We have been in Fernandina Beach for nearly two weeks. We spent the first week anchored near downtown Fernandina Beach, which means that on one side of the river there is a beautiful marsh and on the other side of the river there are huge factories belching smoke continuously. There is a 6 foot tidal range here, which provides for a strong current raging past the boat for 6 hours in one direction...then the current and the boat turn around...and 6 hours in the other direction...repeat...repeat...
We have seen some very cute toys here. We are guessing these boats come from a rental company, as sometimes we get ‘buzzed’ by a flock.
There are also several adorable pusher boats on this river.
84 degrees = day at the beach! We packed a lunch, jumped in the Whaler and headed around the corner to an inlet beach.
This beach provided an interesting swing. Anna loved it!
Actually, we all enjoyed this swing!
The nice weather lasted two days, and we were soon looking for a protected anchorage to hide from 30 mph winds forecasted to blow for 18 hours. From our original anchorage, we could see two boats tucked back in the marsh so we decided to join them in their safe location. Obviously this is a very secure location, clearly this boat has been anchored here for a LONG time. This boat definitely fits the definition of derelict, but is certainly not abandoned. The cormorants have claimed this vessel.
On Friday the 13th, Right Hand got hauled out of the water for normal upkeep items we want to complete before heading to the Caribbean. The biggest job on the list is to have the bottom pressure washed, sanded and painted (which hasn’t been done for 3 1/2 years). Clearly, she also needs to have the mustache removed from her bow. This dark stain is caused from the tannins in the water, and the ICW has several rivers that contain very high tannin levels. We can clean this stain when the boat is in the water, but it is easier to complete the job while on land.
After a wipe down with muriatic acid, a thorough wash, and 2 coats of wax the mustache problem is gone! Keith and I both have a list of projects we hope to complete while the boat is out of the water. As usual, Keith’s list contains items that will ensure the boat doesn’t sink, while my list consists of items that are purely cosmetic.
I am currently working to update our tub/shower in the master head. The walls were originally some type of fiberglass board that had been painted over several times. I sanded the prepped walls, tub, and ceiling. The ceiling and outside wall received new paint. The other three walls are getting covered in a waterproof tile (that is supposed to look like granite) and I plan to paint the tub with epoxy paint. Currently I am half way through the tile part of the job.
We have also had plenty of time for fun! Fernandina Beach held an awesome event called Dicken on Centre Christmas Festival. There were tents with crafts and food, entertainment stages, a petting zoo, and everyone was dressed up in period costumes. I’m pretty sure I saw Mary Poppins walking with the Chimney Sweep!
Anna, give me a scared face!
Pop is a good sport😁
This heron is also posing
And the pelicans are getting more cooperative!
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