Took my family to Cellar 6 for dinner tonight. By far the worst dining experience I have ever had in the 12 years of eating out in St Augustine. Extremely disappointed, especially since we enjoyed the drinks when we went there for happy hour with the net [St. Augustine Cruisers net]. Needless to say will never go back. Johnathan Hughes
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Stuart, enjoy the recommendations offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
You won’t have to walk far from the Stuart waterfront to find ice cream. It boasts a Kilwin’s, G&G Gelato and Kelly’s Kones all within a three or four block radius! One’s too crowded, keep going to the next one! We just can’t walk past Kilwin’s without stopping. Although not technically ice cream, it is a frozen treat and also my other fave dessert – the frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate. Of course, this had to have originated in Key West. The Blond Giraffe and other key lime pie companies sell this sweet feast for the taste buds. You can find this in the Keys at a number if locations. I had the good fortune to find dipped cheesecake on a stick at a boat show on the Chesapeake last summer. I suggested to the guy he might want to branch out into key lime pie’¦ Susan Landry
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Fernandina Beach, enjoy the recommendation offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
Fernandina Harbor – Click for Chartview
Fortunately, you don’t have to go far into Florida to get your first fix. Fernandina Beach houses probably one of the most visited ice cream shops along the Waterway. About four blocks from the marina, this gem, Fantastic Fudge, makes and sells fudge and other candy. Their Birthday Cake ice cream is some of the best that I have ever had. Fantastic Fudge proudly sells Florida’s own Working Cow ice cream. You will likely find a line here, which is fine. One, you get more time to make up your mind and two, you know it must be good if this many people are waiting in line for it. I have to recommend the Raspberry Haze. Susan Landry
The charming old Floridian community of Welaka guards the St. Johns’ eastern banks south of Palatka and north of Lake George, between markers #48 and #50. The cafe at the top of the hill mentioned by the Sturms is probably Cafe Bleu, highly recommended by other cruisers, /?p=110746
Stopped for the day at the free dock in Welaka at mile 95. This is a deluxe floating concrete dock with space for maybe a half dozen boats (no power or water) and there are a couple of restaurants within walking distance – one at the top of the hill adjacent to the dock. We tried both of them and were pleased. The best surprise is the athletic and playground complex / tennis courts at the top of the hill have hot showers and all of this is free. Just be sure to bring a roll of toilet paper with you. Sadly, the maritime museum has closed and is now just a storage building. In short, we liked Welaka. Elaine & Russ Sturm Twelve Stones
Six Mile Creek stretches out from the southeastern corner of Palmo Cove, itself a short hop southeast of the infamous Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs. 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 Crab Shack’s docks. If you can navigate in these depths, the effort is well worthwhile!
The previous night, we stayed on the free dock at Outback Crab Shack on Six Mile Creek (Mile 47) and it is a bit shallow getting in there with 5 foot draft boats needing high tide. Elaine and Russ Sturm Twelve Stones
We have previously published several strings of messages about the Florida Pilot Mooring Field program. Some hate it, some like it, and some are not sure exactly what to think, and just want additional information. Linked below you will discover a series of messages which recently appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list. As you will see, again, there is a wide range of opinions, but we found some of these notes extremely well thought-through, and definitely thought provoking. Note that some of these contributors are referring to the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) report on Florida Mooring Fields, which was recently published, and about which we will have more to say editorially soon! This series of messages is sooooo lengthy, instead of pasting them all below, we invite you to visit:
From our friends at the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum, (http://www.greatloop.org/), comes this excellent review of the Murphy Creek anchorages. This stream breaks off from the St. Johns, hard by Dunns Creek, several miles south of Palatka, and eventually loops around and rejoins the St. Johns south of marker #26. We have always suggested entering Murphy Creek by way of Dunns Creek, as the former stream’s westerly mouth channel is somewhat constricted. But, hey, looks like Captains Elaine and Russ were able to successfully navigate both entrances in their 37 foot trawler. Of course, note they have a shoal draft of only 3 feet!
We have a 37′ trawler 3′ draft, 16′ beam. Murphy Creek is one of our favorite anchorages. We have traveled the entire Creek entering both the north & south and exiting both as well. The North entrance is shallower at times but stick to the chart. I have some amazing pictures from our times on anchor. Its a quiet peaceful anchor spot. We spent several months last year traveling the entire St. Johns after purchasing our boat. Its a great river. Elaine & Russ Sturm Twelve Stones
We were there in November 2013. It is fine as an anchorage with no depth problems as long as you stay in the marked channel. We cruised the entire length of it and never saw less than 7 feet at any time. We did not stop here, but had it planned as an alternate if the weather turned bad. You will see wildlife here, but nothing like what you will see further south. If you are interested in our trip down the St. Johns, our blog is at http://www.wacithree.blogspot.com. The wildlife gets better and better the further south you go and reaches its peak in the Blue Springs area near DeLand and Hontoon Island State Park. Be sure your dinghy is ready to explore areas your boat will not be able to navigate and you will see a part of Florida that few cruisers have a chance to see. The St. Johns has been the highlight of our Loop so far. Check our blog for details. Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage
Despite being charted at 40ft MHW vertical clearance, and prompted by IBTS’s query below, two of the Main Street bridge tenders have verified that the distance from the span to the water at Mean High Water is 38ft. Correct your charts! Also, please note the restrictions currently in place that require advanced notice for an opening, /?p=134950
Biscayne Point Anchorage lies off the Miami Beach Channel, on the charted finger of deep water north of Biscayne Point and east/southeast of flashing daybeacon #2.
