Day 159-168 – 3/11-20/24. St. Johns River.

I think I needed a break from daily blogging for a bit and so have fallen far behind. We also did a lot more socializing than usual during this time, which I love to do but saps my introvert energy. I’m going to lump our entire run South (technically “up the river”) and back North (“downriver”) on the St. Johns River into one page, mostly pictures. This river run was a perfect choice for us. Great timing for weather (not too hot or cold). Ran into some friends. Good balance of semi-urban marinas, beautiful natural and sheltered anchorages, and free rural docks. Runs down narrow streams plentiful with wildlife (birds, turtles, alligators). Tested the limits of our small-draft boat. Felt like explorers as this is not an area many Loopers transit and is not listed in detail in our guide books. Passively washed all the salt off the boat and flushed the motor with fresh water. This river runs South from Jacksonville to the Orlando area and connects lakes between river segments in the center of North and Central Florida. Described as “Old Florida” by many. Very relaxed, friendly, much less flashy than Miami, and slower paced – all very welcome from us.

Day 159: Motored South to Palatka and tied up to the free city dock. Nice walk to a park and a hike where azaleas were in full bloom.

Day 160: Anchorage on Little George River

Day 161: Anchorage in Silver Glen Springs on Southwest side of Lake George, St. Johns River, FL.

We had been in touch with the Schulkes, the couple who had helped us out so much when we were stuck in Steinhatchee, off and on. We unfortunately missed their annual C Dory gathering in Hontoon by a few days, but caught up with them here. Got to tour their boat and raft up with them. What a find this river was! Water turns crystal clear (from a dense reddish- brown in the main river) as you head upstream. Gators on shore. Turtles clearly visible swimming about. Warm enough water for a swim, which lots of people were doing.

Day 162: tied up for the day in Hontoon Island State Park Marina, then anchorage in Lake Beresford

Motored to Hontoon Landing following the Schulkes. Marina is still recovering from Hurricane Ike so could not stay overnight yet. Said gooodby for now as we left at closing time to anchor nearby.

Day 163: Mooring in Downtown Sanford Marina.

Motored as far South as comfortable. There is one lake further South but not well charted, so did not want to try.

Met up with John and Kim from the boat Wild Goose and had dinner at Hollerbach’s German restaurant.

Day 164: Mooring in Hontoon Landing Resort and Marina. Nice pool. Not at all dog friendly.

Day 165: Anchorage in Salt Springs Creek.

Another creek off of Lake George. Northwest side. Several mile shallow entrance. Dinghied to shore at boat ramp for a hike to campgrounds. Thunderstorm the next morning with some strikes not far off.

Day 166: Welaka free dock, mooring. Room for about 8 boats, on the small side. We had it to ourselves overnight. Found a great BBQ place and coffee/pastry shop just up the street. Did a hike in the State Park nearby. A Chris Craft gathering happened the next day and filled up most of the spots as we were heading off. Hunky Dory was surrounded by 12 pristine, classic wooden speed boats for a time.

Day 167: Murphy Island free dock, mooring. Only room for one boat. Little landing with fire ring. Our ‘private island’ for 16 hours which included a 3 mile hiking trail,

Day 168: Mooring in Port 32 Jacksonville at Ortega Landing Marina.

Back to familiar territory. Hot tub x2. Provisioning.