Captain Burnham refers to his earlier posting on Gibson Dry Dock, /?p=68591, and provides insight into the financial state of boat repair/storage yards during this time of economic downturn.

Thank you for allowing me to post on your excellent web service site.
I kept my comments about Gibson Dry Dock brief in order to keep from posting an advertisement. Tom Kight is a good friend I often crew with but the depression is hitting his boat storage yard especially hard this year with fewer Canadians coming down to store their boats for the summer in his Dry Dock. The Florida residents are also feeling the economic pinch and too often are giving up their boat titles for the storage fees they owe. This does not benefit the Dry Dock as these boats are often neglected and bring very little money at auction. The sad effect is that now the Dry Dock has to be selective as to the condition of the boats that are hauled out of the water lest they become the property of the Dry Dock. It is becoming common that an owner will have their boat hauled out, strip it of its engine and valuable parts and abandons the hulk. I have no doubt that this happens at other boat storage facilities also.
Gibson Dry Dock also has the problem of being south of the ill conceived 45 foot high clearance of the Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs which limits the size of sailboats cruising south on the St Johns River. The boats that can make it under the Shands Bridge barrier are enthuiastic about finding Gibson’s and spead the word about what a great place this is to keep your boat and get it ready to sail again.
David Burnham

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gibson Dry Dock

The old Floridian community of Welaka guards the St. Johns’ eastern banks south of Palatka and north of Lake George, between markers #48 and #50. I must admit I did not know there was a free city dock here, but that ignorance is now in the past.
Has anyone else tied to the docks at Welaka? Are there power and/or water connections available dockside, and are any shoreside services such as showers in the offing? If you have any info on this facility, please either use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper right of this page.
Thanks ever so much in advance!

We did enjoy our trip from Jacksonville to Sanford. We anchored out almost every night but found free docks in both Palatka and Welaka. We met the mayor of Welaka as he came down to check out the docks. There is a free aquarium in Welaka. We recommend Cafe Bleuu for the food and the owners who are entertaining.
Joy Poole

And now, thanks to Captains Glen and Jill (see below), we have lots more info on the Welaka city dock!

There is a free city dock in Welaka. While it seems to be set up for smaller fishing boats, and is often populated with a few folks fishing, it can handle cruising size boats. The T at the end of the dock is about 60 feet long and is the easiest place to tie up. But, there are triple dolphins outside the T, making it a very long step from the boat to the dock. It is possible to side tie to the south side of the dock, but you have to squeeze between the end of the T and a boat at the neighboring residential dock. The north side of the dock has finger piers, 20 feet long, 24 feet apart. While they are designed for two small boats, a cruising boat can fit. Longer boats could Med moor, dropping an anchor to secure the bow and back into the slip. The outer two slips have 15 foot depths. There is no electricity or water. The park up the street has restrooms and a shower.
Glen and Jill Moore

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Welaka, FL

First, let me say that, over the years, Captain Bobbie Blowers and I have exchanged much information. She is an excellent observer and a superb writer.
It has been my experience that the sorts of “fish camp” type facilities, as described by Captain Bobbie below, can be real finds for cruisers. Of course, if you prefer all the amenities, this is probably not the place for you, but those of us who cherish the feeling that every puff of wind, or turn of the screw, carries us a bit farther from the maddening crowd, may find Parramore’s absolutely delightful!

Hey Claiborne!
Greetings from a long time cruiser, recently resurfaced! I just read the most recent account of St John’s River cruising and would like to add some info gleaned from 2 winters of experience in the Astor area.
While our trusty old trawler Namaste was on the hard in a shed in the Chesapeake getting numerous repairs done, we spent our winters in a motorhome (Yep..the Dark Side!) at Parramore’s Fantastic Fish Camp. It is located about half a mile from the St John’s River on a deep water oxbow (Morrison’s Creek) just north of the Astor bridge. (This is the northern arm of the last oxbow east of the river before the bridge.)
The facility is definitely `Old’ Florida but has most everything a cruiser could want ‘“ plenty of anchoring room, boat ramp and dinghy dock, small café (Buck N Kat’s open 7 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week), club house, pool, tennis courts, laundry, small bait/sundries store, loads of country roads for walking and most of all, nice and friendly folks.
I spoke with one of the owner managers (Laurie) about cruisers’ use of the facilities. She was thrilled about the idea of cruisers coming in, especially to the café. The laundry has several machines and is available for any who want to use it. If you have a group, she can arrange use of the clubhouse facilities. Sorry..I neglected to ask about use of the pool, tennis courts and showers, but I feel sure if someone wanted to use these and spoke with her, she could make arrangements for those as well. Parramore’s telephone number is: 386-749-2721
We have cruised the St John’s twice and if we ever do so again will most definitely anchor in Morrison’s creek oxbow and dinghy in to Parramore’s. Try it!
Fair winds and the ever elusive `cheap’ fuel!
Bobbie Blowers
M/V Namaste

You can come ashore on the west bank under the draw bridge or at one of the restaurants. You will be in walking distance of the Ace hardware store (propane), the post office, and several marine mechanics and boat shops.
Sandy and Nancy Graves

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morrison’s Creek, off the St. Johns River

Julington Creek is a wide stream that intersects the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, east of marker #15. In addition to the anchorage, two marinas are also located here.

