Saturday November 16, 2019 Anchored in the Indian River iat Melbourne Florida

Good afternoon everybody. Again I am further behind than I had hoped today in writing onto the blog but we are not behind in our travels south. I am writing this from Melbourne FL. We have covered a lot of ground since I last wrote.

The trip to Jacksonville was not unusual. We still had lots of marsh but more homes and recreation areas were showing up. Florida is big on recreation areas and there were many along the way. There were also remnants of the hurricanes with many docks being destroyed. Some were rebuilt but for the most part may in the smaller rivers and cuts are obviously summer homes or fishing cottages.

While we may be losing the Georgia marshes we are going to a land of bridges. I say this because Florida waterways are basically a separation between the Sea Islands and the mainland of Florida. As with the Outer Banks of North Carolina all of the Sea Islands have become resorts starting with Amelia Island at the St. Mary's River and working your way down all the way along the intercoastal waterway to Miami. The rivers that form the waterways connect in such a way as to afford a very good luck at different communities and the emphasis that they place on either being a residential or a resort community.

An example would be Daytona Florida they have a wide river that separates the city. One side is Daytona the other side is Daytona Beach. Both communities have high-rise resorts hotels and condos and looked very much like it could be Atlantic City in New Jersey. On the other hand new Smyrna Beach is very much like a very moderate to low income community with some areas being totally resort campers motor homes and fishing cottages. There is quite a contrast all the way down the waterway each community having its own unique perspective on how they prefer their communities to be seen.

Our stop at Palm Coast Maria and dinner was a good one and it was a treat for Erin on her first boating trip to the Florida waters. I believe she needed more than the dog needed the walk because she has gotten very anxious about steering the and things that might happen and it has negatively affected her opinion of the trip itself. Not of the spirit of the trip but she has become very anxious as we go in to anchor or get underway or travel down the waterways and I spend a lot of time with the help. She does her share of the hard effort for creating the navigation picture and communicated on Face book with others who we have met that are also going down the waterway so they can share experiences. I almost thought she was going to get off until  St. Augustine.

Once we left the Palm Coast Marina they homes on the canals in this very elite and very rich community were incredibly impressive and pictures that you will see definitely convey that message. Through here the waterways were pretty narrow that yet communities have built on these waterways making it one of the more popular upper and communities on the northeastern coast of Florida. Our destination was St. Augustine today. It was a little bit more of a longer run than we anticipated that we have made arrangements at the St. Augustine municipal Marina for us to spend two days tied up at the marina and two days at the mooring balls. As it turned out we were able to spend four days at the peer which allowed us not to have to dinghy the dog in and out. I should comment that is nice as it is to be tied up here it is very expensive. I was hoping that we would spend more time at anchor. The cost of doing this makes trip a little less enjoyable if you have to tie up all the time we have a capable dinghy cable motor and a very secure anchoring system in a very confident. I am not at all opposed to anchoring and moderate winds 10 to 15 miles an hour and anchor holes very nicely tying up to a Marina you don't get the kind of fresh breezes in the general motion of the boat tied up in a Marina.

The trip to St. Augustine had a lot of interesting sites to say that most impressive as you approach the harbor in St. Augustine at San Sebastian Inlet. It is obvious that this area is a very active voting area and well maintained by the Coast Guard for navigation. We were amongst five votes that were lined up at the bridge of Lyons which connects St. Augustine to Anastasia Island. As you'll see in the pictures there is a fort that guards the entrance that has a wonderful history and is very impressive from the water. We will tour this castle which is maintained by the National Park Service during this day. Much to be seen in this town. The architecture by he characters that developed the city as well as the museums, the churches, shopping and the unique character of the mixture of ethnicities that occupied and battled for the city. The fort's history goes well back to the early interest in colonizing the North American continent by Spanish French Huguenots English and even by the native Indians. We will see all the sights that we can in four days.

