Calm night listening to the hum of the city. Sail off anchor at 7:05. Blue skies, south wind, sun peeking through the trees on shore. After a couple of weeks sailing through marshes, it is strange to be sailing through the tall buildings of downtown Jacksonville.
Less than a mile from Exchange Island pass under the first bridge of the day, the one by the football stadium. Then into the heart of downtown, pass under the second bridge with rush hour overhead at 7:35.
7:50 pass under the third bridge and through the railroad trestle. Easy sailing with wind forward of port beam.
Tacking south as the river curves, choppy water and motor sail through swirling currents under the fourth bridge 8:25.
I'm not sure of the tides and don't bother to check, it is what it is. The St. Johns opens wide below the city, tea stained water and very choppy.
9:50 struggling with the shifting wind. Tacking, sometimes making ground, sometimes not. 10:15 wind shifts more to the southwest. and begin to make better progress. 11:20 5.2 on a starboard tack. 12:00 less wind and making 2.3.
Soon the wind returns, sailing at 3.8. Early afternoon looking at anchorages. Decide to head to Doctors Inlet. Would like to head farther south but the next anchorage is a long ways away. It's hot, I'm tired and need a break.
2:40 under another bridge. 3:35 overcast moves in, gusty and choppy in the afternoon breeze. I don't remember the St. Johns being this choppy in the past. Entrance markers to the inlet in sight. 3:55 and under power into the inlet. Make an immediate turn to port at the little marina, tie up to top off the gas can.
Dockmaster picks me up in a golf cart, runs me to the gas pumps. I ask if I can stay tied up there while I run to a convenience store a few blocks away. He tells me I am welcome to stay all night. He points across the marina and tells me the Tiki Bar is just about to open for the evening. Live music, full bar.
I grab some cold drinks at the store, decide to pass on the Tiki Bar and cast off. Motor around the marina to the little bay on the far side. Anchor down 4:50.
Enjoy a cold beer while listening to country music from the Tiki Bar across the water.
34.67 NM
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