Departed Cumberland Island yesterday morning at around 8:30.  As for Florida, much like Sarah Palin, we could "see it from here".   The difference was . . . we could!  Before getting there, though, we saw St. Mary's, GA in the distance with what looked like hundreds of sailboat masts in its harbor.  The town has become famous among cruisers for hosting an annual Thanksgiving Day meal -- they provide the turkeys and the cruisers bring side dishes.  A wonderful statement about community, a la BCYC "It's all about the people."

Passed Fernandina Beach, FL and started hearing a lot of chatter on the radio about shoaling, boats aground, debris in the water, etc.   Another relaxing day of cruising on the ICW!  Once again had dolphins in our wake and also, once again, saw mature bald eagles -- a great story on conservation.  No bears or alligators yet but we keep hoping.  Got to St. Augustine before dark and discovered a town fully lit up for the holidays.  From the mooring field and the marina the Bridge of Lions is a sight to see at night.  One other big thing:  the sun actually shone on us all day long!! 

Compass Rose has headed off for the next leg of the trip.  The rest of us will follow tomorrow, bound for Daytona.  We should be in Stuart by Wednesday or Thursday.