Ed and I are 13 days in on America’s Great Loop. 300 miles of 5600. I have stopped wearing makeup. I’ve worn the same clothes for at least 10 days. I’ve taken three showers. I’ve washed my hair twice. I’ve gotten pretty good at “manning” the lines and pulling up or putting down the giant fenders. I’m sleeping better than I ever recall. So far, it’s been an absolutely amazing and challenging trip.
I am the first mate. That means that I have to do what the captain, my husband Ed, tells me to. This is challenging. And we have had a few heated discussions. We have with us our 12 year old Belgium Shepherd, Luna, and our 3 year old cat, Okee. They are great company and Okee is definitely now a therapy cat.
This boat trip is supposed to last about one year. Ed retired, and I was not reconfirmed by the Senate for the South Florida Water Management District governing board, nor reappointed by the Governor. Thus, this long journey seemed a perfect thing to do. Time for Ed and I to spend some quality time together. As we all know, “time is of the essence.”
So far, our trip has been Stuart to Vero, Vero to Titusville, Titusville to Ponce Inlet, Ponce Inlet to Saint Augustine, Saint Augustine to Fernandina, Fernandina to Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island to Sunbury, and Sunbury to Isle of Hope. Today we are headed to Beaufort, South Carolina, hopefully, weather is to arrive and last for two or three days.
“Wow these crab traps are close together aren’t they?” Sorry we’re approaching Savannah. We just went past Thunderbolt Marina and these crab traps are like, oh my gosh, they’re like you have to weave through them!
The wildlife has been wonderful. My favorite so far are the white pelicans sitting marsh side in groups of 25 or so. They have the second largest wingspan of any bird in North America 9-10 feet. Only the California Condor’s is larger.
The trees too have also been an inspiration. Oaks, slash pines, red cedar, and magnolia. Their births holding the rings of hundreds of years. I look up into their highest branches ridiculously trying to capture their spirt within the rectangle of my iPhone.
I’ve been trying to learn about water issues and I have. Most in Georgia are caused by industrial point source pollution and none have been as tragic as the 100 year destruction of the St. Lucie River. Discharges from Lake Okeechobee should be considered point source pollution too.
The serpentine waterways of north Florida and especially Georgia have been just mind boggling . The tide is like a slow breath through the marsh purifying and renewing the ecosystem – oysters, crabs, frogs, alligators, mink, otter and many species of fish. The highest tidal range has been 8 feet!
I’m hoping that this peregrination teaches me something about myself, my marriage, and the history and environmental issues of our great country. Then when I return home, I know I will be renewed.
But I am paying attention.
I noticed yesterday that Governor DeSantis came to a Cove Road Walgreens to sign off on a shoplifting legislative bill with harsher penalties for those who steal. I was surprised he didn’t also mention Martin County’s recent “Lost Spring” due to discharges from Lake Okeechobee. That was stealing too. While I’m on the subject, there was not a peep from Senator Gayle Harrell, or Representatives Overdorf or Snyder about the Lake O discharges either. I suppose Tallahassee leadership has asked that “we just not talk about it.” God forbid…
Loved reading this! I’m so jealous of you two. You deserve to branch out and really enjoy this time together. It will give perspective and you will be rested for the challenges ahead upon your return. Be safe, have fun and keep sending these wonderful updates.
Janet so many thank yous to you! I love when you write. Hi to VERO!
Good for you! Let the adventure begin! We have the fondest of memories of sailing for 18 years. Enjoy every bit of it- especially the new friends you will meet. John & Priscilla
Thank you to the greatest travelers of all!!! 🙂
Sounds like an educational and wonderful trip! You will have to write a book about your travels! You an Ed are on a second honeymoon! 💖💖
Yes a honeymoon of sorts!!! 🙂
When you get to the end of your trip, stop in St Pete!
That would be so much fun! YES!
Great adventure! So happy for you both!
THANK YOU!!!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your adventures.
Solidarity!!! 😉
Such an adventure! All the best to you and Ed. The world is so lucky that you are your mother’s daughter in terms of caring so deeply about where you live. We all appreciate it greatly.♥️
Thank you Cynthia! The history is so fascinating. Say hi to the neighborhood and to WIP! 🙂
Fabulous Jacqui know you are having a blast.
