Waiting for the North to warm up

April 11th We waited for the tide to leave Palm City Marina as we would be passing through very shallow water. I called TowBoatUS to get local knowledge as to the passage on the Matanzes River. The tide was with us and we were advised to hug the red buoys from 82 through 79 and we made it safely, although tense the whole time. This was the area last year at this time when we had to call TowBoatUS to tow us off a shoal which we hit while in the middle of the channel. Sometimes you just can't do anything right! Release contacted us during the sail and we advised them of our knowledge. They bounced once but made it off the shoal with some finesse at the wheel. We pulled up to the St. Augustine Marina fuel dock, filled our tanks and ice box and picked up a mooring. Release came in after us and picked up a mooring. Skipper recognized us as they came in and we took the dinghy over, picked him up and took him to shore for a swim and all the other necessities.

April 12th We needed a new anchor line and Release needed a new anchor, so Bill and Ken took the bikes and rode 10 miles to and from the marine supply stores. Of course, we ended up with more than the necessities, but what are marine supply stores for! Francie and I and Skipper walked to the hairdresser for very needed hair necessities. We met for lunch at one of our favorite outdoor restaurants we discovered in December (dogs allowed), but then the rains came and we headed back to the boat to make sure all those marine supplies purchased worked.

April 13th. Bill and I hiked to the grocery store and pharmacy. We met Ken, Francie and Skipper there. They had ridden their bikes. We shopped and called a taxi -- Skipper opted to ride in the taxi too. Laundry was next and that pretty much took care of the day. We ran into Mile and Youla, cruising friends we met in Coinjack on our trip down who live here in St. Augustine. They were out working on their boat. We plan to connect with them again before heading out. Snow Goose and Release had a couple of games of cribbage in the evening.

April 14th. Still enjoying St. Augustine and will through Sunday.