St. Simons Island to Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Hey, Izor, We are back to publishing!!!!!!!!!!!

Island Hopper departed Golden Isles Marina, St. Simons at 7:15 AM. Winds 10 - 15 North. Seas 2 -3. Temperatures in the mid 60's. Traveled 41.5 miles to Fernandina Harbor Marina. The crew rinsed down the boat, had a quick lunch and then walked into town.

Goin Ashore... The downtown historic district. a 50 -block section surrounding Centre Street, is an attractive and popular gingerbread seaport dating from the 1850's when Florida's first cross-state railroad ran from Fernandina to Cedar Key ( the railroad tracks still run past the waterfront with occasional traffic). The Island Hopper crew was awaken at 5:30 AM by the horn of the train. The area is listed on the National Historic Register and is worth a visit. South of the historic district a white discharge from two paper mills in Fernandina Beach can be seen. Although the two paper mills are still busy, better emissions controls have improved the quality of the air and water A sizable commercial fishing fleet , consisting mainly of shrimp boats, lies above and below the marina. A commercial dock to the north accommodates freighters and containerships.

Dick and Tina Devoe, of Amelia Island, came over at 6:30 PM for drinks. The crew then walked to dinner at Espana Restaurant for tapas. It was a wonderful meal.