Last stop in Florida and on to Georgia

Rushing on and getting behind

We made one last stop in Florida after a quick overnite in Jacksonville Beach for a Publix run – a mile over one of those 65’high bridges might have been better as a walk than on the boat bikes. (I made it going over with the wind at my back but needed to walk part way home with my load of provisions  L) We did the bike thing because Steve needed to get back and use his heat gun on the boat while we were tied to a dock.  He has begun the constant task of striping the “bright work” on the boat and re-varnishing as he goes. Hey, the guy has to keep busy. It has been very entertaining  watch….

 

 

We reached Fernandina Beach – the last stop in Florida and a great place to hang out. We spent one afternoon walking the streets and finding another “antique” hardware store that looks like it missed the 20^th century.  The whole historic district is preserved to resemble the late Victorian era with an abundance of restaurants and the Palace Saloon, reputed to the oldest saloon in Florida.  We had to check it out.  The next morning found Steve working on the “bright work” and wench (which self-destructed) while I did the laundry. Then we biked out to Fort Clinch – which literally is the end of Amelia Island and Florida.  We could look across to Cumberland Island, GA. The fort is in remarkable condition since it was restored by the Civilian Conservation Core and was even used by the Coast Guard during World War II.  I took some photos to help you get the idea. The cannon were BIG! We refreshed ourselves at the Crab Trap – a local watering hole near the harbor – we loved the tables with holes in them to dispose of shrimp hides. The food was yum too.

 

 

Today we worked the tides and arrived at anchorage off Jekyll Island.  Although the forecast was for scattered thunder showers, all the rainy bits were gone by early afternoon and we enjoyed an educational ride through historic Jekyll’s millionaires’ village. It would be very easy to wander around and enjoy the mostly FREE tours and atmosphere for several days.   Imagining the rich folk who wintered in these “cottages” was not hard since the scale has been preserved and automobiles have limited access.  The best way to explore here in the historic district is by foot or bike. We truly loved the meandering bike paths – even one with wildlife on the way to our milk run. While this is not a stop for supplies or basics, it is a place not to be missed in my book. For those who love Victorian architecture, I include some more from Jekyll to supplement the more commercial photos from Fernandina.

 Getting the wonderful bikes to shore!