Sunday special today was lobster for $5.00-what a deal! Fernandina Beach is truly beautiful with a board walk, parks, a basketball court, a skate park, and a bathhouse all close to the ocean.

Fort Clinch, Fernandina Beach

Construction on Fort Clinch began in 1847. It was a masonry fort constructed at the mouth of the St. Mary's River to protect the coastal port of Fernandina. The fort was never totally completed, neither did it see any action during the Civil War. With the advent of the rifled barrel cannon, forts constructed of stone and brick were no longer sturdy enough to withstand an assault. In 1935 Fort Clinch became one of Florida's first state parks.

Pelican Watch

This pelican is on watch! We are nestled between two shrimp boats here at the dock and these guys are always looking for fish. We have two crab pots in the water but have only caught one crab. We just moved the two crab traps and we'll keep you posted!

Amelia Island, Florida

We have arrived in the sunshine state and we are taking it easy here in Amelia Island for the next ten days. Fernandina Beach is on the Atlantic just a short bike ride from our boat. The town is filled with quaint shops, lovely parks, and friendly people. We are tied up to my cousin Marilyn's shrimp dock, complete with a former shrimp processing plant and a boat launch. In this photo we are sitting in her waterfront studio looking out at the anchorage. There is an 8' tide here so Ranger only goes for walks when we can easily get him on and off the boat....he's not really good at climbing ladders.

Georgia

Steve and I walked this beach in Georgia with Ranger. We had a small shark next to the beach surfacing every once in awhile while he searched for dinner. Several dolphins were also at water's edge. The forest was filled with palmetto trees and Spanish moss that draped from the larger tree branches. This is a wonder-land!

No See-Ums

We are at a beautiful anchorage just north of St. Simon's Sound in southern Georgia. For the past three days an army of little black no see-ums have been out in force. They arrive about 30 minutes before sunset and they absolutely love to bite at your ankles, wrists, neck, etc. They seem to be everywhere and unlike the mosquito that buzzes these little guys strike with no warning. Luckily for us I spent three weeks before leaving the Great Lakes sewing screening that velcros completely around our cockpit. We put the screens up every night and can sit outside with very few bugs. Many of the homes we pass along the way have their outside patios completely screened in. We are in the middle of the salt marshes and sawgrass so common along the ICW in South Carolina and Georgia so bugs and critters are to be expected!

Fort Sumter

We visited Fort Sumter before heading out today to Bull Creek, Mile 565.5......a beautiful anchorage with a beach and a wildlife preserve for Ranger. South Carolina held Fort Sumter from 1861-1865. The fort experienced one of the longest sieges in modern history. For two years, 46,000 shells were fired at Fort Sumter by Union troops.

Pfuntners

Viv, Harold, and Eric all came to the boat for a visit and then drove us to North Charleston where they now both own beautiful homes. It was nice to be in a house complete with large bathrooms and a fenced in yard for Ranger. We shared southern KFC for dinner and played cards til late.....which was not too good for Eric as he has to get up for work at 4:30 AM. His wife, a pastry chef, drove us back to the marina. What a nice stop!

Southern Cemeteries

We have visited cemeteries in both Beaufort, NC and here in Charleston, SC. The headstones tell stories of plagues, wars, infant mortality and family ties. But most interesting are the glimpses one gets into the faith of these former residents. Etched in stone is their hope in eternal life through Jesus Christ and a belief that this world is not all there is-paradise awaits us! I especially like the saying on this grave......"life is eternal, love is immortal, and death is only a horizon".