So I've been here a few days. Thought I'd give my initial impression of the place. I'm not that impressed.
Amy suggests that I'd be enjoying myself more if she were here. She seems to really like the place, and it's true that I'd have more fun if I had a partner in crime. I think part of my problem is perspective.
Yah, there is some nice architecture. The weather is for the most part nice (we just had thunderstorms pass through). There's an old fort, some streets with touristy shops, bars and restaurants. I can see that from the right perspective, someone might find the place charming.
But the place reminds me a little too much of home. I had all this crap at my doorstep in Fells Point and Baltimore. I didn't come a thousand miles for this (besides the nice weather in February).
What I would like, is a decent anchorage. I'd also like a dingy dock that didn't cost ten dollars a day for access. Most public docks are free, or cost a couple dollars a day for access. I'd like it if the power-boaters weren't such aholes. They're doing renovations on the bridge here. I even heard a construction worker on the radio chastise a power-boater for his wake.
I'd also like it if Sailors' Exchange were open. But it's not. I'd trade all the t-shirt and knick-knack boutiques for a decent, independent marine store.
Sorry for the rant. Maybe I'm just getting crotchety in my old age.
Monday, February 18, 2008
St. Augustine
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9 comments:
I can totally understand that St. A is not a sailor's paradise, Captain Fussy.
If one is traveling by land, it is a nicer option than many of the other coastal Florida cities. It's more of a grown-up hang out than either 1) college student Spring Break destination or 2) retirement haven. And Sailor's Exchange will be open tomorrow.
Sailor's Exchange is closed until March 11. Leon and Kim on Gypsy told me that it was closed, but that was a few weeks ago. They made their crossing into the Bahamas last week.
Okay, that really does stink.
You do know that you have been there before don't you?
No, I don't remember being here or Puerto Rico, which I've purportedly been at a very young age.
I will tease folks with this. I lived in Florida from age 2-4, and do have lots of memories. My family also came back for space launches, which Grampa worked on. He's written a post about this. I'm trying to hold onto it until I'm in Cocoa Beach for the March launch of the shuttle.
I'm with you 100% about powerboaters! Maybe it's just a perspective thing, but I've never understood why someone would even want a powerboat. I mean seriously what's the pleasure of going as fast as you can from A to B while surrounded by the 'roar' of your own engine?? I admit that there is a thrill of the speed experience that's somewhat akin to an amusement thrill ride but that wears off (for me) in about 15 minutes and all that's left is the unpleasant atmosphere that's requisite of powerboats.
It's my therory that those for whom this consititutes 'boating' are not very tuned-in to their own senses and are therefore more likely to be oblivious to the impact that their "experience" is imposing on others.
So, hey Scott, I 2nd that rant!
I think that you'll find middle part of FL more attractive than St. Augs. Down toward the bottom of the state it becomes all condos & powerboats.
Personally, I really liked Stuart and anchored there for several weeks. I hear that Melbourne is also nice.
Good news bad news Scott. You are in the better part of the Forida East Coast now. As you go farther South you wil find the power boaters even ruder and cruder. You will find many land based facilities more hostile to your presence. The $10 fee at StA City Marina is not to raise revenue....It to run off the boat bums in trash boats that took up residence there. It gets worse as you go South. The waterfront condo mafia will report boats that anchor for unaceptably long periods (more than one day) the local water police will come calling. There are local ordinances in some places against anchoring just harrasment in others. The people that paid a million for their condo don't want you spoiling their view. I have had the best luck anchoring in secluded places. I love to anchor near inlets and dinghying to the beach. For example, down by Mantanzes Inlet (closed to navigation) Lots of locals go just below there to "surf". With your shollow draft you have a lot of options there.
Set aside March 1 to be in the middle of Main Street in Daytona. This is the real first day of Bikeweek. Energy is high and everyone is friendly... as it goes on patterns set in. It is a sociological laboratory experience that is tough to beat. See http://www.daytonachamber.com/
bikeweek/gallery/top_pics/index.cfm then follow your nose.
- more later.
Ross, I don't want to impugn the reputations of all power-boaters. A lot of them are considerate. But it doesn't take more than a few jerks to give them all a bad name.
Also, it seems like in different areas power-boaters as a group are more or less considerate. St. A seems like an area where the cultural standard is "anything goes".
Anon, I'm at the anchorage you recommended. When I came ashore, one of the live-aboards informed me that I wasn't allowed to anchor here, but I later talked to the dockmaster at Oyster Creek Marina. He said I was fine.
It was a good spot to weather yesterday's thunderstorms and hide from the weekend power-boat wakes. Had dinner at the restaurant. Good burger and fries.
Looks like bike week will fit into my cruising schedule. That's something I'm sure Amy won't approve of ;)
Why wouldn't I approve of Bike Week?
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