Georgia Bound

We had a great two nights in Fernandina Beach --one at anchor, the next at the dock -- giving us the chance to get out & walk about. Yesterday we said good-bye to Karl -- good shipmate and fixer of many things -- and hello to Al and Donna. Dinner onshore at Brett's was a southern treat, including: biscuits, fried oysters, bbq shrimp, buttermilk fried pork loin, collards, and grits. Fabulous!
Today (Saturday) we have begun our two day trip towards Savannah. I am hoping to have the chance to upload some photos taken along the way -- stay tuned.

There's always laughter on board when Al and Donna join us (check out her t-shirt)

Guns and Dolphins

The alarm rang at 5:45 AM so we could ride the tide from Jacksonville (Mile 740)to Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island (Mile 717) Florida. By 10 Am we had watched a pod of dolphins jump in the distance and swim close to play in our bow; witnessed an Anhinga dry its wings atop a piling; motored close to a bald eagle; and been approached by Homeland Security, with a large, scary 30mm gun firmly mounted on their bow, warning us to stay away from a large ship (named ARC). We wound our way to Fernandina Beach, arriving about 11AM. We will be anchored here, just off the downtown historic district and with a good view of the paper mills, until Saturday when we head towards Georgia.
Fun Fernandina Facts: It is Florida's northernmost city. Amelia Island, named after King George II's daughter, is the only place in the US to have flown 8 different flags, including the standard of the Conquistadors and the French Huguenots, the British Union Jack and the stars and bars of the Confederacy.

Jacksonville Bound

Freedom experienced a crew change on Sunday with the departure of Robin and Alan and the arrival of Karl. St. Augustine, the oldest city in the US, was the changeover spot - and a beautiful one at that. Everyone enjoyed the chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a walk around town. Here's a photo of the Captain heading ashore with Freedom in the background, anchored at the West end of the Bridge of Lions.

Freedom is now cruising the St. John's River beyond Jacksonville. Tomorrow they will turn around and head back towards shore to pick up the First Mate!

Looking to the Sky

A Message from the Captain this morning (April 1st)

Yesterday - March 31st - around 15:00 we were whacked by thunderstorms and heavy winds. NOAA issued waterspout warnings but we did not see any. Stead 30 with gusts to 45 and lots of lightning. Glad to have a heavy boat with a full keel. Being inside was very civilized. The only foredeck work was dropping the anchor. A second squall line came through around 18:00 then lots of lightning and thunder all night.

Looks like a nice day and should have the current with us at least all morning.

This afternoon while passing Cape Canaveral theFreedom crew saw the last Shuttle on its pad. Too far away for a picture, but not for a farewell to another era in the the US Space Program.

On the Waterway Again

After a day off to rest and visit with friends, the Captain and his crew (sister Robin and brother-in-law Alan)were back on the ICW today. Here is an early morning report from the Captain:

Looks like a beautiful day and fewer bridges to slow us down so we should cover some ground today. Fueled up yesterday which was kind of frightening. Good thing we won't need to do that again for a couple thousand miles.
Went by Tiger and Greg Norman's houses. Wow, I'm in the wrong business.


Things got a bit less settled as the day wore on, with gusts up to 45knots. But the crew was warm, safe and DRY inside the Pilot House: the bright side to the dark side of boating!
Anchored tonight just south of Melbourne, FL at Mile 925 of the ICW after traveling 70 miles. That means that Freedom is 925 miles from the Chesapeake Bay.

Heading North

The Captain and (this week's) crew have begun the trip north to the Chesapeake Bay. They left Lighthouse Point Yacht Club in Pompano Beach, Florida yesterday March 28th. This is decidedly a cruise, not a delivery trip. That is, the days will be leisurely. Freedom will stop every night, and maybe even stay in the same spot for two nights. Trips ashore to explore, sightsee, or provision will happen on a regular basis, and nights at anchor will be sought after and savored. The crew will change almost weekly -- jumping aboard in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and at least one other port closer to the northern end of the ICW. A complicated relay of airplanes and cars will get everyone where they need to be when they need to be there. Cruisersnet.net will be relied upon for up to the date information on what not to miss, what to avoid, and basically what's what on the ICW.
Follow along as we tell tales, post pictures and share the adventure.

A New Year, a New Boat, an Old Name

Freedom Lives! But with a new look and a new attitude: She is now a Selene 53', built in 2005. Yes, we have gone to "the Dark Side" but oh how lovely it is! Lots of space for comfort, lots of power for getting us where we want to go, and lots of plans for the future. First on the agenda: the IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW)from Fort Lauderdale to the Chesapeake Bay.