March 23, 2009

Hi all, By Monday the shuttle launch was a memory and we were underway, heading north! Saw grounded boats, dolphins, lots and lots of fishing persons, and by 6 pm we were tucked into Halifax Harbor at Daytona Beach. We spent two days in Halifax Harbor, and on Wednesday, with our tanks full of diesel fuel that was a mere $1.88/gal., we were off and running. We had an easy 50 mile run to St. Augustine. Tied up at the city marina, and got out our binoculars and cameras and aimed them at the Bridge of Lions. We sat on the deck for an hour watching a tug move a section of steel, then bring a huge crane into position to install it, then go back for another piece of steel. The Bridge of Lions is over 100 years old and in 2004 was in very sad shape. The City devised a plan whereby a lift bridge was built—concrete pilings spanning the harbor adjacent to the old bridge with a temporary lift cage in the center. A year and a half later, when that was in place, the old Bridge of Lions was taken apart and hauled away for refurbishing. The original steel spans have received structural work, and have been painted a soft green. Massive amounts of concrete have been poured under the supports to solidify them, and now it was the return of the side pieces of the span that we were watching. By December, the entire old bridge should be back in place and Lions will once again guard each side of it. Then the temporary lift will be taken away to some other job, and the temporary concrete bridge destroyed—a ten month job. The plan is that all this will occur in time for the celebration of St. Augustine's founding, 450 years ago! An amazingly ambitious project! We felt that we were watching a bit of history—not unlike the construction of the St. Louis Arch—men in hard hats and big machinery and LOTS of noise! As our American economy has shifted from the production of products to the providing of services, we found it to be refreshing to watch real, old fashioned, All-American labor. (Please don't discuss the wisdom of the plan to save the bridge. I'm enjoying my little bubble.) From St. Augustine, we again headed north and turned west into our old stomping grounds, the St. John's River. Had a moment of pause when we were about to pass under one of the many bridges that span the busy mouth of the river. Suddenly our path was blocked by LAVENDAR ACE—a huge ship being pushed into the channel by two tugs. We respectfully moved aside and let them pass, before heading on to one of our favorite stops, the Jacksonville Landing. This is a city that has made wonderful use of it's waterfront. We passed the stadium that hosted a recent Super Bowl, and tied up on the wall where free docking is available on a first come, first served basis. It was a lively Thursday evening with music blaring from the Landing and people of all ages and descriptions out enjoying the evening and talking on their cellphones. We joined the strollers, and finally settled at the American Cafe for a fine dinner. On Friday we walked a few blocks to the Farmer's Market and found some delicious berries and asparagus. Yum! The gazebo near the boat was crowded with a sixth grade class out doing an art project—they sketched the scene of their choice (boats and bridges, mostly) then water colored the sketch. Fun to see. We learned that a country and western concert was scheduled for the evening, so we changed our plans and stayed on. Concert was well attended and loud—fortunately, the speakers were turned away from YA. We were again surprised to see how many of the young people in attendance were talking on their cell phones. Who the heck are they talking to when they are out with friends at a concert? Must be a generational thing—we just don't get it. Saturday morning the wind was up to about 20 knots but YOUNG AMERICA doesn't mind, and by 2 pm we were once again tied up at the Reynolds Park dock in Green Cove Springs. We're docked next door to CAROLYNN ANN and Joe and Punk very nicely drove us to Orlando on Sunday where we found the Burb waiting at the Park to Fly where Jeff had dropped it off nearly a month ago. Tonite (Monday) we spent a delightful evening on CAROLYNN ANN with Joe and Punk (and Rocky) and Mike and Linda from SEA DREAM. The next few weeks will be busy with the repair and refurbishing of YOUNG AMERICA, a trip home with a stop in Charleston to firm up the cousin's reunion plans, and finalizing of plans to complete the Great Loop. The blog will he in hiatus until we return from New York and are once again underway, so thanks for joining us for the first half of our oddessy. Year two will begin in April, and we'll resume the recapping of the adventure then! Be well, and keep in touch! Fred and Linda