It just so happens that we were here for Veterans Day weekend. It brought a lot of people said the city besides voters as it was a three day weekend. Of course Larry got his bigger flags and was flying them proudly while the boat was tied at the marina. In honor of Veterans Day many of the attractions were free veterans with their ID cards of course we took advantage of that benefit. The first thing we did was take the trolley ride which takes the rider to 24 different sites and opportunities to get on and off the trolley all day long as well as having a second day to use the trolley to get around. We took full advantage of that opportunity and Larry even used it to go do some shopping once he knew where to get on and off.

Another really good thing about this stop is with another DeFever 44 owner who was taking his new boat to their homeport of Ft Lauderdale FI. We also met a couple who have a 55 foot catamaran sailboat which has amassed tall enough they can go under the 65 foot bridges. We got to spend two evenings with them one of the evenings we went to one of the local breweries and enjoyed the IPA and other beverages that they offered while having two evenings of arousing competition on the shuffleboard tables us truly enjoyed the developing friendship. We look forward to seeing them again. They charter their boat and were waiting for another opportunity to take out other couples or parties on their boat.

The trip to the fort and other locations gave us a true perspective as to how the local economy and the history helped to make St. Augustine a very popular spot or tourism. Spending time in the city is well worth anyone's interest and time.

The departure from St. Augustine was on a very windy day or generally the wind was right behind us and was pushing us along. As I mentioned about South Carolina and Georgia occurrence make a lot of traveling difficult or very beneficial. If the tide is coming in and you are going in the direction of that current we have seen speeds of his much is almost 10 miles an hour as opposed to our normal 6.8 mph from just the engines with no other boost from wind or water. Of course the opposite is true and we find ourselves doing for knots against the current which also slows us down. But when you balance it out, our 40 to 45 mile days averages about seven hours a day traveling from one place to another.

A couple of the natural sites that we have seen which are always exciting to us are the large numbers of dolphins. We have seen them in every single day and every body of water regardless of the size. Today on 16 November sitting on the fly bridge dictating this entry I am watching a pot of dolphin play and fish right in front of me the scene is wonderful to watch these beautiful creatures swim alongside and to come up and dive right in front of us. In addition to the dolphin we have had several encounters with Manatee both in the marina as well as on the waterway. Most people know that this large slow-moving mammal is an endangered species. We are very careful to keep an eye out so that we do not strike one of these if they were to surface in a. Also the unusual side in Amelia Island, which is the northernmost sea island in Florida. These were the albino pelicans. We're used to seeing Brown pelicans on the waters in the Chesapeake Bay but to see these birds which are all white and look the same flock together on small patches of sand that rise above the surface of the water. They look exactly the same except for their color. They don't fish the same way however as the brown dolphin which dives into the water. These birds either catch their own food well or swimming or they're stealing it from some other bird who has caught fish clever little rascal aren't they? These birds tend to flock together just as the saying says about birds of the same feather flock together. See some of the pictures that I took from a distance. We had not seen these birds until we crossed into Florida.

We left St. Augustine after four days in the marina with the intention of spending three days at anchor prior to arriving in Fort Pierce Florida and spending three days at a Marina. Or perhaps only two we will say. As a right this we have stopped at anchor in Daytona Beach, Titusville and now Melbourne Florida each time we have been able to find some comfort if the Anchorage by being in the Lee of the land at either a causeway or bridge crossing. Unfortunately the direction of the wind today in Melbourne is not favorable for finding a Lee and so we are currently anchored about 500 yards from the western shore of the Indian River in about 15 not steady breeze from the Northwest. And while we had hoped that we could go into the Lee of one of the bridges it just hasn't worked out well Aaron was very nervous about selecting this Anchorage but there was no place either East or West in the river that was going to be any better. Nonetheless we are securely anchored and when the wind dies this should be very adequate. At 3 PM however it's marginal is far as taking the dinghy ashore. We will have to wait and see how this works as we get a little further into the day. The real problem is where may not be able to get the puppy ashore. She is still unwilling to avoid or on the and so we have had to make I don't think you're going to get her to change her mind but that I will be a real challenge is the lens not look like they are going to take. her ashore and I don't think I to take her in  this kind of condition. As best as we tried to plan for this it's just not working out for us on this particular stop. Frankly if I have to say I'm perfectly happy is to be here and maybe not as bad as some of our folks up north and getting the weather.

