Travels of the Confetti

3/22/11 - 3/24/11  We had a delay leaving St. Augustine because the first draw bridge was on a schedule and couldn't open for almost an hour.  I think we could have made it under without an opening but it was too close to take a chance.  The draw bridges here have a tide gauge on the approach.  The lower the tide the more vertical clearance.  Then comes the iffy part.  The tide gauge supposedly shows the lowest structure in the opening under the bridge but the opening is an arch so there is suppose to be another 4 feet of clearance in the center.  If you know exactly how much clearance your boat needs and if you can stay exactly in the center when you go under you can cut it pretty close otherwise you risk a crew cut.  One night anchorage in Pablo Creek and we tied up at Jacksonville Landing.  This is a free tie up near 10 assorted stores and restaurants.  It is very exposed to wind and waves and was choppy and noisy well into the night.  About the only real benefit was being able to tap into the Hooters WiFi.  We did take the trolley into town and were able to get some groceries and Lace had her hair cut.  Jim and Gloria were docked nearby with their daughter and BooBoo the Pomeranian.  They are also "loopers" but they started in Minnesota. The next night we spent the night at a much quieter dock, again owned by the city.