We returned to Florida on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. Our freshly-washed and waxed Ebb Tide II was sitting at the end of the pier. Tuesday afternoon was spent loading aboard. On Wednesday, we visited NAS Jacksonville to shop for food. On Thursday, we toured Castillo de San Marcos, a stone fortress built by Spaniards, which pre-dates the English 1608 Jamestown settlement by fifty years. It was often attacked, but with 15-20 foot-thick stone walls, was never subdued. On Friday, we returned to the "old town" to visit the re-created 17th century Spanish village.
The engine's front crankshaft seal developed a very slight, but annoying, leak. Our engine room is spotless, with white absorbent cloths lining the engine's drip pan to highlight any fluid deposits. The engine oil's misty spray deposit showed where the leak was located and we decided to fix it before it became a problem. A Cummins mechanic changed the seal on Friday morning.
We'll stay in St. Augustine through the weekend and head south on Monday. The weather has been wonderful, with sunny 75-80 degree days and beautiful sunsets each night.
Ebb Tide II underway
