Today is Christmas... and, while nearly 70degF, is darned cloudy and rainy. That's OK: I will relax, listen to music, nap, eat, and prepare for departure tomorrow or Wednesday. Monty can join in for some of that.
A few days ago I finally left the mooring field at St Augustine Municipal Marina and the anchorage right in front of the fort and moved a couple miles north, just south of the next bridge. I've been here two days and am delighted. The biggest reason is that, while I'm here with some traffic noise and loads of little boats, at least I don't have cannon fire on the weekends and the incredible amount of light pollution of the city center... AND I have a little beach where Monty can run around without a leash!
A hundred yards away, people are in a stop/start traffic jam on the bridge coming home from Vilano Beach in the late pm while I watch great egrets and listen to bird song and feel hard sand (and sharp oyster shells) under my feet. Pretty nice.
At sunrise, I can row across the river to the Vilano Beach fishing pier, walk a half-mile to the ocean side, and walk the ocean front beach with many other dogs and their leashed people. And there is a Publix supermarket at the 2/3 mark. I'm sure it is all horribly crowded by 10am most days, but early mornings belong to me and a few others....
I hope all is well with all of you on this Christmas day, my friends. May you get all the joy, love, and sunshine you deserve on this day and every one to come...
Merry Christmas! Dylan, Declan and I are in the White Mountains. Despite the gray days and no snow we managed to have some outdoor fun. Our dog sledding adventure turned into dog carting.
ReplyDeleteWe are staying at the historic Mount Washington Hotel. The hotel is beautifully decorated with many festive activities available. Aside from spending time with the boys - one of my favorite memories will be watching the little ones play by the fire in their Christmas pajamas. The parents and grandparents sit nearby smiling watching their loved ones anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival.
Hope you have a peaceful and joyful Christmas Day. “When you can’t find the Sunshine….be the Sunshine”.
Christmas love
Thanks, Diane. I really enjoy the picture you paint of family Christmas in the White Mountains. Have a wonderful holiday and good winter.
DeleteYou continue to amaze me, Skip. All of the unknown unkowns must be offset by the stunning natural beauty you have the opportunity to witness. Happy New Year and safe travels to you!
DeleteMerry Merry to you.. sounds like a perfect Christmas enjoying nature...
ReplyDeleteLife IS pretty good, even if one grumbles...
DeleteAhoy Skip! We spent a month last winter where you are. I much prefer it to St Augustine “proper”. It HAS been a rough season so far. Do you have a “next port plan”? We’ll try again to get across to the Exumas in a month or so, but our planning & life’s realities are not always in perfect alignment. We’ll see; and maybe we’ll see you along the way. Until then, happy napping, foraging, dog-loving, and do-good-ing to you. With love & wishes for 15 knots in the sweet spot…Tony & Tess, sv Endurance
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to hit Ft Pierce, but might go down to southern FL. Departing tomorrow PM or AM 27th. It would be fun running into you guys!
DeleteKnowing as we do how amazingly competent in all the many ways you are, Dustin, it is almost comforting to realize you have headache inducing anxieties on occasion just like the rest of us mortals! Of course, you faced your challenge and met it with fortitude and smarts. We wish you joy, delight and wonder, Skip, this season and always. David and Janet
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys. I assume you are in UK. When might you be back in UT?
DeleteHappy NEW Year, Dustin!
ReplyDeleteLoved the description of your Christmas with its beauty and even some of the challenges. Peaceful!! Glorious!
Will you be coming back to Sonoma for a visit any time next year? Would love to see you!
Much love to you and Monty!
Glenn and Jana
Happy New Year Skip!
ReplyDelete