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In This Issue
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I. St. Johns River Cruising Opportunities
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II. Southwestern Florida Cruising News
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III. Great Photo of the New Gilmerton Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 5.8
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IV. IMPORTANT: Fender Repairs Restricting Navigation at L.B. Knox Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 816
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V. Mangrove Marina - Florida Keys Inside Route - Key Largo (Statute Mile 1150)
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VI. Shoaling at Southern Ponce de Leon Inlet Channel/AICW Intersection, Statue Mile 843
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VII. Good Words for Palmetto Bay Marina, east of AICW Statute Mile 564
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VIII. Washington, NC To Host East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival, Feb. 8-10, 2013
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IX. Exciting New Amenities Now Open at Old Port Cove Marina (Statute Mile 1014)
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X. Missing Marker north of Blackburn Swing Bridge Could Be Navigational Hazard, Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 63.5
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XI. Missing Aid to Navigation at AICW/Jupiter Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 1005
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XII. Missing Marker in Darien River, west of AICW Statute Mile 655
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XIII. Anchoring on the Eastern Shore Lake Worth Channel (Palm Beach, near St. M. 1018.5)
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XIV. Turtle Cove Marina (Tarpon Springs, FL on the Anclote River)
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XV. Dredging in AICW/Port Everglades, Statute Mile 1066
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XVI. "Emergency Maintenance Dredging" to Begin In Fort Pierce Inlet Channel 2/4/13, near AICW Statute Mile 966
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XVII. Input Sought For Peck Lake Anchorage (Statute Mile 992)
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 Eastern Florida
I. St. Johns River Cruising Opportunities
It is strictly my personal opinion, of course, but I think the #1 cruising opportunity of the Eastern Florida coastline, between Fernandina Beach and Miami, are the waters of the St. Johns River. The 120 or so nautical miles from the river's inlet at Mayport, to the city of Sanford on Lake Monroe, feature some of the most magnificent natural scenery, and some of the finest anchorages the Sunshine State has to offer. This is truly a chance to see the "old" Florida, and we urge all cruisers to take advantage of the St. Johns, if possible.
 I say, "if possible" because that dratted, fixed Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs (south of Jacksonville) carries only 45 feet of vertical clearance. Many a sailor has shaken their fists in vain at this inglorious span, knowing they are cut off from the very best cruising the St. Johns has to offer. If you can clear the Shands bridge, however, the waters of the upper St. Johns from Palatka, all the way to Lake Monroe and Sanford, are nothing short of a cruiser's bonanza! Over the last week, we have published several fresh stories on the Cruisers' Net which highlight some of this great river's cruising opportunities. Even if you have not previously included St. Johns River in your spring, 2013 itinerary, give these articles a read, and your mind might be changed!  A. Cruising the Upper St. Johns River - Palatka to Sanford (Lake Monroe) - I could not possibly agree more with the sentiments presented in the article linked below, authored by Captains Bill and Kathleen Root. There are myriad opportunities to spend an evening on the hook, about as far removed from civilization as you are likely to get this day and time. The "Seven Sisters" come to mind, as does "Butcher's Bend." There are even some superb dining opportunities, and an adequate number of friendly marinas. Read much more at: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106986  B. Shallow Water But Great Natural Beauty in Silver Glen Springs - Silver Glen Spring Run is a narrow stream that pierces the western banks of Lake George (between Palatka and Astor on the St. Johns River), west of marker #9. These waters rise from natural springs, and are usually crystal clear. This makes the "basin" a very popular stop for houseboats and pontoon boats. Years ago, a buddy and I spent a very happy afternoon snorkeling these beautiful waters. HOWEVER, depths here have always been SKIMPY, to say the least! And now we hearfrom Captain Betsy Johnson, that the "outgoing" channel is so shallow their 3-foot draft catamaran ran hard aground, and they had to be towed!  Fortunately, there IS a safe way to visit this cruising attraction. Learn how at: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106846C. New St. Johns River/Lake George Cruising Opportunity - Well, at least this off-the-beaten-path side trip is new to me. After cruising the St. Johns for 30+ years, the article linked below from Captains Jim and Vaughn, is the first I've heard of Salt Springs. But, sure enough, I checked the charts, and there it was, just as Jim and Vaughn point out, in the northwestern corner of Lake George. Since this article was first published a few days ago, fellow cruisers on "Southern Latitudes" have chimed in with even more information. So, to learn how to safely visit this "also shallow" cruising attraction, run, don't walk to: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107044
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Western Florida
II. Southwestern Florida Cruising News
Speaking of "off-the-beaten-path" Florida cruising opportunities, as we were above, nothing is more backwater in the Sunshine State that the old village of Everglades City. Lying south of Marco Island, in the heart of Southwestern Florida's "Ten Thousand Island" region, this little slice of very old Florida lies slumbering peacefully in the warm sunshine, waiting for cruising visitors!
