Jacksonville, FL to Brunswick, GA March 20 - 21, 2015

March 20 - 21, 2015, Jacksonville, FL to Brunswick, GA

Looper boat from Sturgeon Bay at Ortega Ldg.

Boat at Jacksonville shipyard

Heavy, dense fog delayed our departure from the Marina at Ortega Landing this Friday morning until well after 11 a.m. toward Fernandina Beach. We had more than enough time to accommodate a morning walk during which time Joe exercised his two new knees by completing the circle with Clay and me. Breakfast followed with a delicious fruit plate, punctuated by fresh blueberries and fresh raspberries, compliments of Joe! Our cup runneth over!

Tom & Gretchen's house on the Ortega River

Another random, chance hook-up with old friends.  Guest Joe Weston is still involved with the nursery industry conducting marketing surveys.  He contacted the new owners of an established nursery in the state of Louisiana the week before he joined us and found himself talking to the daughter of one of our father's contemporaries, Mary Wight of Wight Nursery in Cairo GA.  Mary was helping her son run the newly acquired nursery in Louisiana.  Mary, who used to live in Jacksonville, FL, told Joe, she had moved last year but her younger sister, Gretchen, still lived in Jacksonville.  I haven't even started yet..........

Tom and Gretchen

The mill at Fernandina Beach FL Marina

Independently, and without knowledge that Joe had talked to Mary Wight, Brother Walter asked me to call Mary.  Seems Walter and Mary, and another of her sisters, had a thing going 40 years ago.  I called Mary and she insisted I call her sister Gretchen; so I did.  Turned out Gretchen lived 2-3 blocks from the Ortega Landing Marina.  Gretchen and her husband Tom dropped by that afternoon graciously offering the use of their car to run errands and suggesting dinner which we accepted.  Turns out that Tom and Gretchen are avid boaters who spend 3-4 months each summer cruising in New England where they keep their boat.  Sally and I enjoyed a great dinner and lovely conversation with Gretchen and Tom.

Quiz:  The Wights nursery was in Cairo GA.  What is the name of the Cairo High School mascot?  Answer later.

Joe in FL's Oldest Bar

Holding that old bar up!

Our five-hour day of travel was challenged by current, on-again-off-again fog, and shallow depths (low tide). Fernandina Harbor Marina would be our last stop in Florida before moving north on Saturday into Georgia. We arrived with time for Clay and Joe to explore the town on foot and to stop for a cool one at the Palace Saloon, complete with swinging doors and signage that read, "oldest saloon in Florida." I was 'abandoned' happily at the boat to enjoy a bit of space and a nice shower. We again dined on a healthy fare of grilled chuck burgers, baked potatoes and a medley of oven-roasted veggies.

Minding the store at Brunswick Ldg.

We awakened Saturday morning, positioned at the extreme south end of this marina's face dock (that's a good thing; it's where we started Friday night!) with yet another round of fog having descended during the night. Fog lifted to enable our 10 a.m. departure, only to descend and then lift again to provide an absolutely beautiful day as we crossed into Georgia and headed toward Brunswick Landing Marina. Not only is BLM a nice facility, but its downtown location and 'cheap' fuel prices make it a popular spot for Loopers. Dockmaster Sherrie is a marvel, and her status was elevated even higher in my mind as she manhandled a particularly awkward docking by Captain Clay to snug us into the dock slip using only one (spring)line. Now I understand the concept of 'springline' which, when done correctly, pivots the boat around a centerpoint! Thanks, Sherrie, for both the safe docking and the springline lesson!

Ranger tug w/Nina/Penta in background

Brunswick GA Bridge

Joe got an up-close-and-personal look at the Nina and Pinta with both ships docked with us on the transient dock. Well, Joe got as up close and personal as he cared to get; I pointed out their sign 'Crew Wanted' and encouraged Joe to consider it, especially given the experience he's getting aboard S3! Topping of a beautiful day, we three chose to walk to Sherrie's restaurant suggestion, Coastal Indigo Shanty, where we found taste treats to suit all three of our palates. The chef/owner had brought her spices from the island and did an extraordinary job combining a blend of coconut milk, red pepper and curry in my dinner entree selection. Wonderful! The only drawback to our evening was the unwelcomed 'entertainment' of no-see-ums in plentiful suppy much to Joe's and my disgust; the little buggers don't seem to like Clay. Lucky Captain!

Once again we tuck in for our Saturday overnight, looking forward to a good night's sleep and more adventures on the horizon tomorrow.