Marcia! How wonderful to hear your voice! Thank you and all good things to you. I have a new love of North Fl GA and SC.
From Carol (TN), My last comment didn’t require my name as previously. Wow, Lover’s Oak: Amazing! Enjoy you trip, so jealous! I love GA! I’m pretty sure I stayed in Beaufort once?! (If it’s the one near a marine base) I’m very excited to follow your family of four around the Circle!!! We’re here behind you even in the silence of FL leaders. They are too distracted with the politics of the day to notice the slow burn of destruction happening in a lot of places in Florida.
Thank you. Georgia is beautiful. I am seeing it with new eyes. Crazy sand fleas though! I wonder why the name is optional now. Please add at end if you would. But anonymous is OK too. Great to get your message!
Thanks for taking us along on this wonderful boat trip!
Keep the pressure on self serving Fl political hypocrites who thru complaisance with big sugar, continue to support the further destruction of Lake O and the St Lucie River.
Paul thank you. You really inspire me to keep going. All the best to you!
Have so enjoyed your narrative. Your descriptions of it all and your insightful thoughts are just wonderful.. Keep sharing photos too! And some Okie photos 😊😂 Thanks for sharing and keep having fun!
Thank you so much and I will feature OKEE more! 🙂
Wish we were there with you!
Believe it or not, you are! Everyday I aspire to be as good a first mate as Geoff Livingstone! Seriously! I feel I will never achieve this of course! He is a 10 of 10 and I am told he doesn’t talk back! Hope you are feeling well! 🙂
Love catching up with you Jackie, your writing is so good! Enjoy!
Many thanks!
How inspiring! All your readers will live vicariously through you two
as you document your travels and share your perspectives.
Thank you Pam! All the best to you!
Oh, Jacqui, what a treat to travel with you on this glorious trip. I became very nostalgic when I saw you passing the marshes of Jeckyl & St. Simons. We are looking forward to having you here at Sandhill Cove in May!
Bobbie Spilman
I look forward to speaking to your young people! Thank you. Yes those wonderful marshes!
Great job Jacqui! Keep up the info on your trip. Hope you and Ed have a wonderful experience!
Best always,
Nancy
Love you Captain Nancy! You were my first “Caption!” All happiness to the birds of Bird Island and to you too.
SO happy for you both! What a fantastic adventure that I’m sure will impact your lives in ways yet unknown.
BTW. You don’t makeup. You’re a natural beauty. 😉
Thank you Erza. We shall create a new map for our lives! Thank you.
What an awesome adventure! Love the pictures and your narrative! Thank you for sharing. You both look great and so happy! ❤️
Hi Joanne! Thank you for your message. We are happy, but believe me sometimes it is hard. I am getting a handle on the lines and fenders. I actually do little exercises every few days to improve my ability. I am so out of shape! Ed is a sweetheart but he is a demanding Captain. 🙂 Hello to Drew!
Thank you for sharing your once in a lifetime trip. I look forward to your next letter, as I think I’m living it vicariously through you. I hope you let all of the cares of the world go, & just enjoy the many beautiful places you’ll see. I’ve been following your newsletter for years, & I am grateful for all the information you’ve put out there. As for the loss of your position at SFWMD, I am sorry. But in a way, it is a statement of the reality of the politics surrounding all of Florida developmental issues. Nothing new here. It definitely is their loss.
Thank you again. Can’t wait for the next update.
Cynthia Maguire
Cynthia! What a lovely message. Thank you. I will be thinking of what to write next. 🙂
So Happy for you and so glad I got to give you a Big Hug before you Left. I know 1st hand those challenging moments as a 1st mate to my Captain Hubby as well … You’re an inspiration to all who know you…unfortunately its the Rivers loss for the Senate and Governor not reconfirming you to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board. Thank you for alll you have done. Enjoy your time off. Calm Seas and Warm Breezes.
That was a great hug! Thank you for everything!
Thank you so much. Your writing is very poetic and you describe the beauty and excitement of such a trip very well!
It is a shame that you’re not on the FWMB now, but I’m sure you’ll be back in the mix in some way.
Jim Fogel
Thanks Jim. We always find a way! Right? 🙂