A Sunday Walkabout

Fernandina Beach     

One of the Selenes we passed yesterday on our way in was Slip Away. We were excited to meet up with our homeport friends Pat and Tom for lunch. It was not so chilly in the sunshine so we enjoyed a warm spot on a bench awaiting our their arrival then walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch. The hostess convinced us that a spot on the back patio would be perfect as it was in the sun and there was a fireplace. The food and conversation were great, but all four of us agreed it was nowhere near as warm as advertised. I spent a few minutes perched on the hearth before we left. We're just not south enough. We again bid each other farewell until spring. Pat and Tom will stay in Fernandina Beach for a while longer. Barry and I took one last walk through this charming town. City Hall is surprisingly quaint. Winter porch decorations don't seem so far out of place this year, but palm trees are still our favorite sight.   

The clock tower on the Historic Courthouse shone brightly against the deep blue sky. Three large churches are located within blocks of each other. Memorial United Methodist Church was established in 1822 and is the oldest Methodist Church in Florida (their current building is 100 years younger). St. Peter's Episcopal Church held its first service in March 1884, and is called the "Crown of Centre Street." The congregation of First Presbyterian Church worships in the oldest church building in Fernandina Beach. The original bell still tolls in the bell tower.

Backtracking on Centre Street we enjoyed all the storefronts decorated in natural, holiday, and historical themes.

The Lesesne House is a grand Classical Revival style residence built around 1860 and is one of the oldest homes in Fernandina Beach. Sitting in the sunshine and watching people pass was all the excitement we needed today. Back at the marina, the sign touting "Always Florida's 1st Sunset" had us scratching our heads and asking Google for clarification. We found references to the statement, but no supporting facts. To us it seems geographically impossible. That question will remain unanswered.

This area is a fishing hotspot. A record catch board is on display by the marina office and a large shark statue hangs over the dock. It only appears to be eating a piling. We had a few boat chores left to complete before dark. Barry changed the impeller on our generator and got it up and running. I vacuumed and moved some provisions up from the commissary. Sunset came and so did a large number of observers to our floating dock. Tonight's light show did not disappoint.

The orange sky lingered long after the sun dropped below the horizon. The Amelia River was flat and mirrored the color of the sky. We will depart early tomorrow morning, hop back into the Atlantic, and make a short day trip to St. Augustine.