There is a wonderful anchorage off the St Johns River south of Jacksonville. Called Julington Creek or Bulls Bay. There are restaurants,
Fresh Market grocery store and a wonderful little park called Mandarin Park. Would highly recommend this stop for anyone taking the side trip on the St Johns River.
David and Sharron Knisely

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Julington Creek Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Julington Creek Anchorage

Outback Crab Shack on Sixmile Creek

There was a recent discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about the famous Crab Shack Restaurant, just off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs. Over the years, we’ve had many postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about this WONDERFUL place to slake a healthy appetite. From time to time, though, it’s good to recall this St. Johns River dining attraction!
To access this facility, cruise into Palmo Cove, along the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, well east – southeast of river marker #22. Be sure to avoid the long tongue of shoal water which stretches out from this cove’s northside entrance point.
Sixmile Creek stretches out from the southeastern corner of Palmo Cove. Be advised that you may have to cruise through some 4 1/2 foot soundings to reach the stream’s mouth, and again as you approach the restaurant’s docks.
If you can stand these depths, the effort is well worthwhile!

I would highly recommend six mile creek and the outback crab shack. The food is great and you can dock there free. There are no utilities but the dock is in excellent condition and 1500 ft long. It is an unusual place and one that you will talk about even after you finish the loop. The approach in the bay appears shallow there was plenty of water and once you get close to the creek, it becomes 15-20 feet deep. We liked it so much, we stopped on our way in and back on our way out from Sanford.
John and Carol Sagel

Add our names to the recommendation for Six Mile Creek and docking at the Outback Crab Shack – what a great stop. The way in is worryingly shallow, but we made it in and out twice with no problems. Be prepared to take home some of the food if you eat there – big portions!
Tom Sanders

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmo Cove and Six Miles Creek

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, In Satellite Photo (“Hybrid”) Mode, Zoomed To the Location of the Crab Shack on Six Mile Creek

Well, at least this off-the-beaten-path side trip is new to me. After cruising the St. Johns for 30+ years, the note below from Captains Jim and Vaughn, is the first I’ve heard of Salt Springs. But, sure enough, I checked the charts, and there it was, just as Jim and Vaughn point out below, in the northwestern corner of Lake George.
A study of the charts reveals that this is certainly an anchor off – dinghy in sort of cruising attraction, and it would be a very good thing indeed to have a well functioning chartplotter aboard, so as to avoid the shelf of 1-foot shoals extending out from the creek’s mouth.
Otherwise, this sounds like a really neat place to explore (again, by dinghy), and the SSECN would WELCOME accounts from other cruisers who have visited this stream. Please follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages, and share your experience!

But, there is another Spring to the North that can be a lot of fun. It’s a nicer facility and spring in our opinion. It’s Salt Springs in the northwest corner of the lake. We anchored out and took two dingies up there last year. There are some no wake zones so we just rafted up and enjoyed the ride along the river. Great day trip! Take your mask and snorkel to this spring. You can dive down into the spring openings, probably 10-12 feet. A longer ride up the river but it’s worth the trip just to see it. Same swimmable temperatures year round….and crystal clear.
Jim & Vaughn Quince

Saw the post about Silver Glen Springs and wondered why Salt Springs wasn’t mentioned. Then, just read the Salt Springs info. I visited there last April and indeed, it is pretty. Captains Quince are correct about the one foot depth at the opening of the `run’. Went agorund in my dinghy, but just jumped over and walked til deeper water. It’s a beautiful ride of about 2 or ? miles up the run and to the pool. There I thru out the anchor in about 2 ft. of water and walked/ swam into the main pool. Plan on returning sometime this April.
`Southern Latitudes’
42′ performance trawler

Saw the post about Silver Glen Springs and wondered why Salt Springs wasn’t mentioned. Then, just read the Salt Springs info. I visited there last April and indeed, it is pretty. Captains Quince are correct about the one foot depth at the opening of the `run’. Went agorund in my dinghy, but just jumped over and walked til deeper water. It’s a beautiful ride of about 2 or ? miles up the run and to the pool. There I thru out the anchor in about 2 ft. of water and walked/ swam into the main pool. Plan on returning sometime this April.
`Southern Latitudes’
42′ performance trawler

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lake George and Salt Springs Creek