Our intention is that we depart tomorrow from Anchorage for Fort Pierce Florida where we will stay for two or three days as we make our southbound trip to Key West. I will post the pictures of these places that we had been later today and hopefully put some captions with them so you can see some of the sites that we have and that I've described in this post.

Don't forget Erin as a Facebook which is offering a daily look at what we are doing and has some pictures that she took. Her Facebook page is erinmichaud (erinmurphy) and the Facebook picture is of Abigail the 14-year-old standard poodle) 

Also, we have not heard back from anybody so we are not sure that anyone is following the blog. If you are please let us know.

November 11, 2019, Jacksonville Beach, FL mile marker 747 on the ICW

I am a couple of days behind. We had a rough couple of days with the passing  cold  (Brrrr) front and decided to treat ourselves to a marina night and dinner out. I was here 20 years ago and the food was fabulous still. Anyway our next stop is St Augustine. we will be there 4 days. I will get the Blog caught up in St Augustine with text and Pictures. Next stop  will be at anchor near Daytona Beach.

Don't forget, Erin is doing Facebook entries daily also. her page is erinmichaud (erinmurphy) and the picture is of the black poodle, Abby

We have not hear from anyone via e-mail or the blog so not sure anyone is reading/following. Let us know if you are and if you are enjoying it.

Saturday, Nov 2 and Sunday, Nov 3 in Beaufort, SC, Nov 4 in Turner Creek near Hogan’s Marina then Nov 5 in Walburg Creek behind St Catherine’s Island GA then Off to Brunswick GS

It took 6 hours to get to Beaufort and fortunately for us the Swing Bridge did not have to open. Air draft at the bridge was 33 feet and our air draft is 21 ft, yeah!

We moored at the Beaufort Town Docks and were greeted by a cheerful dock crew who took our lines and hooked-up electric for us. Got the bathroom codes and then went back to Serendipity to settle in for the evening.

The first night in this Historic city was spent getting a well deserved shower, at least one of us needed it! Took Abby for a quick walk then heading off to “Plumbs” restaurant on Bay Street just 2 blocks away. What a wonderful quaint town this appeared to be. We were hungry as we only had snacks during the day. We were ready to “be served” and not prepare or cook a dinner. In high anticipation of tasty meal were arrived and a sooooo sweet old store-front that had been many things in its history and some of the history was displayed in and around the restaurant. 

We were seated inside and were quickly served. Erin fell in love with a California Sauvignon Blanc called "Proverb" and I tried a locals IPA. Both of us had 2 in the course of the meal. Both of us were anxious to sample the Shrimp and Grits, our favorite dish. It was above average but did not rise to the level of the best……..we are always in search of the “best” Shrimp and Grits.

The short walk back along the well-lit beautifully appointed waterfront was very ROMANTIC!

The next morning we slept late and did enjoy that. Our goal was to do some sightseeing, have lunch at Plumbs (their lunch menu was really attractive) then do a load of laundry and walk the waterfront. Oh I did forge to mention that the local Library was having a book sale and Erin who reads voraciously had a few books to get rid of and was in need of a few new books. She went by herself while I did some chores. The crowd at the book sale was large and the event lasted two days.

Lunch was splendid and we sat on the patio at Plumbs right on the boardwalk that is the very beautiful waterfront. I cannot say enough about this quaint, historic and casual town. Being neighbor to the Marine Corps Recruit Training center at Paris Island SC it is hard to believe that this very small and seemingly slow paced town in SE SC has managed to keep its ambience all these years, but it has.

When we returned we ran into another Citadel Alum who was visiting Beaufort by boat. He keeps his boat in Charleston but the just came to Beaufort for the weekend. It was nice to meet him and his crew and we had a nice visit and exchange of visits to our boats. We ate left overs and went to bed.  So, off to Turner Creek we went through MARSHES. This is a small creek but very deep with lots of current on both high and low tide. It was a cute creek and we selected an anchorage 500 yds upstream from Hogan’s Marina. We anchored and took the dinghy, with Abby, to go for a “Pee” walk. She was really ready. She still will not pee on the boat. The owner and staff at the Marina were welcoming and helpful. Also a bonus was the fact there was a Publix right behind the marina. Larry needed bread and Erin wanted a white wine.  The night was very quiet and the day came too early. Larry ran Abby to the marina in the morning to start her day before winding our way out of Turner Creek in very shallow water as the tide was ebbing. We came in on a flood so a glad that we anchored in the middle of the channel.