Nice open anchorage. Stay true to the charts as the southern half is truly much deeper! We were the only boat anchored there. No actual dinghy dock that we could find but we dinghyed down the canals and tied up to a wall and walked into town 🙂 Erica
Please note the time change and new Facebook address !
Cruising News: Announcing the St Augustine Cruisers Net Start Date: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012 at 8:00am everyday on VHF Channel 72. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/ The net will cover things such as: Welcoming new boats to the harbor/saying goodbye to departing vessels Announcements, events, and local happenings Questions and requests for assistance and problem solving Buy, sell, trade, and giveaway gear Weather and tides. So when you’re in the port of St Augustine, turn your VHF channel to 72 at 8:00 am each morning. Linda R. Allen
Note the change in time. It’s now (as of January 2014) 0900 daily. Not 0800.
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Michael Sissenwine- January 11, 2015 - 9:20 pm
Hi, I am cruising on Endless, my 43′ Morgan (Nelson Marek design). I am currently docked at the Conch House. I look forward to meeting fellow cruisers. Mike
Thanks for posting our notice, we are very excited to be launching the St Augustine Cruisers Net for the boaters living and/ or passing through the port of St Augustine waters.
With a closed vertical clearance of 30ft, Sunny Isles Causeway Bridge crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 1078, south of marker #57.
PUT A SYSTEM IN PLACE! Too often do I see them open that bridge for boats who are not even close to needing the clearance. Non stop, whole day, every day of life this bridge is open. Considering the amount of construction and money being spent one would think that a wealthy city such as ours can come up with a reasonable system as to when the bridge will open. Get it together. Jonathan Bernard
Lake Sylvia lies to the south, southeast of marker #13, itself just south of huge Bahia Mar Marina.
Anchored here tonite. Lots of boats. Have not found anywhere to land dingy. Enter close to East shore for good water. 16ft where we dropped the hook. There is no shore access in the basin. Some say you can go up the canals to stores and a park? Good protection all around. Sonny Reeves
Las Olas (1 sm N) has a dinghy landing and allows the use of their fine facilities for a small fee. Laundry especially spacious. Grocery, drugs, ATM and restaurants within easy walking distance. Canals heading west off Lake Sylvia lead to ICW and more restaurants on its west side. Watch your dinghy speed when entering ICW from canals ‘” this is a serious, enforced, and ticketed speed and no wake zone. Chris and Janet
We are anchored in Lake Sylvia and checked Las Olas [Fort Lauderdale] City Marina about landing our dinghy there. They said it costs $20 per day and you do not have use of any of the facilities! They also said a city mooring ball was $45 a day and then you could use the facilities. $45 for a mooring ball is $1500 a month which is absurd!! You can go west down the canal just north of the 17 street causeway bridge and land the dinghy at Southport bar and grille for $10 which is applied to any purchase at the restaurant. Also Coconut’s restaurant next to the Hall of Fame marina has a dinghy dock that you can use if you eat there. Rick Steinberg
Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Hi Larry, Here is our review of Old Port Cove. NPalm Beach. Five Stars Easy in and out. No current in basin. The tall buildings cut the wind. Dock hand Kip came to us in a golf cart on the wide, clean slip free decks and fueled us up and guided us to one of the few vacant slips in this 200 slip marina. Many large yachts make this marina a home port inside the gated, guarded community. The finger piers are wide, with pump out near each slip. The deck cleats are large adjustable to accommodate any arrangement of ties. The facilities are first class, clean showers and laundry with 4 dryers/washers in the building with Captain’s lounge, fitness center and restrooms. The manager Mark greeted us in the office located inside the onsite restaurant. Mark had a bottle of wine delivered to our slip. Our fuel and slip were discounted for BoatUS to $1.42 @ Ft for our 40 ft trawler, $20.00 for 50 amp. and $4.35 a gal for diesel. The fare on Sunday was very good and reasonable in price. Wi Fi is free and we watched movies from netflix. Rode bike over to West Marine. We left Monday AM for Marathon. We will be back to stay at this safe, clean marina. Sonny Reeves
Dear Capt. & Mrs. Reeves, The entire crew of Old Port Cove Marina would like to take this opportunity to say `Thank you!’ for the review you posted here. We are all thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us as well as our facilities and we look forward to your return. Have a great time in Marathon. Happy Cruising! See you soon. Sincerely, Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
The Titusville mooring field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel leading to Titusville City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Captain Reeves’ homeport is Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, GA and he is currently enroute to sunny Marathon, FL. Lucky he!