There is one inn/marina where you can safely coil your lines, BUT the entrance channel from Indian Key to Everglades City does get skinny at low tide.
To learn much more, read about an in-depth account of Captains Sharon and Ken Vogel's recent visit to Everglades City at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106936
Many cruisers make their way from the plentiful marina facilities and anchorages at nearby Marco Island, to Indian Key, Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands. However, this "unofficial waterway" can be shallow.
Learn how to successfully and enjoyably navigate this passage by visiting our recently published article, "Navigating From Marco Island/Goodland and Coon Key Pass to Everglades City (Southwestern Florida Coastline)." Here you will discover a whole string of good information from a collection of our fellow cruisers:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106564
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VA to North Carolina
III. Great Photo of the New Gilmerton Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 5.8
Captain Mike Glover was kind enough to send us an excellent photo of the newly reconstructed and re-opened Gilmerton Bridge in Norfolk. This image is well worth a look, especially as many of your will be navigating though this span within a few months. Check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106973
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 Eastern Florida
IV. IMPORTANT: Fender Repairs Restricting Navigation at L.B. Knox Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 816
L. B. Knox/Bulow/High Bridge, a bascule span with a closed vertical clearance of 15ft, crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 816, south of marker #24.
 According to Capt. Smith, one of the contributors in the article linked below, this work, begun in October of 2012, is now beginning to affect AICW vessel traffic. Capt. Todd has provided a tentative schedule of openings below. These times have not been officially confirmed, but the schedule sounds typical for such projects.
Many spring, 2013 northbound transient cruisers may be affected by the erratic opening schedule of this bridge. Be ASSURED we are staying on top of this situation. Meantime, learn all this is to  know now at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107000
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 Florida Keys
V. Mangrove Marina - Florida Keys Inside Route - Key Largo (Statute Mile 1150)
Mangrove Marina is one of only a very few facilities offering transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside Route between a point south of Jewfish Creek, and Snake Creek. Note that Mangrove Marina also features a full service repair yard!
Peruse a recent review of this facility, authored by Captains Sharon and Ken Vogel at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106939
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 South Carolina
VII. Good Words for Palmetto Bay Marina, east of AICW Statute Mile 564, Hilton Head Island, SC
 Now here is a just published review of a marina on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, about which we have not had much fellow cruiser input heretofore. I personally visited Palmetto Bay this past fall, and fully updated all this facility's information in our "South Carolina Marina Directory," but it's really good to get the input linked below from Captain Jim Murtha. Please check out: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107253
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 North Carolina
VIII. Washington, NC To Host East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival, Feb. 8-10, 2013
Looks like almost all the fascinating events described in the article linked below will be held within walking distance of the excellent Washington, NC city docks. It's supposed to be sunny and in the 50's this Saturday (tomorrow) and Sunday, so break out the jackets and cruise up Pamlico River to "Little Washington" for some really fun times this weekend! 
Learn MUCH more at: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107013
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 Eastern Florida
IX. Exciting New Amenities Now Open at Old Port Cove Marina (Statute Mile 1014)
 Wow, talk about the best getting even better. Not only is Old Port Cove Marina a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, but this facility can now boast visitor amenities second to none.
I can't wait to try their new on-site dining attraction, Sandpiper's Cove Restaurant and Bar. Also, their shower, laundry and clubhouse upgrades sound simply wonderful.
PLEASE check out the "Press Release" below, which gives a full description of all these upgrades, and PLEASE patronize this superb marina whenever possible!
