St. Augustine Ever Been There!?

[alambertfl]

Hello Everyone,
I am a newbie to the forum, but not to sailing and life. Been around a long time, enjoy sailing and want to go cruising.
I live 30 miles from St. Augustine and go there frequently. As a matter of fact I am going there to visit The Sailors Exchange this weekend. A great place for sailboat parts of all descriptions. Was at the Conch House a couple of weeks ago to meet cruising friends that were returning to Virginia from the Keys. Great Place. I am looking forward to great dialogue on this forum as I can already tell that there is a fellowship of kindred spirits present. Maybe I will see some of you in St. Augustine. John, have you been there long?

[scallywag]

alambertfl,
I have been here since 8/81. I graduated from Terry Parker in the mid 60's. Yes, St. Augustine is a nice place to visit. Just like Jacksonville was a nice place to visit in the 1960's.
John

[mermaidserena]

John
The Bridge of Lions has recently seen a few boats up close and personal! When I was there last there was a huge storm and you probably saw yourself what happened!
Are you on the hook in the bay or r u at the dock! The currents are unbelievable there! There used to be a awesome boat on the hook right next to the Santa Maria and the sea wall! I wonder if she still there and the crazy hippy that occupies her!? I have seen the whole anchorage moved west or east by wind! The bottom there is fine silt, you better put a good anchor down if you stay there! I have seen so many boats come loose there and go right for bridge in that relentless current!

[scallywag]

mermaidserena,
I am at a dock near the 206 bridge. We have a number of unusual boating residents. I know a large number of the anchored residents are unusual. As for being a hippie, I guess you are talking about the late 60's and early 70's folks. I guess I would fit that classification as I have a beard and also was a older teenager at that time. Remember the MOD Squad on tv? Well, I don't dress like that. You are right about the bottom of the river and the current. I try to go with the current as much as possible. I feel stationary if I try to go against the current. Why did you vacate St. Augustine" Isn't CT too cold for you?

John

[mermaidserena]

John
It's now called the CONCH HOUSE, they have terrible food and the no real sailor's hang out there! If you want to meet the real sailor's ST. Aug go to the VFW right in town and the place is filled with em' also across the street from the marina in A1A ale house where friendly bartenders are waiting for the sailors to come in! I warn you watch out those crazy sailors they are a rowdy bunch in ST. augustine

[mermaidserena]

John

Yes I hate CT I long to go back south! But I know have no boat and I won't buy anything unless it has an anchor! I know where you are anchored it's a beautiful spot! I would love to go back to St. Augustine! Although it's a small town I really liked it there! I wish I had the capabilities at the moment but time is standing still fro me right now! Yes there are some interesting charachters out there! The one I was thinking of is young with black hair and a beard but I am sort of hippy and I'm only 30! I think all sailors just look like hippies! My faux paw

[scallywag]

mermaidserena,
The reason no real sailors hang out at the Conch House is it is soo expensive and your right the food isn't very good. The A1A Ale House is a treat. I have to stay away from there because I can not be caught WUI. The marine patrol arrested some under BUI a couple of weeks age. The police have been cracking down.
John

[TabbyCat]

We are in the South anchorage now. YES - The currents here are fierce, changing direction 4 times/day. Currently there are a lot of cruisers heading north, so boats arrive, stay for a day or two and then move on as soon as they get a weather window.

Most boats are going outside due to work on the McCormick Bridge on the ICW @ Jax Beach. During the work week (M - F), the bridge only opens from 12N - 1P.

[mermaidserena]

Oh yes I know those marine police well your right about the conch house! I am surprised we've never met! Be careful out there

[scallywag]

mermaidserena,
I am a dirty old mon(60). As I teach school, a DUI, BUI, or public intoxication is a big no no in St. Augustine. I hope things work out for you. I moved from Jacksonville to PA to be near my soon to be wife, and could not wait to get back south. It took me 10 years. I hope your stay in cold country will not be that long. You are right most boat people are hippies.

John

[mermaidserena]

Yes it is a big no no! They let sailor's TEACH school childeren!!?? LOL

[mermaidserena]

I love dirty old men!

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by mermaidserena

I love dirty old men!

Damn ........I'm not old

[scallywag]

David Old Jersey,
That's great that you are not old. Just think of all the fun you can have.
Mermaidserena,
Second graders call me mom, dad, and granddad. They do not know I sail.
John

[alambertfl]

David Old Jersey,
Hello David,
Just looked at your website. Great Job. Your boat looks great as well. One question. The triple keels, obviously designed for significant tide swings, are unfamiliar to me. Your thoughts, both pro and con would be appreciated.
Sonny L