American Paradise (Part 4 of 17)
(This entire 17-part story can be found in the “travel” category.)
The fourth day of our waterborne journey would end in a much different manner than expected. After entering Florida near Fernandina Beach, the captain again became anxious over the one diesel engine’s performance. The oil pressure was running low and the engine sounded different than the previous day. The captain was worried about putting too much stress on the healthy engine as it picked up the additional load.
Again traveling at a slower speed, we proceeded south. We had seen a few alligators at the mouth of some creeks on our trip, but today I hoped to spot a bigger prize. Manatees are beautiful creatures that almost seem a cross between an elephant seal and a mermaid. I sat up front at the ship’s bow to try to increase my chances of seeing one.
We passed Jacksonville, where the Intercoastal Waterway crosses the St. John River. About 10 miles before reaching St. Augustine, the captain put the first mate at the helm and he headed below deck to the engine room. He returned with bad news. “We’ll have to pull in at St. Augustine to have that engine checked. I don’t want to push it any farther,” he proclaimed.
A little while later we limped into the city docks. The captain would search out a mechanic to get a prognosis. “We’ll know in an hour how serious it is,” he said. I decided to explore this charming, ancient town, so I disembarked. I wasn’t disappointed. The architecture was magnificent. I went into a museum and learned all about St. Augustine’s illustrious past. The entire downtown, in fact, was like a museum.
An hour later I was back at the ship. “Bad news,” the captain said with resignation in his voice. “We’re going to be here at least two days. You’re welcome to stay here with us and wait it out, if you’d like.”
It took me about 10 seconds to decide. “No thanks, I think I’ll be moving along.” I packed up my belongings and bid them farewell with my usual parting, “Thanks for everything. I’ll never forget you guys. Have a nice life!”
I walked through downtown, then stuck out my thumb to hitchhike the few miles to I-95. From there, it would be about 300 miles to Miami Beach. A few hours later, I was about 100 miles down the road when I got dropped off at an exit ramp. It was after 5 o’clock, so it would be dark in an hour. I noticed an abandoned gas station and decided it would be a good place to spend the night.
Spreading out my sleeping bag on the hard, concrete behind the gas station, I gazed at the sky. What was in store for me now? On the boat trip, I had been thinking a lot about whether the boat owner would permit me to sail all the way to St. Thomas. I figured it was 50-50. Now that was all a mute point.
As dusk turned to dark, the stars began to appear. The celestial heavens always make me feel more grounded, and usually bring a clarity to my thoughts. I would get to Miami, then work the docks until I got a ride to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. My goal clear, I dropped off to sleep in anticipation of more adventure, new horizons!
- Mountain Man