Bridges and sketchy marina

We finally arrived in Florida after almost 3 months on the water. We have been taking our time, stopping here and there, then took the longer route around the Chesapeake Bay to avoid the Atlantic Ocean. So we are cruising  down the ICW all the way to Miami.

Before going further south we decided to go to a working marina in northern Florida to do some upgrades, repair our scratch and order parts on line.

Arriving in Jacksonville we were getting beaten up by 30 knot winds. The only bridge that we needed to get open for us broke down half way up. We thought the bridge was fully opened so started to gun it to go through. The bridge tender was on the radio giving instructions that we weren’t hearing because of the wind so she rushed out of the booth and was waving furiously to avoid us loosing the mast. Close call!  Up to now, all the bridge tenders told us to go ahead and come under the bridges when it’s safe. When this bridge stopped lifting we assumed it was at it’s maximum height. Not so!!!

We anchored in Jacksonville for the night having lost that window to get our destination. When we called the bridge for an opening the next day they said yes but advised is to wait for their confirmation before going through. We guess that’s the new rule from now on thanks to us lol

We finally arrived at our sketchy marina. Oh boy and is it ever. Where to start....when we arrived at the spot to pick up our mooring ball, there were two sailboats under water, still attached to their mooring balls with the mast sticking out of the water.
We then went to the office to check in, we were offered a chair that no human would want to sit in. In the corner of the office there is an incubator with baby chickens and the hen, whom we are told is missing a gene so she crows all day like a rooster. You can’t make this up.

Yesterday we needed groceries but the market is quite far away so we were introduced to “Johnny”who runs his unofficial taxi service. Johnny appears to never have left Vietnam with his camouflage outfit and Agent Orange demeanor. He’s been living on his sailboat here for the last 20 years. The staff at the office said he was a little crazy, but a good driver. Well...his car is all banged up, and he nearly put us through the window when he tried to stop at a red light. But he’s an interesting guy and his rates are better than Uber.
We’ll leave the description of the showers alone for now and the photos.
Ironically there are many boats from Ontario, Quebec and a few from the Maritimes at this marina so it must be Canadian Certified... lol
Cheers
Mike and Pierrette