I could not possibly agree more with the sentiments presented below by Captains Bill and Kathleen Root. If you have not cruised the upper St. Johns River from Palatka to the city of Sanford on Lake Monroe, you have, quite simply missed some of the best and most unique cruising in the Sunshine State.
There are myriad opportunities to spend an evening on the hook, about as far removed from civilization as you are likely to get this day and time. The “Seven Sisters” come to mind, as does “Bucher’s Bend.” There are even some superb dining opportunities, and an adequate number of friendly marinas.
The only caveat, as noted below, is that you want to be SURE your diesel tanks are topped off before cruising south from Jacksonville. Diesel fuel can be tough to come by on the upper St. Johns!
We would very much like to hear from more of you who have explored the St. Johns between Palatka and Sanford. Please follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the above, right side of this page, and share your experiences with the rest of the cruising community!

You definitely do not want to miss the lower St. Johns River from Palatka to Sanford. It’s the best part of the river, much nore interesting than the Dismal Swamp. Just be sure you fuel up with Diesel in Jacksonville because diesel can be hard to find farther south. Some marinas that advertise it may not have it when you want it.
Sanford is our home port. There are several marinas in Sanford that will accomodate transients. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages, and Acosta Creek marina just north of Lake George is run by very friendly and accommodating folks. We stop there every time we go north. Cafe Blue is an extraordinary restaurant located a short cab ride from Acosta Creek that really shouldn’t be missed.
Regarding Silver Glen Springs, I agree that no boat over 25 feet should attempt to enter it. However, there is great anchoring just off the mouth of the river running into the springs, so drop the hook and dinghy in. A little farther south you can anchor across from Blue Springs and dinghy into the park. There are plenty of fine anchorages all along the St. Johns for boats under 40 feet in length and 4 foot draft, and several that will accommodate boats up to 55 feet.
Bill & Kathleen Root
MV BUFFALO GAL
54′ Hatteras MY

Lisa and I did the ST Johns a couple years ago, spent almost a month exploring. The water was a little higher then and we were able to get into Silver Glen Springs with our (at that time) 4 1/2′ draft but it was touch and go even then. If you’re thinking of cruising the St Johns and want to view photo’s you can check out the following posts on our blog.
http://www.favorsgreatloopblog.com/category/our-new-loop-adventure/5-great-loop-st-johns-river-fl/#.URELH6XrbzI
Jim Favors
Kismet
Ranger Tug R27

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Acosta Creek Harbor

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Harbor

Silver Glen Spring Run is a narrow stream that pierces the western banks of Lake George (between Palatka and Astor on the St. Johns River), west of marker #9. These waters rise from natural springs, and are usually crystal clear. This makes the “basin” (mentioned below) a very popular stop for houseboats and pontoon boats. Years ago, a buddy and I spent a very happy afternoon snorkeling these beautiful waters.
HOWEVER, depths here have always been SKIMPY, to say the least! And now we hear below from Captain Betsy Johnson, that the “outgoing” channel is so shallow their 3-foot draft catamaran ran hard aground, and they had to be towed! There was only one channel when last I visited, but clearly that has changed.
So, at least for the time being, the best plan to visit Green Cove Springs is to anchor in Lake George, east of Silver Glen Spring’s mouth, and dinghy into the stream.
Has anyone else tried to visit here lately. If so, we would like to hear about your experience. Please follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link to the above right, and share your information!

Over the years, many Loopers have suggested a trip into Silver Glen Springs, off the St. Johns River. That was one of the main reasons we are taking this side trip on the St. Johns River. Once we worked our way in there this week we ended up waiting for TowBoat US for several hours when we ran aground and couldn’t work our way off. We are a power catamaran and draw less than 3 feet. Apparently the water is very low now. Following the channel in was no problem and depths were showing 7 feet or more. But once we got into the “pool” there were many locals already there, on a weekday. We decided we did not want to stay so tried to continue in the markers for the channel heading back out. (They have it marked for an incoming and outgoing channel, as they are so narrow boats can’t pass). OOPS! Once we hit bottom (hard packed sand) we could not get off, and we were right between two markers….could reach out and touch them they were so close.
Our recommendation would be to not go into this spot that has been so
popular in the past. Lesson learned was to be sure to have your tow company (TowBoat US for us this time) paid up. The fact that there was a large TowBoat US banner on one of the abandoned boats in the pool should have
told us something!
We recommend that all Loopers have both TowBoat US and SeaTow (we do), because you never know when you might need them and having both covers you in all areas of the Loop.
A final note: if you do choose to go into Silver Glen Springs, be sure to clean your strainers the minute you are out, or even before. The undergrowth is pervasive!
Betsy Johnson
Rick ‘n Roll
currently lying Hontoon Landing State Park on the St. John’s River

