Jan 21, 2023, Departure from St Augustine

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 After many days of relaxing it is time to depart St Augustine.  We have really enjoyed hanging with friends Ed and Lynn. I can’t count the number of times we have walked the short distance to their condo.  Each trip involves a dinghy ride and a walk over the scenic Bridge of Lions in central St Augustine.   Sam has certainly enjoyed the walks to the condo and around the St Augustine waterfront.  

The goal for today is to move south down the coast about 50 miles to Ponce Inlet.  We are up at 0500, Lois takes Sam to shore one more time while Brent gets the boat ready. The early start is to increase the chance of getting settled at some as of yet unknown anchorage before dark, navigating whatever current and shoals the area has to offer. 

We passed the St Augustine Sea Buoy marking safe open water right at 0700 with the glow on the horizon in preamble to sun rise.  We had no more than set the sails when a strong gust came onto us calling for a quick maneuver to reduce sail area with Lois working the lines while Brent steered through tall seas.  

Once the boat was settled it was time for tea. We brewed up cups of Japanese Black as a treat for getting out of the harbor and onto the ocean in fine form in spite of challenging conditions.  There is some swell, but it's a pleasant following sea.

A lot of pre-departure chores got done this past week: laundry, propane tank refills on a trip to the hardware store, and groceries. We are now essentially stocked with the provisions we'll need/want for the next couple months.  There may be an opportunity to restock if we stop in Georgetown later.

One of the big boxes that got checked off was Sam's vet visit to get her international health certificate to complete her "visa".  She started off by getting belly rubs from the *entire* staff and charming her way into a few treats.  After some standard health checks the paperwork was filed out & done! Almost.  I asked if they would trim her nails, but she was having none of it. It took 4 techs and 2 slices of cheese to get that done. She gave me a "if looks could kill" type glance & would not look at me at all for several hours afterward. By dinnertime all was forgiven.

We should arrive at tonight's anchorage before dusk if we can hold our speed of 6-7 kts. After that we'll watch the weather & decide how to proceed.


Comments

Lynn and Ed said…
An exciting start keeps you on your toes. Smooth sailing!
January 21, 2023 at 6:03 PM
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