Jekyll Island, GA to Amelia Island, FL

Left Jekyll Island on Thanksgiving in rain and nasty weather.  This is when we are glad for our pilot house.  Coming around Jekyll Sound was a bit bumpy.  I had to scramble around the boat to put a few things down before something got broken.  Luckily within about 20-30 minutes we were back in protected water and the remainder of the ride was fine.

The marina we have stayed at several years ago, could not take us due to hurricane damage from Irma.  This is what things looked like passing the marina.

We were able to get in at Amelia Island Yacht Basin and all tied up by around Noon in the rain.  After drying off, we started getting organized to have friends, Chris and Tracy, over for Thanksgiving dinner.  We all contributed something and had quite a spread.  Chicken not turkey but still pretty good and the company couldn't be beat.
                                                            Chris and Tracy

It rained pretty much all day and night on Thursday but Friday, although cloudy, finally was dry.  So of course we had to explore.

Amelia Island is the southernmost of the Sea Islands (A chain of some 100 barrier islands stretching along the east coast of the United States from SC to FL).  It is about 13 miles long and 4 miles wide.  The communities of Fernandina Beach and Amelia City are located on the island.

The island changed hands many times during its history from its occupation by native Americans through colonial times and into the present.  It is claimed that over eight flags have flown over Amelia Island including French, Spanish, British, Floridian/Patriot, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican rebel flag, Confederate, and United States. 

Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida’s east coast.  The town has a vibrant downtown with shops, old homes, and government buildings.  They are a bit eclectic as was evident the day after Thanksgiving when the town hosts its annual pajama party.  Chris, Tracy, Keith and I took the loaner car from the marina and went to see the show.  A few warning lights on the loaner car were on (hope we make it back).

There were all kinds of sales in the local shops, music from the high school band, and many of the locals dressed in their PJs.  I think there would have been even more people, but the weather in the morning was overcast and a bit cool for PJs.  Still a fun time.

                                                                Band in their PJs

Mermaid fountain

Art on side of resteraunt

Chris and Tracy had to be back mid morning as they were leaving with their boat to continue south today.  Hopefully we can catch up with them while we are all in FL for the winter.

Tomorrow Keith and I leave for St. Augustine one of my favorite cities.