We made it!

Sitting in Fernandina Beach, resting, relaxing, reflecting. The trip from Charleston was interesting. We were close hauled for half a day, and making seven and a half knots, then the Coast Guard relayed a special weather statement. Heavy storm off of Hilton Head heading East slightly. Any boats in the area are advised to seek safe harbor, and any sailboats to drop sails and run under motor. Damn! We dropped sails and powered along in rolling seas. The storm got close enough for us to wince at the lightning hitting the water, but then it started moving south, closer to shore. We were about five to seven miles out, and we followed that damn storm all the way to Florida. So we had lightning every few minutes, which lit up the horizon nicely. The waves were lifting the bow, and slamming us down for hours, until day break, when we finally had some following seas. The weird part of the night was the stars above us shining brightly, and then lightning arcing overhead as well. Veins of lightning spreading out across the sky. Mother nature really put on a display for us that night, and I hope we never experience that again.

Entering the St Mary's river we were contacted by the USCG, and were requested to hold our position until a naval escort proceeded before us. There were several mean looking small warships coming in, and they were escorting a Nuclear Submarine. Pretty awesome, but it delayed our arrival by an hour, and more storms were coming in. We rolled in behind them, and proceeded on a flood tide, with heavy current. When we arrived at the marina the current was only about half a knot, and we docked for fuel. I just got done filling the tank when a squall hit. It was on and off squalls for the rest of the evening.

We are all tied up and safe and looking forward to more adventures. Unfortunately it's time to go back to work, and earn some cash. I am not looking forward to that. Manufacturing car parts just seems so meaningless now, but it is what I do, and so it goes.

I'll be back with more reflections on the last five weeks of travel. There are some issues with the boat, that need to be addressed. Most systems worked well, and fuel issues aside, the Yanmar kept performing, but I sense some overhaul is needed. Yesterday the starter did not kick at the fuel dock. It took several attempts to get her to turn over. Oy.

Thanks to everyone who followed along, and we appreciate the advice along the way. It really did help.

Cheers!
P&D
SV Kelly Nicole