Off to a somewhat scenic Walburg creek behind a GA sea island called St Catherine’s Isle. It has quite a history and is one of the only places on the North American Continent where the Ring Tail Limier can be found. It has, like most colonial Sea Islands a tainted history with Slavery.

With a sincere disdain for oceans of MARSHES and bugs we hope to be on our way to something other than Marshes, marshes, marshes and more marshes. Georgia is the worst part of the ICW trip. Pics to follow.

Next Stop Brunswick, GA a real Port City and of recent fame because of a huge car carrier that flipped on its side as it departed the port of Brunswick. See pics.

Friday, November 1 2019, enroute Toogoodoo Creek, SC

We were underway at 11:10 Friday Morning headed to Toogoodoo Creek on Younges Island SC to visit with another DeFever 44 Owner who lives on that creek. A distance of only 27 miles so the later departure would still allow us (in of our slow boat) to arrive with plenty of time for a brief visit over wine and tasty snacks and a tour of their lovely home and Summer Breeze, their DeFever 44.

Bruce, Rosie, Larry and Erin

In the low country of SC there are many Sea Islands some with Indian names other named after, kings, queens and some that may reflect the English Owners that settled there from Barbados in the founding of the colonies. Toogoodoo was certainly one of those named by Indians of the area.

It is a deep and wide natural creek with depths in excess of 10 feet at low water for the two miles to our anchorage. I was amazed at the depths and width and surprisingly at the huge school of Dolphin that had come upstream to dine. 

ahead of us

just finished a complete jump out of the water

look carefully. the dolphin in the pic is completely out of the water

playful 

just checking us out

Just checking us out

They played with us on out departure like they were celebrating our presence with flips entirely out of the water and swimming directly next to the bow of the boat as we motored out of the creek. We were underway at 0800 and rejoined the ICW on the way to historic town of Beaufort SC, close to the Marine Corps Recruit Training Base at Paris Island, SC.

We arrived at the Beaufort Town Docks at 1620 and moored next to the Dock Masters office. Erin said she wanted to do some sightseeing in the town so we will stay here two days.

Charleston, SC October 23 thru Nov 1, 2019 Moored at The Harborage at Ashley Marina

This was our first extended down-time. Because of the hospitality of another classmate, Joe Nuttall we were able to get a very excellent slip at the marina and just one slip away from his yacht. It was the catalyst to a splendid and fun filled week for Erin, Abby and I. While in Charleston we did many things but the first purpose was to be her by boat for the Homecoming Weekend at The Citadel, Larry’s Alma Mater. Each of the last 6 years the men from “R” Company, Larry’s Company from the Class of 1968, get together and bond once again. With the reunion dinner at a classmate’s home in Mount Pleasant SC, A great Tailgate and a win at the Football game against Mercer University the weekend was all a great success the first three days were all about that. The next two days were visiting with Sister Christina who still lives there, visiting tourist sites and taking a Carriage Ride. 

Larry’s former Employer, Continental Terminals, Inc. opened a Coffee Warehouse in North Charleston to support the new coffee Roaster that Starbucks had built just north of Charleston. Larry had the opportunity to identify, to his company a gentleman that was perfect to be the new General Manager. Mickey Baldwin a native of Charleston and already a well known personality in the Port of South Carolina was perfect for the role. Mickey’s success and excellent management of the facility allowed the company to grow and firmly establish itself in the Port of South Carolina as the leading coffee warehouse in the area. 

 Larry made a side visit to a true Coffee Trading office in the heart of Charleston called Balzac Brothers Coffee trading Co. where he met the management of the firm who had become a premium customer of the Continental Terminals Coffee warehouse that Mickey ran. Further Mickey treated Erin and I to dinner at a new restaurant on John’s Island called Royal Tern. The food was super delicious and I have never has a grilled flounder so perfectly cooked.

