Days 6, 7 and 8

 Up before Dawn we wolfed down some coffee and set the sails for a day for coastal sailing. We went out the St Simons Inlet.  About 2 years ago there was a huge automobile transport, RORO, in the inlet that had capsized with hundreds of cars onboard. It took more than a year to clear the inlet. So we're offshore expecting strong winds when they were not. We had reefed the sail. One thing is certain the weather will change but getting a good weather report has been difficult for our type of sailing which is within 6 miles of shore. We motor sailed into Mayport, the industrial and military Port of Jacksonville. We tied up to a marina within a mile of the inlet. Right away we knew that we were going to be bounced by the ship traffic wakes. One such ship, The Zim from Thailand was 333 m (over1,000 ft) and it's heading to Charleston now. Actually, besides all the astonishing maritime activities, we were disappointed the ferry across the river to Singletons Seafood Shack was down. I had hoped to meet and have dinner there with my brother once again. Instead we made multiple phone calls. 

At the crack of dawn we cast off from the dock to beat the ship traffic. We  encountered 3' swells from the NE. We motored using both engines and made good speed for 22nm to St. Augustine Inlet.

We arrived mid low tide.  The inlet was churning with 4' waves breaking. Ben knew to take the entrance from the south buoys. The waves came on Katmandu's stern starboard quarter. We knew to keep The Cross that rises high above the seas at St. Augustine as our range marker to set a safe course for the channel. The boat in front of us didn't know any of this. I watched in horror as his ketch became sideways into the breakers. Thank God he straightened out and eventually made his way into the mooring field by the marina without another near disaster. Later at the dock that captain confessed he" had no idea". 

St. Augustine is an ancient city settled in 1565 by the Spanish. The historic neighborhoods are extensive. The Lightener Museum, the Governor's Museum and Flagler College are all interesting. Our favorite restaurant is the Casa Maya. We had a couple of delicious meals there but the best was the Paella.  We had to walk a few miles to West Marine and the grocery store but that is fine as we like to take long walks in Charleston to stay healthy.  And lastly, we have boat projects that generally are on going. But doing laundry with the washer on board is new!