Mayport, FL

24 November 2007
Saturday was overcast with very high winds that started blowing hard overnight. As a result, we decided to take a walk on the beach and then explore the nearby small village of Mayport. The high winds had deposited salt spray and sand on everything. Clearly, I will be forced to wash the motorhome very soon.

The waves were breaking well and a number of brave sailors were surfing in the cool water. We just made a few miles walk and returned to the motorhome to shake out the salt. We have missed getting a close up view of the several navy ships that have gone right by our motorhome, and today one was going out just as we returned. I managed a quick picture as she was nearly out of the channel and into the Atlantic for another long deployment.

Mayport turned out to be a fishing center that is hanging on by its finger nails. Everything is a bit worn and leaves you wondering how long it might last. The sign at the edge of town welcomes you to historic Mayport founded in 1572. That makes it one of the oldest settlements in the country. With that much history, perhaps it will survive.

We did find, next to the fish plant, a very nice seafood market and eatery. We picked up some fresh snapper for the grill and will return for a lunch there and more fresh fish to take home.