A casual cookout at the Charleston yacht Club with Joe Nuttall and friend Tracey gave a prestigious lift to the image of our yachting experience. Joe seems to know everyone in town and he was quick to introduce us to prominent figures and his long term friends. It was fun sitting on the yacht club deck and admiring the boats on the waterfront at all three of the marinas that are clustered between the two bridges on the Ashley River. It is amazing how a simple meal of Hot Dogs and Hamburgers can enhance the bond between old friends and get to know new ones. We enjoyed our time with them and really look forward to getting to know Tracey better as time goes along.

A really good South Carolina Low country BBQ dinner with Sister Christina and her husband Johnny at Dukes BBQ on James Island gave us time to get caught-up on the lives we lead and the goings-on with our kids. Christina makes crafts that she sells at seasonal craft shows. She had brought a few of these with her and made gifts of them to us. Highlighting the gifts was a crotched comforter which she blended colors to match the color scheme on the boat as well as made a smaller one for Abby of the same color. We loved the gifts and trust me, Abby took right to it on her bed as it was going to be cooler the next few days after we depart.

Our departure day finally came and so did a swift incoming current and NE winds. Quite a challenge faced us to get out of the tight marina in which we were moored. Complicating the situation were two mullion dollar plus yachts that were in moored directly across from us and where we had to transit. Larry delayed the departure by three hours in hopes the current would slack as it reached high tide. Also the wind was supposed to shift that morning and lessen in intensity. Nonetheless it was going to be a tight squeeze, a very tight squeeze. When we finally departed we had an audience that included the hired Captain of the million dollar yachts and others. Larry sounded the “change of status” signal on the ships horn to alert nearby vessels and owners. Then in a masterful series of moves and use of the engines and bow thruster Larry maneuvered Serendipity around the tight corner and down the narrow yacht-lined channel to the open Ashley River. Erin who was on the stern giving Larry advice on clearances as the stern passed the closest yacht told Larry later, “the hired yacht captain of the million dollar yacht applauded” as Serendipity cleared the tight spot. Ask Larry about it sometime.

Here are some pics

Class of '68 classmates

Ladies with the Classmates

on a harbor cruise

The

Painted row in Charleston

The round Church

John C. Calhoun Tomb

sunset over marina

At Balzac Brothers Coffee Trading

the Coffee trading floor

old Coffee roasters

Ledger of coffee trades and sales before WW1

Tiki bar with outboard Motor

the marina is tight I am in top center with blue tom

Homecoming football game

October 23 thru October 31 2019 In Ashley Marina, Charleston, SC

A lot has been happening. Homecoming 2019, dinner with classmates from R Company Class of 1968, Homecoming Football Game against Mercer College, Tailgating, Sightseeing, Eating delicious foods, visiting with family, visiting with the GM of Continental Terminals Coffee Warehouse in Charleston and doing some relaxing. Abby has been great and less stressed than Erin. We do some chores, cleaning and socializing with others in the marina. More stories and pictures to follow but this should get everybody caught-up on the travels.  Abby says Hi!

Abby very happy in her lift sling and on the crochet blanket my sister made for her

Schedule ahead.

Nov 1--Visiting another Defever 44 owner on Toogoodoo River 25 miles south of Charleston. At anchor.
Nov 2--anchoring in harbor at Beaufort, SC
Nov 3-- heading to Savannah GA

October 23 enroute Charleston SC

Today was a day that we have been anticipating with some trepidation and excitement. On one hand we are going to arrive in Larry’s home town and reconnect with other men from his Citadel Company yet on the other hand there are large stretches of VERY shallow water. Even though the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) has dredged in the spring the silting has filled back in the channels on the route to our destination. Our two days in  McClleanville, SC were worthwhile but it was time to say good-bye to the shrimping fleet and the welcome of Leland Oil Company.

 Erin wanted to wait for good daylight before leaving as the shallows were one thing but to become stuck in the dark was a bit unnerving, to say the least. 

