Day 3: New Smyrna Beach to St Augustine

8 hrs. Today we run up the ICW from New Smyrna Beach to historic St Augustine, the 'oldest city' in North America. We tie up at the St Augustine Municipal Marina beside the historic 1920s Bridge of Lions, and right on the edge of town.

We find that we're too late for the tourist trolleys, so go for a walk up the nearby tourist-trap mall, St George St, then around to the 'Saint' Italian restaurant on the historic St Augustine bayfront, where we score an excellent table on the balcony, overlooking the Matanzas Bay and the bridge. Here we celebrate Lorraine's birthday in suitable style.

Thus replete, we wander off into the dusk to examine the nearby Castilo de San Marcos, a VERY old fort that is now a national monument. Look it up, and you'll know as much about it as we do.

We don't have any daylight left to find the original (and famous) Flagler hotels, both now civic amenities. Back to the boat...Read more