We are officially in the “real” Florida….mega-houses, mega-yachts, inattentive (and sometimes just plain rude) boaters, stretches and stretches of houses and boat docks along the ICW. Quite a change from the mostly remote and rural passages we’ve made so far. We all enjoyed the warm sun and clear skies — but it was still coolish. Fernandina Beach, although in Florida, is wonderfully quaint compared to the crowded surroundings you encounter near Jacksonville and on to St. Petersburg. Pictures tell the tale of today’s journey.
The mud banks we’ve become used to at low tide become sandy dunes along the Florida ICW.The vegetation along the ICW takes on a tropical look with palm trees along the shore.Still chilly — but that way the champagne doesn’t get warm 🙂 Cliff and Ann enjoying their morning “toast.”But we started the day with a healthy breakfast of yogurt, granola and fresh berries that Roger and Will picked up at the Fernandina farmer’s market.I’m thinking this house in Palm Harbor outside of Jacksonville started out as a La Quinta Inn project!And, some of the houses are about the same size as a Hampton Inn! But nicer 🙂There are more boat manufacturers in Florida than in any other state. Here is a mega-yacht boat yard with two HUGE private ships readying for launch.Unlike most the ICW waters, Florida’s are lined with houses and boat houses.And, some of the houses are about the same size as a Hampton Inn! But nicer 🙂Dot.Calm leaves a huge wake even at 9 or 10 mph. So we really had to poke along when we came to those stretches of homes on our way to St. Augustine.Capped off our day with dinner at Columbia — one of 7 restaurants the original family runs throughout Florida. Reliably delicious, huge servings of Cuban and Spanish dishes. Yum.
