Fernandina Beach Overnight

A while back one of my good friends at the marina asked if I would be interested in taking The Hard Six up to Fernandina Beach for an overnight. Yeah right, like I need and excuse to take the boat out!

Photo: Omar Rodriguez

There were three boats and a bunch of friends all ready to go.

Photo: Heather Rodriguez

Here's a shot of The Hard Six and  First Step underway

The third boat in our flotilla Faith Marie.

The Hard Six underway in the Intercoastal Waterway, headed north










We were a little concerned about the weather as it was supposed to be rainy and windy on the Saturday we left. I kept watching the radar on my phone. We were pretty lucky most of the way.

And then.... well....

Photo: Heather Rodriguez

You may have noticed I am standing in the middle of the boat. Turns out my zipper on my canvas top broke as I was zipping it when it started raining. It also turns out that my top needs a new coating of waterproofing. Sitting at the helm was like Chinese Water Torture with the water dripping on my forehead.

Note to self: Time to budget for new canvas top.

Photo: Jessica Rodriguez

Fortunately, it only rained long enough for us to enter the harbor, tie up and change clothes.


Then, of course, it stopped at we got this:







Had a great dinner at a local seafood place, MANY laughs, and generally a great time.

The next morning, we were greeted to 20 degree cooler weather, bright sun, and 20 mph winds. Yes, 20.

So off we went back home, choppy seas and all.

By dinner time, we were in Downtown Jacksonville at The Landing and decided to stop off and have dinner.










By the time we were ready to pull out, the sun was setting, the water was calm, and it was a perfect evening for a moonlit cruise back to our home port.







All and all, it was a great weekend, and I can't wait for our next adventure! I'll just try not to think about the 76 gallons of fuel I burned!