First Light at McClellanville October 23

I was confident that we would be underway safely and not go aground. For the last two weeks we have been watching others who are ahead of us encountering very shallow depth just south of McClleanville as well as around the Isle of Palms as we would near Charleston. The ACE hired a dredge company to re-dredge the areas south of where we have been for the last two days and they were still working the channel.  

 That meant not only did we have to deal with the shallow water but also the dredge taking up half the channel. It was making Erin nervous.

We prepared the night before by rigging all the lines to be loosened from the boat because we knew we would not have line handlers when we departed. Plans were ready and we settled down for a quiet evening.

Erin got me up at 5:30 (Yawn!) so we could be ready…..(did I say Yawn?) First light would not be till at least 7:18 a.m. so why were we up this early? Nonetheless, we recovered the power cord, got the generator on-line and had coffee. Finally there was enough light for Erin and we were underway. Depths in the McClleanville channel were 6 ft till the mouth of their creek. There is was 4 ft but we coasted slowly over it and reentered the ICW. Immediately in front of us was the dredge Little Princess but they were not yet dredging for the day. The captain (or mate) answered the VHF radio and advised us that if we stayed close to him as we passed we would find the deep water. He also told us the other dredge was about a mile further and we would not have any problem with him either. We passed close but still only in 5 feet of water. (We draw 4 ft 6 in) for the first time encounter he strong currents that are characteristic on the area.

Once past this restriction the trip took us thru wider deeper waters and past sand bars and salt marshes. It was deeper but tricky as passing the inlets from the ocean the currents would offer some influence with the outgoing tide. Often the boat would swerve off- course and I would have to over correct to stay on track. In fact at one inlet there was a trawler aground that missed the turn and got stuck and before he could get off the tide went down far enough he could not get off and had to stay heeled-over till the next high tide.

After an uneventful passage behind Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island and passing under the Ben Sawyer Bridge we entered Charleston harbor.

It was nostalgic and a warm feeling came over me in the warm breeze and bright sunlight. I had a moment of fleeting childhood memories as I passed the end of Sullivan’s Island and remembered many fishing trips there with buddies I grew-up with. The city skyline came into view and I spent several moments savoring the beautiful Arthur Ravenel Jr. Memorial Cooper River Bridge. Every time I see it I have many memories of crossing the Cooper River on each of the three huge bridges that crossed the wide river. If you have never driven them you could not understand the passage of time and evolution to the magnificent towering bridge it is now.

The trip across the harbor was also a cascade of memories of my hometown. Ft Moultrie on the north side of the entrance, Ft Sumter to the east, Ft Johnson on the south and Castle Pinckney to the west. 

All these embattlements played a role in the American Revolution and mostly in the War of Northern Aggression! (Ahem!) The City skyline is as it always has been; except for church spires lies low about 3 miles away.  One of the names that natives of the city use to refer to Charleston is, “The Holy City” which has historical significance in the founding of the city which was known for its religious tolerance. The tall steeples of St Phillips and St Michaels are reminders of that history.

We passed thru the widest part and joined the channel up the Ashley River, one of the two large rivers that make the City of Charleston a penninsula. Actually, to us Charlestonians, it is the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers that come together in Charleston Harbor to form the Atlantic Ocean. (Really!)

Larry made a phone call to a Citadel Classmate who had made arrangements for us to use an empty slip near his at the Ashley Marina which was close to downtown Charleston. The currents in both the rivers can run as much as three knots and during the rainy season has been known to reach 7 knots. As can be seen from the Chart Plotter the current can add 3 to 4 knots to our speed of 7 knots when we are traveling with the current.

It was really a “trip!” Not so much fun getting into the slip however as it made life tough when we had to back into the slip. That would put the current on the beam and that set the boat sideways and our first attempt failed. We made it in safely on the second attempt and after securing lines we were greeted by our friend Joe Nuttall. Joe’s boat was one slip away.

We settled into the routine of hooking-up power fresh water and putting out the boarding ladder. We had not planned any activity the rest of the day so it would be the first of 9 nights in the marina and would be the longest stop-over other than the time in Key West. Next on the agenda would be The Citadel Homecoming weekend, dinner with classmates, football game, tailgate party and doing a little sightseeing. It was a very good day and celebrated with a beautiful sunset across the Ashley.