St Augustine 20091129

20091128 St. Augustine FL The trip down from Jacksonville, FL was warmer than the past few days. We did not have to wear our foul weather jackets to keep warm. We saw a few dolphins as we passed, but hundreds of pelicans lined the banks of the waterway on the lee side, protected from the wind. The ICW markers and miles passed leisurely as we progressed south. There are mile after mile of incredible homes on the ICW. Just opposite of Cabbage Swamp, 10,000+ square foot homes, most in Spanish Modern style line the waterway. Cathy enjoyed taking a break from her navigational duties to focus the binoculars on these homes. We arrived in St. Augustine at the Camachee Cove Harbor Marina, ~ a mile from the historic district. As we signed into the marina, we learned that there is an arts and crafts fair tomorrow in the historic area. We plan to rise early, get a ride over, then take the St. Augustine Trolley tour, followed by walking to areas of interest.
20091129 Touring St. Augustine, FL
As planned, we arose, called the “Red Train” Touring Company, which re-routed a van to pick us up at the marina, delivering us at the depot. We purchased tickets and played tourist, making mental notes of places to re-visit later in the day. St. Augustine has an interesting history; Spanish, English, industrialist winter playground, modern renaissance. We enjoyed the tour and then returned to the visitor center, where the St. Augustine Arts & Craft Guild was sponsoring a festival. Cat toured the hundred tents with jewelry, paintings, pottery, metalwork, etc. I enjoyed the sunshine on a bench. Next we boarded the Red Train again and traveled to the San Sebastian Winery, tasted and purchased a red, white and port to take with us on our voyage. Back on the train, we toured back to old town for lunch at a Cuban restaurant, then shopping on St. George Street, as we wandered back toward the visitors center and our ride back to the harbor. Cat gathered dirty clothes for washing and I worked on the electrical issues in one of the AC circuits on the boat. She got the clothes clean. I have not yet solved the AC problem…. We will leave tomorrow as soon as possible, but he Lions Gate bridge does not have an opening before 10:30am. W hope to make that opening, allowing us to continue our journey south.

All is well, Jim & Cathy