Ortega River

4/20/15

It was cloudy all day with severe thunderstorms forecasted for later in the afternoon. We went into the Ortega River, which is considered the hub of Jacksonville's marine industry. To get into the river the Ortega River Bridge had to open for us. It is a 1920s-vintage classic bridge. Because of it's low clearance in an area of high marine traffic, it is the most frequently opened drawbridge in Florida (about 15,000 openings per year).

We first headed to Lamb's Yacht Center to fill up with fuel. We then went to The Marina at Ortega Landing. It is by far the nicest marina in the area with floating docks, a pool and hot tub. We plan to leave the boat here for three weeks. We'll rent a car and drive back to Palm Beach. Al's father is coming to Florida for a wedding. We'll meet him in Palm Beach, spend some time with him in our condo, then he'll drive our car back to New York for us. We'll then drive back to the boat and bring the boat back to New York.

As we went past the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville four Navy helicopters kept circling the area

Ortega River Bridge

Just one of 15,000 openings

The Marina at Ortega Landing. Can't wait to enjoy the pool & hot tub

Green Cove Springs

We left Palatka and went to Green Cove Springs. This is one of our favorite towns. They have a free dock with electric and water which is next to a park, and the town has a restaurant with great buffalo wings. There's been lots of action on the dock today as the local boaters stop for lunch, jump off the dock to cool off, and many other people come to the pier to go fishing.

We were happy to be securely tied to a dock when a thunderstorm with heavy winds blew through the area. It quickly passed and then it was much cooler out. 

Early morning in Palatka 

The nuclear power plant next to the paper mill

That's a big fuel tank from the space shuttle. Not sure why it's in Green Cove Springs.

Hooper making friends with a manatee

Sunset in Green Cove Springs

Back to Palatka

We decided to turn around and head north again. We saw a lot of the southern part of the river and springs on the Boston Whaler last winter. We returned to the free town dock in Palatka. A sail boat came in right behind us. Turns out he's from Merrick. Once again we see it's a small world.

We were traveling with the current today and didn't have to wait for the bridge to open, so the trip only took 2 hours, instead of the three hours it took yesterday. It was really hot and sunny today. Nothing new to take pictures of today.

Welaka

It was very cloudy and misty today so we drove the boat from inside. We saw lot's of nature today including an eagle, several osprey and turtles. There's supposed to be alligators here also, but we haven't seen any. I think it's too cold for the alligators to be out now. We finally saw someone checking the traps that we have to dodge on the river and were surprised to see blue claw crabs in the traps. I didn't think blue crabs would be in fresh water. There's lot's of crab traps, but we never see crab on the restaurant menus.

We went to the town of Welaka and stayed at the Public Boat Dock at Bryant's Landing. There's not much of a town to see. We had a good dinner at a place called Shrimp R Us. It's the only restaurant that's still open.

An osprey in it's nest.

Hooper relaxing while we drive from inside.

Buffalo Bluff Railroad Bridge.

We had to wait for the freight train to cross before the bridge could open.

The bridge opening for us.

Crabbers checking their traps

Lots of wilderness along the river

Love the Spanish Moss on the big old tress.

Palatka

4/16/15

It It was cloudy and windy, but it probably wouldn't rain and we knew it wouldn't be too rough on the river so we headed out. We're surprised to see so many crab traps on the river, many right in the channel.

We went to the Palatka City Dock. We took Hooper for a walk all through the town. There wasn't much to see. Palatka used to be called the "Gem City on the St. Johns". It was a winter playground for presidents and other influential people in the 1800's. With the "Great Freezes" of 1895 and the increased popularity of Jacksonville,  Palatka's golden era ended and only the lumber industry remained strong. Today, a state-of-the-art paper mill here produces a half-million tons of paper products each year.

I took a bike ride to the Ravine Gardens State Park. The park was pretty, but too big to see by bycycle. As usual I had to ride my bike up hill to get to the park. I miss riding on Long Island where everything is flat. Who knew Florida had such hills?

We left the city dock and went to the dock of Corky Bell's Seafood and Steak Restaurant at Gator Landing. It was Reggae Night with a live band. We got the Seafood Sampler which consisted of gator tail, frog's legs, crawfish, whole catfish and hush puppies. The food was great, but I won't order alligator or frog legs again.

A monument in Palatka 

Art work by the city dock

Bridge over a ravine at the park

A spring at the park

Signs all over the dock at the restaurant. Becareful Hooper!

Green Cove Springs

4/15/16

It was such a beautiful day on the water that we decided to skip Downtown Jacksonville for now and contine up the river. We'll see Jacksonville on the return trip.

We stopped at Green Cove Springs City Pier. We had enough time to get the boat tied up and give Hooper a good walk just before the clouds moved in and there was a big downpour. Later it cleared long enough for us to go out to dinner and walk through the small town, before a severe thunderstorm hit at night.

The museum was at the Metropolitan Park Marina

We were wondering where the smell of coffee was coming from. It was the Maxwell House factory.

Jacksonville waterfront

Railroad bridge

The city pier

The spring running into the river

The park

Nice old homes in town

Rain on the way

The spring. They use the spring water to fill the pool. The water is crystal clear.

The water had a very strong sulfur smell