Silver Glen Springs & Astor, FL

Thurs, March 14 & 15, 2019; Fruitland, Fl to Astor, Fl

24.9 miles   …   4.5 hours

Today we are headed from one Looper pier/party to another in Astor FL. But, first up today we are going to go into Silver Glen Springs, drop the hook (anchor) and have lunch. EVERYONE says you must see Silver Glen Springs. In this boat we can go into the spring area.

Entering Silver Glen Springs

Not all boats can go into Silver Glen Springs; many have to anchor out and dinghy in

Stunning, clear water

Just look at that water

heading out

The winds died down, the sun warmed up and the pontoon/little fast boats came out. So, we pulled anchor and continued on to Astor. Sights along the way …

turtles on a log

As we neared the turn off to the channel to Mike & Laurie’s home/pier … out of nowhere comes a fast boat moving at us. It’s Mike in his Boat US Tow Boat to escort us.

here comes Mike

here comes Mike!

what a guy - escort all the way to the pier

Later Mike tells us he was going into a creek, hide, wait for us and then come out at speed with his siren on. Glad he didn’t!! What a jokester he is.

Floating screen patio - they have all the toys

our view for tonight

a fenced yard for Cally, Cinder & Sunny

First up, after doggy time and showers) is dinner out at Blackwater Inn. Now, this is my kind of place. Old fashioned restaurant with great staff, very good food and close to home!!

Laurie & Mike

Friday, Laurie and I went into to Orange Park for hair cuts. Afterwards, Mike cooked London Broil, green Beans & Baked Potatoes for all!! And, Key Lime Pie. So much good food in so short a time. I’m stuffed thinking about it all.

  

We spent more time with Mike and Laurie on Firestorm while on the Loop than any other boat/couple. It was a blast to see them again and catch up. Yes, we saw them twice last summer at our pier as they ventured to and from the Chesapeake Bay … But, it’s never enough.

Welaka - Fruitland, FL

Tues & Wed, March 12 & 13, 2019; Green Cove Springs to Fruitland, Fl

55.5 miles   …   7 Hours

A bumpy, rolly night with winds rolling waves at us on the beam (side).There was one long stretch of calm, but the waves started up again a couple hours before sunrise.  We couldn’t wait to get under way. 

Even this steel hull sailboat was bouncing. Interesting rig. Owners says he traded his truck for it. Previous owner was 80 and built it.

Not the prettiest day but a comfortable ride to Welaka. We had the river to ourselves. 

We saw this lighted mark at a rakish angle.

Once closer we saw an eagle on it. Guess he didn't want to have his picture taken. He took of right as I was ready to take a shot of him.

The day brightened just as we were approaching the start of the most interesting, southern, section of the St John's River.

Sights along the way

Looked like a train station depot

Railroad bridge in the up position...yeah!

Original plans were to stop at the Welaka, Fl town dock, visit with looper friends Scott & Lolo (MV Bad Habit) on Tues. Then move 4 miles south to the pier at the home of looper friends Jim & Kim (Kia Mae). Well, plans changed for the better. We went straight to the pier at the Passwater home. Let the fun begin.

Lab Partners partially tucked into the boat house

Jim surveying Fruitland Cove

Our view tonight

Oh, and this little fella was hanging around, too 

Next up (after a beer and showers) was a trip to Scott & Lolo’s house for dinner. Scott prepared a “Paleo” meal for us! Kim’s fabulous Banana Pudding wasn’t Paleo but amazing. So incredibly thoughtful and GOOD! We got a tour of their new Class A Motor Coach (Fabulous), tour of the new to them home and got to meet Ruby, their 5 month old Mini Golden Doodle!! 

Lolo, Kim, Scott, Jim & Rip

Cally & Ruby hanging out

Next up was Brunch at a favorite local place, Shrimps R Us & More. Then, a tour of town in Lolo’s 4 wheeler. Welaka is a neat place.

Scott & Lolo arrive in style!

Our tour guide, Lolo

Off we go

Dinner the next night was at Kim & Jim’s. Kim’s Paella was delicious!!! More Banana Pudding AND Key Lime Pie!!

Here comes the Paella

Dinner is served!

After dinner was a run to a local watering hole to catch the sunset – Renegades. Well, and a couple drinks, too.

Kim & Jim (Kia Mae)

Lolo & Scott (Bad Habit)

Renegade's

Sunset at Renegades After dinner by the fire pit … what a day!!

Unfortunately, we have to leave …

A very special memory along the St John’s River. So much fun to catch up with looper pals!!

Green Cove Springs, St John’s River, FL

Mon, Mar 11, 2019: The Marina at Ortega Landing, Jacksonville, FL to Green Cove Springs, St John’s River, FL

23.9 miles   …   4 hours

After 4 great days at a very nice marina, we left this morning to cruise UP the St John’s River … which is traveling SOUTH. Yes, the St John’s River flows NORTH.

We have been looking forward to this portion of the Loop for a long time.

A beautiful day to cruise and a short day of just under 24 miles. We didn’t even have lunch until we docked. Then Rip was off for a hair cut and to stop by City Hall and pay for our night’s dockage.

We have the dock to ourselves, have electric and are by a park for Cally. Life is good.

The park is quite large, but the highlight is the Spring, which feeds under the city pool to a water fall and then runs to the river.

Hard to see in the pic, but it is a deep hole with beautiful rocks inside.

You cannot get to close to the spring itself

We are here only one night, then off to Welaka, FL.