Fernandina, Florida

We made it to Fernandina Beach FL, a part of Amelia Island on Friday, after a very tiring day.  The last section of Georgia had the two worst spots on the whole ICW - Little Mud River and Jeckyll Creek.  We had to leave the anchorage a bit later than normal, waiting for the waters to rise in order for us to pass through the areas without hitting the keel of Makai.  Captain Ed made magic and glided Makai right through with out a blink of an eye!  We are on a mooring ball at Fernandina Harbor Marina and we will take a break from traveling and enjoy the city for a few days.    One of our stops will be to visit northeastern Florida's oldest continuously operating bar, the Palace Saloon.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Built in 1878, what started as a haberdashery, it was purchased in 1903, stocked with booze and named the Palace Saloon.  The mosaic floors, tin ceilings and a 40-foot bar are just some of the relics found in this treasured location. In 1999, a fire swept through the Palace, but the saloon was restored and is still a landmark in the community. The Rockefeller's and Carnegie's were just some of the famous names that were regulars at the establishment. In 1905, the hard liquor bar was the first of its kind to serve Coca-Cola.

  One of the neatest places for breakfast or lunch is T-Ray's. Just ask any local for the best place to eat and they say - the gas station!  It is a former Exxon gas station and the interior has not been changed.  It has a counter and six tables with mix matched chairs, plates and silverware from the 50's and 60's.  There is also outdoor seating, right next to the gas pumps. You place your order at the counter and they bring it to your table.  T-Ray will walk by your table, ask how your food is, and call you honey.  He noticed that Eva did not have grits on her plate and questioned her as to why not! You are also responsible for clearing your dishes and putting them in the bin for washing.