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March 7, 2013 Day 300

Jacksonville Landing
Jacksonville, FL
Total miles to date: 5043.6

Container ship

One of several tows with their barges

On this 300th day of our journey, we made the decision to leave Jacksonville Beach at 11:30 based on the tide. It was low but it was only going lower!  We had such a nice calm ride today and the sun was shining!  By 1:00 we were in the St. Johns River. What a difference the scenery took – leaving marshland with a few homes along the way to the busy industrial ports as we approached Jacksonville. We passed several tows with barges, and saw many container ships at dock some still waiting for their cargo. We also passed the Carnival Fascination cruise ship with passengers boarding and ready for their cruise to the Bahamas.

Carnival Fascination

We arrived at Jacksonville Landing at 3:30 and tied up to their free wall. What a sight – lined with restaurants, shops, parks, hotels, a stage for events, tall buildings, bridges, fountains, and more in our view.  The lights are beautiful at night! (We will take photos of the Landing tomorrow.)

Because this is a free wall there is no electricity or water, and there is no one to help with docking – but Joyce is getting good at lassoing cleats! 

We had dinner on board and decided to wait until tomorrow to do our sightseeing. There is a gumbo cook off, so we just may have to check that out!  We will probably stay here three nights.