It’s Friday morning and the first day of spring. Marking the passage of winter is a big deal for those who live in northern areas where winters can be long and cold. And, I think it’s safe to say that this winter has proven to be the sort that makes the “non-migrating” folks long for springtime and the hope that snow will melt soon so that they can “get on with it” and enjoy the outdoors again without risking pieces of their body freezing solid and falling off.
However, for folks that are fortunate enough to choose their climates based on the seasons, the dawn of spring brings a different sort of excitement. Yes, I enjoy being aboard for the winters as cold has never been something that I look forward except if it’s an “adult beverage”. However as the spring flowers begin to show themselves I get excited about spending the summer back in the CT River Valley and our “summer home”.
This year’s return north will be particularly nice as with it will come our new boat (assuming that the survey goes well), also Pandora but Pandora the Aerodyne 47.
So, as we continue our run north to New Bern where we will leave Pandora the SAGA 43 for the last time, I have to say that my thoughts are turning to our summer in CT.
Yesterday, the last day of winter, we spent ashore on Amelia Island FL and what a nice spot it is. At first glance the two paper mills dominate the skyline and flood the area with a low rumble of machinery running 24/7. 
However, don’t be fooled as the town is really lovely as this view from the mooring field testifies. 
Once ashore you are greeted by a wonderful main street shopping area. Very southern.
Along with the many shops and restaurants are some lovely old buildings, like City Hall, testifying to the wealth that the two paper plants have brought to this area over the years. 
The post office, while a bit scruffy, is an impressive. 
There are many beautiful homes lining the residential streets. 
And a few that are perhaps best described as “eclectic”. Fun though. 
And, of course, as though to remind us that spring is just around the corner back in CT and that wonder awaits, the wisteria are in full bloom. 
So, today we’ll head ashore again for a walk and perhaps a new pair of shoes for Brenda (what is it about women and shoes?) and then we’ll head out for a short run to Cumberland Island, about 5nm north on the waterway.
The next few days running north through GA will be a bit challenging as the currents are strong and tides run in excess of 9′. And, to complicate matters, with all those currents and huge tide changes, shoaling is rampant and the depths at low tide…well, not so deep. This means that we will have to time our passage to coincide with high tide in the middle of the day to give us the most depth possible as we traverse what is arguably the part of the ICW where running aground happens the most often. The good news is that tomorrows high tide is late morning and one hour later each day so we will be able to make the most of the day before low tide brings progress to a halt in the late afternoon.
Perhaps I’ll close with a few shots from last evening and the last sunset, and a terrific one at that, of winter 2015. Not a bad way to say good by to “old man winter” and welcome spring.
A lovely schooner set the tone in the final winter light. 
And, I won’t break the mood by talking about the no-see-ums that wanted to be sure and get one more meal in before spring sprung. No, I won’t think about that for now, I’ll think about the fact that springtime is here.
And about those skinny waters? We will not be deterred as northbound we are.
Yes spring is here and I am really excited…