Journey's End...ICW mile 716.5 to 965 Fernandina to Ft.Pierce Florida

The last 250 miles of our trip from St. Mary's inlet/Fernandina Beach to Ft. Pierce, our winter port of call, was different from the previous six weeks of travel. Perhaps because we could shed most of our clothing, the nights were warmer, the days were sunny and bright...or perhaps we knew we were three days away from long warm showers and "flush" toilets...



Monday, November 12, 2007, St Augustine, Florida. An uneventful, but beautiful, motor sail accompanied by river dolphins, along the ICW past Amelia Island, Jacksonville Harbor inlet, Pointe Verdra Beach and into St. Augustine, (Oldest city in U.S.). Waited for the "Bridge of Lions" (under construction) to open and stayed the evening at the St. Augustine Marina at the foot of the bridge, a short walk to downtown. Capt Harborwatch and his mate did the shops while Mrs. Mud did the "fancy" art galleries. Topped off the evening at the "A1A Ale House" for dinner and drinks

ICW mile "776"

Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Another warm day as we made our way past Flagler Beach and Daytona to New Smyrna. Bridge openings become routine, I guess we are becoming accomplished in our planning. The parade of boats heading south increases, we are greeted with "welcome snowbirds" as we are joined along the ICW with boats from most of the east coast and Canada. The homes along the ICW are becoming bigger and grander! No shopping for the mates here...quick layover and on to Melbourne.

ICW mile "846"

Wednesday, November 14, 2007. The sail down the Indian River past the Merritt National Wildlife Refuge was filled with Pelicans and the ever present river dolphins. Always a joy to watch as they swim in front and alongside the boat, turning over and "watching" you! Sailing past the giant "Assembly" building of Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center was inspiring; "Sputnik", Jr. High School, deciding to be an engineer, seems like yesterday. Our stay at Melbourne Harbor Marina was topped with a "VIP" dinner at the Chart House...

ICW mile "896"

Thursday, November 15, 2007. A short sail past past Sebastian Inlet, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and Vero Beach to Ft Pierce... our journey's end! A lot of laundry and cleaning of the boat as we prepared to head north for Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holidays. The Ft. Pierce Marina has some nice facilities, (pool, restaurant, boat yard/repair,etc.) and has many year round "live aboards" as well as "snow birders" like us. We were greeted at the dock by Aunt Gloria (her daughter and granddaughter) and treated to a delicious home cooked comfort food dinner.

We (Malabar) made a few acquaintances and look foward to returning in January for the winter season, living on the boat and sailing the south Florida and Keys waters.

Capt Mud and his first mate flew back to New Jersey and "work"...Capt and Mrs. Harborwatch opted for a slow car ride home to Massachusetts. It was interesting on the ride home to go over the bridges and rivers on land that we had sailed on our trip down.

ICW mile "965"..... The End.