St. Johns River

Anchored in small cove for the evening

Year end cruise along the St. Johns River. Launched on Lake Monroe in Sanford at the downtown municipal boat ramp. Six or so steep concrete ramps in very sheltered basin on the south end of the lake. Free, and overnight parking is fine (we notified the marina and police dept beforehand).

Calm, perfect morning

Water hyacinth (and hydrilla) out of control along the St. Johns River and lakes

Narrow canal off the River

Looking back

Airboat rushing past us

One of the many gators we saw

Turltes warming up in the morning sun

Hontoon Island State Park

Caution! Alligators

$20 overnight stay at Hontoon I. State Park; includes 30amp power

Fog slowly burning off this cold morning. Wallas diesel stove/heater on!

Fog lifting on the River

Nice (lifesize?) metal Tarpon sculpture

Docked at BoatTree marina awaiting railroad bridge opening

17/92 railroad bridge open (I-4 bridge immediately to the east)

14.4 knots at 3,900 rpm in Lake Monroe