Cruising News:
The markers in the glen are not navigation markers, [even though] they look like nav markers. They are for traffic control. During the summer weekends there may be as many as 2,000 boats day tripping and the LEO need these to patrol and prevent anchoring in the “channel”. There is plenty of depth 6+ on the southside. If you can cross the shallow entrance there is plenty of water in the spring run. 25+ boating into the “Glenn”
Harry Gillean

We did Silver Glen Springs in 2010 but anchored out in Lake George, about 1/2 mile from the spring entrance, and took the dingy into the spring. It is well worth seeing the crystal clear water, Alligators lounging and other
wildlife.
Ray & Linda
SUMMERTIME

We anchored way out from Silver Glen Springs and took the dinghy into the springs. We found the way in to be far too shallow for our 5 ft draft. We enjoyed the springs and found it well worth the effort. A local volunteered to take the women aboard our dinghy back to our boat as he thought the Lake George waters were rough and we would all be wet. We appreciated his concern and enjoyed meeting another boater.
Great side trip!!!
Joy Poole

While it is a beautiful side trip, avoid the “weekend warriors” at all cost. Expect heavy traffic from Sanford to the springs! Several hundred boats packed in with FWC and three county Marine Patrol Units keeping them sorted out isn’t worth it. BTW- it’s designated as a “NO Alcohol Area” once you enter the channel and you’re not allowed to go ashore to the park. Monday ~ Thursday is the most enjoyable.
Frank M Howell

We so enjoyed our sojourn on the St. Johns. We actually turned back to visit Silver Glen Springs along with our friends Beth and Dean on Kismet. We too were worried about the clearance and chose to anchor out in the lake and dinghy in. We almost ran aground in the dinghy but when we reached the springs area there was a huge cruiser anchored in there. We could not figure how it got in but there it was. Apparently the locals knew something we did not.
Swimming in those springs was a real highlight of our Loop. There were large silver fish down in the spring and when the sun hit just right you could see how the springs got their name. We had hiked up to the ranger station to pay an admission fee and were told as long as we came by boat and stayed around the edge of the spring there was no fee.
If I had to do the Loop all over, and we may, I would take the time to swim in every spring.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle

I cruised to Silver Glen Springs twice during the week days during winter/2012, drawing 3 feet in my 24 cabin cruiser with an I/O. I had no problem navigating the water depths, however there is a lot of kelp-like underwater growth near the entrance of the spring, reaching to the surface, probably due to the effects of the warm water. Near the beginning of the stream’s entrance on the left, there is a large, private fishing club. There were three boats present both times near the terminus of the waterway in about six feet of water; two were pontoon houseboat rentals, and the third was a 34’ Mainship with it’s bow on the beach sand. It was unoccupied (possibly except for weekends.) The first trip I launched at Ed Stone Park at Deland, FL(overnight excursions are permitted, but it’s a somewhat long trip through what is similar to the scenic Great Dismal Swamp.) On my second trip, the park ranger suggested a private launch site only a few miles north of the national forest at Moodys rivate ramp ($10 per day, private ramp.) The ranger said the FWC and the local police were `actively enforcing’ alcohol/drugs and absence of clothing issues by those rafting up on the weekends and acting `wild’ which disturbed the national park visitors family atmosphere. The park even has an ice cooler inspection for their guests. I encountered no inspection issues during my mid-week stayovers of two and three days. The park is has a bouyed line of floats separating it from the area accessible to boaters. The National Forest website for this part is
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=37199
Gary Koerner

Regarding Silver Glen Springs, I agree that no boat over 25 feet should attempt to enter it. However, there is great anchoring just off the mouth of the river running into the springs, so drop the hook and dinghy in.
Bill & Kathleen Root
MV BUFFALO GAL

Lisa and I did the ST Johns a couple years ago, spent almost a month exploring. The water was a little higher then and we were able to get into Silver Glen Springs with our (at that time) 4 1/2′ draft but it was touch and go even then. If you’re thinking of cruising the St Johns and want to view photo’s you can check out the following posts on our blog.
http://www.favorsgreatloopblog.com/category/our-new-loop-adventure/5-great-loop-st-johns-river-fl/#.URELH6XrbzI
Jim Favors
Kismet
Ranger Tug R27

Silver Glen Springs is one that shallower draft boats may be able to get in to depending on Lake water levels. Local knowledge will help a lot. We anchored out and took out dink in there. There are some pretty large boats in the shallows there and lots of bottom scars near the entrance to prove it. Probably busiest on weekends. It’s our understanding that you can visit the springs without charge as long as you don’t touch land. You can get a short term pass for using the bathroom. No alcohol and don’t dare tie to the trees! We talked with a NF ranger about this place and the rules.
Jim & Vaughn Quince

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Silver Glen Spring Run