Day 150 - February 28, 2013: The Jacksonville Landing

We released from the mooring ball and watched St. Augustine fade in the distance. The inlet on our starboard side was wide with strong currents until we turned north. We passed the fort and the Great Cross, which marks the spot where the Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed in 1565. He planted a wooden cross and established the city of Saint Augustine.

Cross for Ponce de Leon

Fort from the river

For the first 20 miles, the ICW follows the Tomalto River. The river is wide and has protected estuaries on both sides. Then, it enters a 10-mile long narrow creek bordered by estuaries on the west and a string of beautiful homes with docks on the east. Called Palm Valley Landing, it is one of the nicest residential areas we have seen.

Homes on ICW

Apparently no docks allowed

Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental U.S. The St. John's River, one of the few rivers in North America which flows north, winds its way through the city, cuts across the ICW, and pushes out into the north Atlantic. The Mayport Naval Station and Fort George guard the inlet. We turned upstream past this immense container and shipping port which reminded me of Mobile.

Euphrates Highway

Pipit Arrow

As we cruised peacefully, minding our own business, a CG boat with blue lights flashing pulled alongside and stopped us for a safety inspection. This was our first on the trip, and Anne entertained the officers telling them about Grand Haven as The Coast Guard City U.S.A. I'm sure that she helped us pass the inspection!

We arrived at Jacksonville Landing, which is about 15 miles up the St. John's River in the heart of downtown. River currents and tides here are very strong, which made docking a challenge. This is a free dock, with a park and a number of restaurants along the shore, and it was colorfully lighted at night.

Great Laker at Jacksonville Landing