St Augustine, FL

mv Ragtime, Southport, ME port

sv Owl, St Augustine, FL

After St Marys, we headed further south into Florida, past several shallow spots.  Near Fernandina we were passed by a beautifully restored powerboat called Ragtime.  Coming into St Augustine we motored past a cute mini pirate ship called Owl.

We arrived in St Augustine on a Friday, spent Saturday & Sunday revisiting some favorite spots and previewed our "official tourist plan", including taking the Old Town Trolley, hitting a couple museums, and other highlights. When we walked into the Old Towne we discovered it was once again Pirate's Weekend and encountered a large group of Pirates on the field past the the old City Gates.

Pirates battle

 The roar of the flintlocks,  blunderbusses and cannons was very loud & the smoke billowed from them all.

Monday we took advantage of the fine, sunny weather and explored the town of St Augustine, FL.  First we took the trolley all the way around, to get our bearings and learn the route.  Even saw "The Senator", a 600 year old Oak tree. 

Old Town Trolley

Castillo Gun Crew

Castillo Cannon Firing Demonstration

Also, because it was Veteran's Day, the Castillo de San Marcos was open free to the public so we went there again.  Once of our favorites, the rangers give mini-talks about the rooms on the ground floors and even have cannon-firing demonstrations up on the parapets.
 

Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions & N Anchorage

Cannon details

Garry, cannon & St Augustine Inlet

 We enjoyed a cheeseburger lunch at "No Name" pub and ended our tours of town by visiting Pat Croce's Pirate & Treasure Museum.  It was pretty neat, lots of interactive exhibits, including firing a cannon and being locked in the brig.

St Marys, Georgia

St Marys Left

St Marys Center

St Marys Right

Once we left Cumberland Island anchorage we went up the
St Marys River to the town of St Marys.  Although it wasn't
Thanksgiving yet (they always have a huge holiday meal) we
decided to make a detour and investigate the little town of
St Marys.  The channel marks were few but well marked.
When we were coming up the river, we could spot the town
in the distance.  Big area, marina transient docks on left,
State and National Park facilities & boat in center, and more
docks on the right.  Windy anchorage but nice view.

When we walked around town, we discovered main Osborne Street with most shops, including two bookstores (new Once Upon a Bookseller & used Ms. Wendy's Wonderful World of Books, several antiques shops, and several restaurants, including homey Cedar Oak Cafe for hearty, reasonable breakfast.

Later in the day we tried Shark Bite Bar & Grill for "lunner", the boaters late lunch, early dinner.  Also spotted at the docks was the Schooner Steelaway which now makes St Marys their homeport.  We had seen this vessel on a previous trip.