04: Cruising: US East Coast
Logistics in Jacksonville

Logistics in Jacksonville

Still waiting on laptop to be fixed so no pics for this post (boo! We all know pictures are more fun than a bunch of words)…

Alas, here we go:

I awaken to the mechanical groan of our windlass as it winds our anchor chain up and out of the water and into Free Range’s anchor locker. It’s early but Stéphane is ready to make moves. I get to the cockpit and start the engine so we can head out of our anchorage under power once The Bruce (anchor) is secured to the bow. We are becoming an efficient and more confident sailing duo.

The night before, I plotted our route to Jacksonville on our iPad and Stéphane found our anchorage, so away we go down the Intracoastal crossing St. Mary’s inlet and the GA-FL border into The Sunshine State.

Now, of all the potential places to visit in Florida, Jacksonville is definitely not on our “must see” list, however, its one draw is that it has an Apple Store and as our laptop is still quite unhappy after being “fixed” in Charleston, Jacksonville it is.

We spend one night anchored across from a shipping yard in J-ville and then head further south to a FREE dock. Yes, you read that last bit correctly – a free dock. Although quite the endangered species in the cruising world, they do actually turn up from time to time if you are a patient and inquisitive hunter.

Seventy-eight beautifully empty slips and free water greeted us at the Jacksonville Municipal Park; shore power for $8 a day if you were so inclined. The other plus: a public bathroom. See, our toilet decided to break the day before and one can only pee in a cup for so long before it really starts to cramp ones style.

After securing Free Range to the dock and a bathroom pit-stop, we trek two miles to a bus station where we can catch the South Side Six (SS6 if you’re a regular on the Jacksonville bus scene). An hour later, SS6 drops us off at Apple Store/West Marine (yes, we got totally lucky that both stores were in the same shopping center); two hours later we await the inbound R5 minus one laptop and plus one West Marine Compact Manual Head. A mile and a half walk in the dark from R5, each carrying one side of our new toilet, getting odd looks from the locals, we return to Free Range – the day’s mission a success.

The next day we realize we need some new hose to complete the toilet project. Shoot!! It’s not like we can just jump in the car and drive to our local West Marine. For us now, every shopping excursion in a new city requires research, logistics, multi-tasking, patience, and willingness to sprint the last five blocks to catch that outbound P4.

P4 takes us to a closer West Marine AND a grocery store (logistics, multi-tasking). Later that afternoon, laden with two overly-full backpacks crammed with eggs, veggies, fruit, and meat (don’t forget the bag of wine), we are back at the dock ready to complete the toilet install.

Stéphane bangs out the toilet project, no problems. We eat fresh food for dinner to celebrate our new toilet. It’s the little things…

the next day we meet our new neighbors, Elaine and Cornel- they’re the ones in the Hunter Passage 456 across the dock from us. More projects: I clean our stainless steel rails, wash the deck down, wash salt off Free Range; hoist Stéphane up the mast so he can install our flag halyard; Stéphane sews a cover for or grill- we are busy! That evening we meet the neighbors for apps and drinks on their boat, s/v Sans Souci (carefree) and we chat into the night.

Today: waiting for laptop to be fixed, more cleaning and projects, and a big storm blows through…

Found a few pics on our iPad:

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The current overpowered this boat and pushed it into the bridge.

 

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Stéphane sews a cover for our Magma grill.

12 thoughts on “Logistics in Jacksonville

    • Author gravatar

      Did you get my message, regarding Daytona?

    • Author gravatar

      Never a dull moment in the life of a sailor. Amazing how you meet the challlenges you have had. Stephane is a Jack of All Trades. I don’t ruppose you have any heat on the boat. I’m concerned about the cold, cold weather that is across most of the US. Stay warm!

      • Author gravatar

        Hey Grams! We do not have a heater and it is pretty darn cold here this morning. We have plenty of warm layers, though, and jackets and wool socks. I have my special fleece/wool mittens on so all is good- we’ll get by 🙂

    • Author gravatar

      Cindy, we did get your message! Don’t think we will make it to Daytona area but plans could always change! Keep you posted 🙂

    • Author gravatar

      There may not have been pictures, but they would have never been as awesome as the story. I think you may also be a writer. HAPPY times

    • Author gravatar

      Wow you two stay busy! That storm was crazy! Love those Florida downpours!

    • Author gravatar

      Before moving to Colorado, we lived in Orange Park, south and up the St Johns from where you are. It’s a great area. I’d skip Daytona, too, but not St Augustine!!

      • Author gravatar

        Hey Steve! Wish we could skip Daytona but we had our auto pilot shipped there – the UPS store in Daytona is walking distance from where we can anchor Free Range – it’s all about logistics!!! How’s everything @ CIC?

    • Author gravatar

      I think I’m logged in. Great posts guys! and great adventures so far. Getting ready for ice climbing season in Colorado. We sure do you miss you two! have fun and remember “safety third”! Bon voyage!

      • Author gravatar

        Hey Dan!
        Missing you guys and the mountains but we’re having great adventures so far. You and Karen be sure to climb some ice for us this winter, okay? Give Myra a big squeeze! Hope to meet up with you in the Caribbean this winter!!

    • Author gravatar

      T’es beau Bubi avec ta barbe!!!!!!
      Tu répares une voile!
      I have always the shirt you sew at the school!!!!!!

      • Author gravatar

        Merci 🙂 Non, c’est pas une voile, c’est une housse pour le Barbecue. On l’a acheté tout neuf, il est en acier inoxydable, et après l’avoir utiliser seulement une fois il y avais déjà un peu de rouille. Tout rouille très vite avec l’eau salée.

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