Check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106874
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 Western Florida
X. Missing Marker north of Blackburn Swing Bridge Could Be Navigational Hazard, Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 63.5
The missing marker and potential navigational hazard, reported by Captain Richard Ross, of "Chez Nous," in the report linked below, denotes the western flank of the Waterway, immediately north of Blackburn Swing Bridge at Blackburn Point. Cruisers in route from Venice to Sarasota will want to check out the full text of this report at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106891
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 Eastern Florida
XI. Missing Aid to Navigation at AICW/Jupiter Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 1005
 The missing AICW navigational aid reported upon in the article linked below, denotes the north side of the Waterway at the Jupiter Inlet/AICW intersection, just as the Waterway turns 90 degrees west. This is already a potentially difficult section of the AICW, and we can only hope the marker in question will be replaced SOON!
In the meantime, we strongly suggest that all cruisers plying the Waterway between Palm Beach and Stuart, check out,  without delay:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106825
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 Georgia
XII. Missing Marker in Darien River, west of AICW Statute Mile 655
The missing aid to navigation, described in the below linked report, will affect cruisers leaving the Waterway and taking the pleasant side trip to Darien, GA. Take note of the "bend of the river" mentioned in this article. Marker #26 denotes the north side of a very narrow channel in the Darien River, 5 nautical miles west of Little Mud River and the AICW.  For the full story, please visit:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106789
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 Eastern Florida
XIII. Anchoring on the Eastern Shore Lake Worth Channel (Palm Beach, near St. M. 1018.5)
 Study chart 11472, and look at the waters south of Lake Worth Inlet. You will quickly spot a marked channel which parallels the eastern shore of Lake Worth. It is actually possible, for those piloting vessels that draw 4 feet or less, to follow this channel several miles to the south and eventually rejoin the AICW. Not that we are recommending that for first timers, but many local captains take this route day in and day out.In regards to anchoring on these waters, in our SSECN "Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory" we suggest dropping the hook near the northern head of this side channel, east-southeast of marker #2. The Lucas duo  (see article linked below) chose to continue south on the eastern Lake Worth channel and anchor, well south of marker #6 and east of the northernmost of the two charted, rectangular "Spoil Areas." Sounds like in spite of the passing traffic, they had an enjoyable evening!Check out their full account of anchoring on these waters at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106954
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 Western Florida
XIV. Turtle Cove Marina (Tarpon Springs, FL on the Anclote River)
Anclote Key, Anclote River and the charming community of Tarpon Springs lies astride the northern terminus of the Western Florida ICW. So, this is either the jumping off point when headed north across the waterwayless Big Bend region of Western Florida, or the first possible stop when cruising south from Carrabelle, Dog Island or Apalachicola.
 Turtle Cove is one of the newest marinas in Tarpon Springs. We had occasion to visit here in February of 2012, and were favorably impressed. Most of the dockage for transient craft is located on an artificial island jutting out into the creek, and connected to the mainland by a narrow, but auto accessible neck. Neat concept! I might also add that all the downtown Tarpon Springs attractions, including the MANY superb Greek style restaurants are within easy walking distance, and there is a fresh seafood market literally next door to Turtle Cove. Yummmmmm!
Anyway, follow this link to discover what fellow our fellow cruisers aboard "Sea Biscuit" discovered at Turtle Cove:
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Eastern Florida
XV. Dredging in AICW/Port Everglades, Statute Mile 1066, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The heavily trafficked Port Everglades Turning Basin lies immediately south of the 17'th Avenue Bridge in Fort Lauderdale, and legendary Pier 66 Yacht Harbor. The AICW cuts north to south right through the heart of the port's basin. These waters are also the staging area for important Port Everglades Inlet, one of the most reliable seaward cuts in all of Florida.
Now, we discover, in the articled linked below, that dredging is about to commence on these waters, and these operations WILL impact the AICW channel through the Port Everglades Basin.
So, if your bow will be cutting through Port Everglades anytime soon, may we be so bold as to suggest you follow this link forthwith:
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 Eastern Florida
XVII. Input Sought For Peck Lake Anchorage (Statute Mile 992)
Capt. Moran, author of the below linked article, is an experienced cruiser who is wise enough to seek local knowledge, even in an area formerly visited. He is seeking advice about the best spot to abandon the path of the AICW, and cruise east into the deeper waters of Peck Lake.
 Over the years, we have found that the best entry point from the AICW, into the anchorage seems to move. So, it would be invaluable if several of you who have visited here recently shared where you found the best water.
PLEASE follow the link below, read Captain Moran's article and make use of either the "Comment" link or the "Click Here to Submit Cruising News" link, found on the upper right of all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
 That's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all!
Claiborne S. Young
Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net
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