Here we are in The Office anchored just south of bridge at Titusville. Sunrise over Cape Canaveral space center. Stay Warm. Sonny Reeves
The photo is so beautiful and a great reminder why I love living in Titusville, Florida:-) I have always said, `Titusville is the best secret in the state of Florida’:-) Thank you for sharing this beautiful photo:-) Jeanie Huppert
Flagler County, south of St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach, now boasts eight live webcams along the Waterway as it flows flows through this county. These sites also include current weather conditions. To view these sites go to: http://www.palmcoastandtheflaglerbeaches.com/where-we-are/webcams-weather.stml
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Allen Walker- July 23, 2017 - 3:59 pm
Most of the cams have been off line for over a year… called them and all they can say it’s the CATV company’s problem…
Captain Reeves’ recommended anchorage lies on the east side of Sisters Creek just north of the Waterway’s intersection with the St. Johns River and north of the Sisters Creek Bridge on Heckscher Blvd. There are two parks on the west bank of Sisters Creek, one is the Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Park and Boat Ramp on the south side of the bridge and the second park, on the north side of the bridge, is the Jim King Park and Boat Ramp, the newest, and still under development, Jacksonville City Park. Nice place to anchor for the night. 30 23 719 N 081 27 406 W if you are going South on ICW go to port 100 yards past marker G85 10-11 ft of water at low tide. Open to North. Look for flagpole at park across the way and stay out of channel, 100 yards off eastern shore for a good spot. Park is said to have water and pumpout? Public park is just across the ICW with a place to dock, Daytime only! and walk your pets. We did not explore past a short walk. Bridge is just to the south. Holding is good. Current is fast. We had no problems. Note FWC was ticketing the boats that were not obeying the no wake/minimum wake zone. This morning we discovered that a free face dock is also at this park. Just opposite of the G85 marker is a creek with a dock and walkway, childrens play area and restrooms. The free dock is posted for 72 hours and has water, but no electricity. This is a Jacksonville City Park. We did not see any shopping. Sonny Reeves
Back on 12/16/13, we published a really “fun” article about how members of the St. Augustine Cruisers’ Net Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/), were searching for the best margarita in St. Augustine (see /?p=129816). At that time, it look as if Hurricane Patty’s restaurant, at River’s Edge Marina (69 Lewis Blvd, 904-827-1822) was the winner. However, in the never ending, “arduous” task of finding the best of these Mexican concoctions in historic St. Augustine, we have another entry. Looks MARVELLOUS. I’m going to be in St. Augustine next week, and will do my very best to give a personal report. Again, such onerous duty!!!
Annnnd… We may have a winner, but disqualified for a technicality. You need a car to visit Rachel’s excellent suggestion. The research must go on. ‘” at La Cocina Mexican Restaurant [290 Us Highway 1 S Ste D, 904-794-1610). Dan N Jaye
Just north of the PGA Bridge, Soverel Marina is located at 2401 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, 561-691-9554. www.soverelmarina.com. Soverel Marina shares the same address on Soverel Harbor, but should not be confused with, PGA Marina, www.pgamarina.com.
Look at Soverel Marina in Palm Beach Gardens. Very protected, gated, easy walking to restaurants, shops, Enterprise. I have a friend who has a 50′ vacant slip there. -Mike ‘One September’
Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. Cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka
Hi everybody. We, “Carol Anne”, have been at The Boathouse marina for about 2 weeks and are planning on spending a couple of months here just relaxing. This place is very nice (heated pool) and quiet. While it is a $5 cab ride from Publix, there is a Walgreens and fish market nearby. This place used to have more Looper boats in the past and I know of only 1 more coming in. The docks are in great shape and there are still some slips available. Bob & Loretta McKane. “Carol Anne”
It is this kind of service that turns a bad time unto a positive experience! Halden Marine Service is located at 1019 N 32nd Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021, Phone: (954) 964-8136.
My wife and I waited for arrival in Key Biscayne to unpickle our Spectra Watermaker in preparation for cruising in the Bahamas. When powered up, we discovered the pump head needed replacement. This was Christmas week, and our weather window for making the Gulf Stream crossing was fast approaching and not expected to last very long. I called J.T., who not only ordered the part I needed express, but then delivered them at no cost to me on December 27th from his Hollywood, FL shop to No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne. I replaced the pump myself. Despite this, J.T. only charged me his cost for the parts, and provided me lots of advice. GREAT SERVICE and great, trustworthy guy. Highly recommend him. George on SV Tara.
We do not know of anyone who can beat JT in service. The Spectra watermaker is great and his service is first class! He always answers his emails and phone. I’m sure some of my questions makes him shake his head but there has never been a time when we weren’t 100% satisfied!! Go Halden Marine Service! Dick and Anne Anderson
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