Valentine Day Ocean Voyage

We departed Steve's dock at 0645 this morning after slipping and sliding on the frost. I followed a cookie trail that I had left as we arrived several days earlier, and departed with no problems. On arrival I read 8.2 feet crossing a sand bar at the mouth of Turner Creek. On departure this morning, I read 13.8 ; since the tide was high. We motored down the Wilmington River to the Atlantic, and it was clear and the wind was 8 knots on the starboard side most of the way until about 1300. I had the jib out and tight to the port side. After 1300 the wind came around to being on the bow at about 12 knots true, and with Marcnicliz's speed of 8 knots, we had 20 knots over the deck. The sea was smooth with 2 foot waves until the wind picked up. We then started getting 3 foot waves, but not bad. The last two hours were a little rougher with spray flying back onto the dodger window. The jetty's extend about 1.5 miles out into the ocean, and you have to give them wide birth as you enter the St. Marys River. Nanc fixed a great Valentine Day dinner of steak and baked potato, and we are now watching the Olympic speed skating. Hope to have breakfasts at a local restaurant I know with the best grits in the world. If we can get off the dock in the expected high winds tomorrow, we should be in St Augustine tomorrow evening. A special thank you to Beth and Steve for a most enjoyable stay in Savannah. S