So we stayed again today in Palatka. The map left may give you some idea of how far south we have traveled from Jacksonville (the orange line) and how much farther we can still go on the St. Johns River (the yellow line). Not sure how far we'll actually travel - partly depends on the weather. We've been keeping an eye on the tropical storm which is headed toward northern Florida/Georgia. Seems like the farther south we go the better!
The Blue Crab Festival continues all weekend - lots and lots of people around for it. The southern version of bumper cars wasn't terribly popular though! The entertainment was iffy (at least this group - they had the misfortune to be first up on Friday when not too many folks were out and about yet) The guy in the duck suit promoting the rubber duck race was voted the best attraction!
Up early to beat the heat for a ride through the Ravine Gardens State Park. This park was developed by the city during the Great Depression with assistance from the WPA. Over 95,000 azaleas were planted by 1934 - chosen as the theme flower of the gardens because of their brilliant bloom. Unfortunately we were too late in the season for most of the flowers but it was a great ride regardless. There were 2 suspension bridges that were kind of fun.
The spring here was the fresh water source for Palatka until 1986 - which I found quite amazing. It is still flowing and with the sign out warning of no swimming due to the presence of alligators, Steve was on the hunt. No sightings though :-( The main entrance was a series of fountains. Steve found 2 quite large pine cones - not sure we've seen any that large before.
Of course no day is without it's work. We have put additional snaps on any of the screens which seemed to have allowed the midges entrance (both door and both hatch screens) as I definitely do not want a repeat of the night before last! If they are around, we can't stop that but we will not have them in the cabin next time! Also checked out the generator which wasn't putting enough water out - the cause was a slipping belt (it wasn't the impeller so that was the only other thing it could be as the raw water intake was not blocked). The last job was to wash away all of the dead midges that were still on the boat. Turns out that after the adults develop and come out of the water, they don't eat. So dead in 3 - 5 days. What a job. Anyway, water tanks are full, holding tank is empty and we are good to go ... right after we ride off to breakfast :-)
We are off tomorrow for Walaka - about 18 miles or 3 hours. We'll be in well before the storm rolls this way if indeed it even does!
No comments:
Post a Comment