OFF THE DOCK

APRIL 15, 2016

FIRST MATE BUDDY

We left Green Cove Springs behind on the 9th of April.  It was the breath of fresh air we needed just to leave the work dock behind.  It was a beautiful,  short day to Jacksonville and the Metropolitan Park Marina just off the St John's River.  If you are going that way make sure you take a look.  The new concrete floating docks are just off a beautiful park.  We arrived with only two other boats on the docks in the marina.  Since these docks are FREE, yes I said FREE for a 3 day stay we thought there would be more boats.  Here we settled in for the night to await our friend Ben Vickers who was flying in to spend a week of work and relaxation on It's Perfect.

BEN AND ROD ATTACHING MOORING BALL

ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

After Ben arrived early Sunday, the men spent the day installing the stack packs and sails. While I was still trying to organize below the decks.  We were so anxious to get back in the water and off the dock there is still much organization to do.  But as long as we have clean beds, groceries and the illusion of order life is good.

On Monday we left Jacksonville for a trip down the ICW to the mooring field in St Augustine, Florida.  This was Ben's first experience with picking up a mooring ball and it went smoothly.  There is always something new to learn on a boat.  The rest of the week was spent on small projects and bike trips into town for provisions and necessary boat parts.

DINGHY DOCK

ST AUGUSTINE MARINA

 



By the end of the week Ben was headed back to McKinney, Texas.  He is always great help when aboard and this time got a little different look at the life living aboard.  A little work, a little travel, meet new people, explore life in different places, sundowners and sun downs.  Not a bad life if I do say so myself.