Cape Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast & St. Augustine, FL

Saturday our good friends Joan and Casey Kelly from Sacramento joined us on the Independence. On Easter Sunday we waived goodbye to our dock neighbors at The Bluffs Marina (and again when leaving the Inlet - thanks Rob, Sharron & Bailey!) and had a great passage out of the Jupiter Inlet to the ocean. The weather was perfect for the trip up to Cape Canaveral. Very little wind or waves AND our autopilot worked!!! I even did a helm’s watch while Larry took a nap. We had the company of many dolphins, Green turtles and even a massive Leatherback turtle that was over 6 feet long. After eleven hours we entered Cape Canaveral (99 Nautical Miles = NM) and enjoyed some great rock shrimp at a local restaurant. The following day brought us to our first lock as we left Cape Canaveral for the Barge Canal and our first day on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Some very shallow water was traversed, which we knew we would occur on this adventure…just not before we even got to the ICW. A pleasant eight hours (44NM) brought us to New Smyrna Beach where we spent the night at the Municipal Pier (legally!). We walked around the town and enjoyed the sweet atmosphere of old southern homes with lichen-draped oak trees and of course, a beer or two. Tuesday was a short day to Palm Coast Marina (35NM) and even shorter the next day to St. Augustine (20NM). Many dolphins, porpoises, manatees and even pink flamingos were seen along the route. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and a wonderful walking town. We spent a day at the light house and a day at Castillo de San Marcos followed by the Cathedral (where we lit a candle for our safe passage) and could easily spend many more here but away we go tomorrow to Cumberland Isle.

Great friends at The Bluffs (R to L) Sharron, Patty, Rob, Eric, Larry and Bailey on board Congrio

Exiting the Jupiter Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean

Our first lock at Cape Canaveral heading to the ICW

Tied-up for the evening at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Pier

These people have fun! One of many amazing houses along the ICW.

The Nao Santa Maria ( Spanish galleon) at St. Augustine Municipal Marina

My models before the hike up to the top of the light.

I am in love with light house stairs. — Looking down the light house stairs.

The Light House Keepers house as seen from the top.

A night shot of Independence in the St, Augustine Municipal Marina.

The Castillo de San Marcos completed in 1695