Lake Effect on Great Loop: Oldest City and Out of Florida

Well we on our way to exit Florida but first a stop in the oldest city in the USA and the first city in Florida.

Leaving St. Augustine in the rain.

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the USA. It was built by the Spaniards in 1555. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th century Spanish stone fortress built to protect them from invaders. It was never defeated.

We watched a reenactment of a battle while there. They wore period costumes and fired a canon with military precisions.

Fort from the water.

This city is a great place to visit. Lots to see and do. Just walking around to see the architecture and cobblestone streets is enough for me. We spent the day there and ended it with a lovely dinner at The Columbia. It has been operating one hundred years.

Our marina is a nice walk to the Old Town. We spend several days walking the streets and reading historical plaques. Taking in the sights and enjoying local cuisine.

We stayed longer then planned because our buddy boat needed a new fuel line. They ordered it and they received the wrong one, not once but three times. It's not a bad place to be stranded in.

We had our Sunday lunch at the Metro diner. What a busy place! The food was delicious and affordable. We also met other loopers and we enjoyed docktails at our marina.

Well on our sixth day they asked us to move our boat. It was pouring rain with thunder. We decided that because the older docks are more difficult to enter, we rolled our lines and departed. We left Sylvie and Luc but will meet up soon.

Bridge of Lions

When we left, it was raining but at least the early thunderstorms had stopped. We were keeping a close watch on the weather radar with a plan to anchor if the storm neared us. We found a safe anchorage at Pine Island. There were some boats already anchored. Lots of room for everyone. By nightfall, we were ten boats.

Our last stop in Florida was Fernandina. It the most northerly city in Florida. It is an historical and industrial city. This city has flown seven flags over its time. There is a papermill on one side and a port for ocean ships on the other side. They are linked by a railway line on the waterfront. At the north end there is a fort.

Shrinking Boats

There are several museum there and we visited the History Museum. It was great to see the rich history of the now extinct native population before the arrival of the Spaniards. Several other displays showing the rich history of the building and the local economy.

Of course we ate out, and our favorite was the Amelia Tavern. What a great place to try the locally caught shrimp and the peanut pie.

We are leaving the Sunny Florida for the State of Georgia. More adventures await. This was our last sunset for a while in Florida. We were entertained by a pod of dolphins frolicking in the water just before the sunset.