11/30/12  When we sail offshore (vs. Intracoastal Waterway) we can sure make some tracks!  From Oriental, NC to Fernandina, FL in 4 days!  The first 2 days we motor sailed the ICW to Southport, NC.  Here's a shot of a group of sailboats after we all waited for a bridge to open and went through together.

Bluejacket (at left) and others sail onto the next scheduled bridge opening.

We had plenty of wind as you can see in the picture and from the north.   We're sailing on the "inside", the ICW, instead of the "outside", on the ocean.  Winds were 20 - 25 gusting to 35 on the outside.  A little too much so we stayed inside.  In two days we arrived at the southern border of NC and SC where we anchored and checked the weather.  The winds were decreasing but still from a northerly direction.  The next morning while most of you started your Thanksgiving preparations we headed out at Cape Fear and aimed for Charleston, SC.  The seas were still a bit lumpy but settled down some.  With a decent forecast we sailed by Charleston at 2 am headed for Fernandina.  The winds died down and changed direction.  South!  Southwest!  Not exactly what we wanted, but we slogged on bashing into the waves.   Bluejacket bouncing around with us.  After sailing for 48 hours we were thankful to arrive in Fernandina and sit back and relax.  The relaxing included showers, laundry, and cooking a late Thanksgiving dinner.  Donna and Jerry arrived with stuffing, pie, and more to add to the 12 lb. turkey I wedged into our oven.  And then a board game (The Game of 99).  And then we all slept like logs!

Thanksgiving - Karen, Donna & Jerry Luh, (Jerry Skinner taking pictures)

Persephone was off the next morning to sail from Fernandina to St. Augustine.  A beautiful day sail, just enough wind to fill the sails and move us along.  The sun shining.   Our friends Chris & Amy drove down to visit in St. Augustine with 8 month old Andrew.  What a happy baby sitting in his stroller watching as we feasted on crusty bread with cheese, meats, and special sauces Chris brought at one of the decorative fountains.  A nice warm evening.
The next morning - off again to the ocean.  The sail from St. Augustine to Fort Pierce, 28 hours, with too much wind.  The forecast NE 15 was NE 20 - 25 going to East.  A bumpy ride with big following seas.  Into the inlet at Fort Pierce and down the ICW to Stuart.  The area where we're anchored is called Manatee Pocket.  Last year we spent a month or more here with our friends Arno and his daughter Benedict.  This year Arno is in NY working and Benedict is working on her dream of becoming a doctor and is doing residency in Reno.  Miss you Benedict!  We will see our buddy Dale this weekend when he drives up on his one day off.