03/06 - 03/08 St. John's River Florida CBGT

Chuck and Penny, drive safe. I'll be leaving here Tuesday around noon, but we are stopping and spending a day at Rosanne's Uncle near the Tennessee/Kentucky border. Should be launching at Ed Stone sometime Saturday! Terry, if you're driving out, drive safe also. Looking forward to seeing you at Hontoon! These folks are in for a New York treat! Everyone else, drive safe, or wishing you an uneventful flight if that's the case to be. See you all in a few days! Colby P.s. Chuck and Penny, I read your blog, and I agree towing into and thru snow isn't a lot of fun. As long as the roads are clear and not icy, it's not bad. I've towed thru some snow squalls, but the roads were only wet. I've also driven semi truck in earlier life and school buses then and now on snow packed and icy roads. Go slow and give yourself a lot of room if you end up in that situation. But I'm sure you know that! Last year we dodged a tornado going down, and drove thru snow squalls on the way home. More and more the idea of spending the entire winter in a warmer location is inviting!!!
 
Colby,
Today it's 85 degrees and sunny here aboard NAS JAX en route.
(Sorry, but Colby can't be happy if I'm not needling him about the winter weather South Of I-10).
Happy and safe Trailering all!
John
 
John, that 85 is sounding great. I'm hoping it stays that way. Phoenix was 85 when we were out there a few weeks ago. But they finally got their winter...55 degrees, rain.... Hoping that goes north of Florida as it flows east! :mrgreen: I'll finish loading the boat in mid 30 degree weather Monday, then run the heater over night to keep things from freezing. But at least no moisture in the forecast for Monday or Tuesday. I don't think we'll be much warmer where ever we end up Tuesday evening, but by Wednesday we'll be in mid 50's during the day and 40's at night I believe...if that forecast holds up. Can only get warmer after that. 8) Colby
 
For awhile we thought we might be boatless. While heading back up to Ed Stone Park after checking out good anchorage areas south of Hontoon, our Yamaha 200HPDI suddenly went into “limp mode”. The 2 cycle oil from the main tank was not being transferred to the small tank on the engine. We used our kicker to get back to the ramp. I found that the transfer pump was shot. Replaced it this morning and the Admiral is now happy....which makes me VERY HAPPY!

The weather right now is great. For those of you that have not sampled the great “White Hots” that Terry is bringing to the gathering you will be in for a real treat. Yum yum 😋

If you launch on the weekend the ramp may be quite busy. At Ed Stone, if you plan on staying for days they want you to park your rigs in the grassy area near Highway 44.

Astor Marine is also a great place to leave your rig in a secure area. They can be reached at 352-759-3655. Ask for Georgia and tell them “C-Dory Tom” sent you. Nice Folks.

Paul...sorry you and the family can’t make it. See you next year!

For those doing the driving down here, take your time and be safe!

God bless.....Tom
 
Tom, very glad to hear you got your motor troubles fixed! The last time I had an oil injection pump go out, it was on a pontoon, and it ruined the engine. After I had to pay for a new block, I disconnected the oil pump and only did premix. :( Chomping at the bit to get going here. Two and a half more days! And looks like we'l have some clear 40 degree weather now to finish loading up in! I think we'll have some rain along the way, but as long as it isn't freezing, I can deal with it! Colby
 
After all the excitement of deciding to come and doing all the strenuous but fun preparation for this years outing, setting go dates etc. we find we are going to have to cancel out. Makes us sick and sad. We had so looked forward to being with you all and again enjoying the beauty of the St. John's River.
C. A. Went to Dr. Friday and discovered a problem that they say needs to be resolved now! Should be solvable but takes us out of our trip. We will miss you all and miss the good cruising. Y'all have a great time . Think of us, as well be thinking of you!
 
C.A. and Bettie, sorry to hear that. We look forward to seeing you guys. But CA's health is more important. Good luck with the docs, and we'll be wishing/praying good health for you! Colby
 
Tom,
Where is Astor Marine? I've looked at Active Captain and don't see it.

Two Bears cleared the snow belt this morning. We drove by Lake Powell at Page. The lake looked low and cold - temps were still below freezing. We're in Gallup, NM now, some snow on ground in shelter, but this seems to be "tropical" weather even if we are still wearing layers of fleece.

We're doing good on our 450 mile/ day goal and hope to make mid-Texas tomorrow, Sunday the 25th.

Chuck
 
We are planning to arrive Thursday or Friday Morning.

I found Boat Tree Marine on Active Captain and gave them a call. Their pricing is bizarre, but for $37/mo (trailer storage), $0 (car storage), $35 (dockage - required), plus $10 launch fee you get something a little over $100 for a month. They have to launch the boat with their tractor and will not allow anyone to launch unless they are customers (thus the required dockage fee).

We just don't know if we can figure out things to do for that long.

John
 
Ed Stone Park is free. It is close to Hontoon. The ramp is decent, There don't seem to have been any security issues.

We should launch at Ed Stone about Noon Thursday.
 
Chuck....Astor Marine is not right on the river. The address is 24535 State Road Florida 32102. I park at Ed Stone but some prefer a “secure” location. They will park your rig after you launch at Astor and bring your rig back when your done.

Betty......Sorry that you and CA can’t make it this time but we are looking forward to next time.

I’ll be launching this Thursday.

Hontoon here we came.....Tom
 
I will be coming south on Interstate 75 and I am wondering what is the best highway to take over to Ed Stone Boat Ramp. I plan on leaving Wednesday and will launch my boat on Thursday morning.

Bill
 
We take I 75 South from I 10, Leaving I 75 at Exit 358, going East on Fl 326 to Silver Springs. Turn Left (east) at Hwy 40. Travel about 26 miles until Hwy 19, turn Right (south) and go 15 miles to Highway 42. Turn Left at Altoona, and it will dead end in Highway 44 at Crows Bluff. It will only be a short distance until you cross the St. John's river, and Ed Stone park is immediately on your left.

These are all good, but interesting rural roads. This avoids any major towns.
 
Thanks Tom and Bob,
I will use the roads you have listed to get to Ed Stone. When I return to South
Carolina I may take Interstate 95 just to see a different part of Florida and Georgia.
Bill
 
It is an easy shot on 44 to I 4 and that runs into I 95. I suspect that you will find more traffic on I 95 than on I 75, but both can be busy, and move right along.
 
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