It is a glorious day today and a perfect day to head out and be on our way going home. Early morning it is for us as we are anxious to get on our way. Just as the Whole Foods opens I run in and make a quick shopping run to get us some fresh supplies for the next few days we are going to be on our way. All things stowed and the boat lift is firing up to get our Contessa and drive her off to the dropping point where it gently lowers her into the water. Earnie, our new friend has arrive to say good bey and to assist in any manner necessary as does Mike the specialist on soundings and electronics. Once all systems are set and checked, we are ready to depart. It is now 10:10 am as all lines are off and we are driving along the river towards the Wassaw Sound Inlet, our gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.
Our goal is to reach St. Augustine today and find a good resting spot for the night.
The passage out is long and caution is very much needed but with the incoming tide almost being at its peak and abiding by the marked channel leads us safely out of shallow and dangerous waters od the Wassaw Inlet.
Once out of the dangerous and shallow area we plotted our course going south going towards St. Augustine. According to the navigational charts calculations we have some 120 nm to cover and at our current speed of some 16-17 kn should arrive at our destination just past 6 pm. Our plan is to tie up at the Conch House Marina. We have stopped there last summer as we embarked on our way going north. Pleasant memories of our stay and the great restaurants of St. Augustine are enticing our appetites.
As ride along we have some happy companions along the way, a pod of dolphins playfully crossing our bow and joyously gliding and jumping along our wake. It is a blessing to see these majestic cre4atures gracing our oceans and intercoastal waterways.
I also just was informed that we are crossing the habitat of the northern right whales. How grateful would I be to see one of these majestic creatures of the ocean grace us on our journey home. As the matter of fact I did see two of them in the distance while there pods of dolphins following in our wake. So I sat down in the back of the boat and prayed and blessed the waters and all creatures of this magnificent planet.
It has been a long ride to St. Augustine and the inlet is a bit difficult to maneuver through especially at dead low tide and if you are not used to it. Common local knowledge is always the best. Nevertheless, we made it and just about 6:30pm we docked at the fuel dock of the marina. Since it was such extremely low tide our depth sounders went crazy and there were alarms sounding all over the place creating a sense of urgency and havoc. Even when we switched over to shore power and powered everything off this ‘blessed’ alarm had no intention of quitting till the final breaker was turned off. Alas, there was peace and the usual docking procedure started; fueling up of the boat and wash down of all the salt we accumulated along the way. Before we turned around it was 9 pm and a late dinner time awaited as the business of a Sunday crowd subsided leaving the restaurant empty. Just what we needed!
It actually was pleasant to sit in one of the seating cubbies erected above the swampy waters of the neighborhood. As the pleasantries of a relaxing dinner subsided and our job of tiding up the boat ended, we exhaustedly fell into a deep trance.