November 20 2015 Hallowes Cove (near Green Cove Springs)

Our batteries were pretty much flat this morning.  Luckily the inverter didn’t go off line so the freezer and fridge were still running.

We decided to see if we could get into Ortega Landing earlier than the 24th because now, the batteries don’t seem to sustain enough charge to last the night. Not good.  And oh so expensive to replace.

Leaving Palatka

We left around 11 AM waiting to hear back from the marina.  Even if we couldn’t get in, we could anchor closer to the Ortega River where there are other marinas.  But they called soon after we left and we'll be in a slip tomorrow.

The wind gained strength out of the NE as we made our way down the river towards Jacksonville.  Aside from the crab pots being unusually difficult to see, it was an easy journey.

Getting ready to anchor

Highway 13 runs along the cove

Looking into the shallower sections of Hallowes Cove

Once we passed under the bridge just south of Green Cove Springs, we turned east into Hallowes Cove.  Comments made by previous cruisers indicated this was a great place to ride out winds from the NE.  Nothing around except Green Cove Springs across the river, but as we came in close to shore it seemed very protected.

We anchored in about 9 feet of water and the anchor seemed to bit right away.  No other boaters around except for some go-fast fishing boats. 

Oddly enough the sunny skies which clouded over as we left Palatka,  reverted back to clear and sunny once we had the anchor down.  But the cold front which is passing us now has the temperatures in the low 70's to mid 60’s.  For us that’s frigid.

I also discovered an issue with our fuel tanks.  It appears the port side tank is dispensing fuel while the starboard tank is not.  The starboard tank is reading 23 ½ inches while the port tank sits at 18 inches.   We sort of lean to port a little.

The fuel return lines from each engine seem fine.   And I had swapped filters.  Guess tonight I’ll have to change the fuel filter on the engine and see if that helps.

Meanwhile we're huddled on the sundeck watching the setting sun taking the last vestiges of warmth away.  But it almost dead calm here in the anchorage.  Out on the river though, its still kicking up some swells.  \

It'll be a nice night though with those cool breezes and us under 3 layers of blankets!
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