The St. Johns river flows north from near Orlando all the way to Jacksonville. Its unique beauty remains reminiscent of all that is beautiful, exotic and primordial about subtropical Florida. Accordingly, a trip up the St Johns is high on my list of places to cruise before I die.

It has been called the river of lakes by its original inhabitants. As a choice cruising destination, it is without par. My only reason for putting the St Johns river after a Tortugas trip is that I have been planning the trip to the Dry Tortugas for a long time. Since I like to finish what I start, I plan to try the Tortugas next. But for now, this page is my review of my plans for the St Johns river as an alternative to the Tortugas should the weather not permit. Next year it will be the primary choice for my two week trip. 

I view a trip up the St Johns as a leisurely, idyllic passage, best taken in an unhurried fashion with plenty of reading and research undertaken beforehand so as to appreciate the total range of possibilities for this pleasurable journey. 

My research will include the reading of two key guide books, The St. Johns River Guidebook by Kevin M McCarthy and A Journey on Florida’s St. Johns River by Bill Belleville. These books provide a lot of background history as well as geological and ecological information that helps one to appreciate the culture and bio-diversity of the the river basin. Further research on the web as well as chart copies for the appropriate river charts will round out my preparation.  Truly, this river is a natural and historical treasure in Florida that warrants a deep appreciation and understanding by those love nature at its best. 

My starting point for this cruise will likely be the town of Saint Mary’s in southeast Georgia. Free parking can be had along the main street near the marina. Parking options are always big plus as parking can make or break a trip. 

The the distance to Jacksonville requires up front time to get started on the trip. It may take as long as two days to reach the starting point. It would be nice to begin this trip at the headwaters and take out at the northern terminus which would offer more time for the exploration of tributaries and springs. Since I don’t have the luxury of assistance, I will take the upriver leg first and then return to St. Mary’s where I started. 

I will take both the folding dingy as well as the inflatable kayak for exploration. The dingy will nicely tow behind Belle and be ready for exploring whenever the fancy strikes me. Belle, I believe will be a great cruising platform, especially with her new powerful engine in place. 

Cruising needs will be simple. The usual food supplies will hopefully be augmented by successful fishing attempts. So I will be taking a full complement of gear for fishing, snorkeling and exploring the creeks off the St Johns. I hope to have the screen room finished for the cockpit. However I will be trying out my mosquito control lantern. Sun and mosquito protection as well as rain gear will round out my needs. The water supply will be around 30 gallons with liquor and beer stores in reserve for pleasant evenings. 

So it is a win-win year for me. If the Tortugas doesn’t work out, I would just love to cruise the St. Johns. Stay tuned to see how it turns out.

1/12/2008