Palatka to Welaka

After a beautiful sunrise we left Palatka and headed to Welaka.  Welaka is located in Putnam County Florida with a population of 586 according to the 2000 census.  Welaka is home to some of the best large-mouth bass fishing in the world, with several natural springs in the area feeding the calm waters of the St. Johns River. 

Sunrise on the St. Johns in Palatka

Corky Bells from the water!

Very old marina, restaurant?

Round house for sale

Ultra light float plane

Crab boat

Shark boat

Gardening on the dock

Such a pretty boat house that needs some love

Our destination for the day--free dock!!!

Corky Bell's

Last night some friends from home arrived from to spend some days with us on Meandering Joy.  We decided to go to Corky Bell's for dinner.  Steve and Charles had been to Corky Bell's for dinner on one of their men's boat trips.  Corky Bell’s is located at  Gator Landing located on the St. John’s River.  There are many specialty dishes from which to choose such as Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Creamy Seafood Alfredo’s, Corky’s Stuffed Fish and Swamp Treats like Gator Tail and Frog Legs.

We are definitely in Gator Country--We did not tell them we are from Georgia--both the Dogs and the Jackets were represented at our table--yes, Charles is a Tech Graduate--Bless His Heart

 Romans 8:28     Psalm 42:11

Jacksonville to Palatka

It is approximately 50 nautical miles from Jacksonville to Palatka on the St. Johns river.  We travel at about 10 kn--so it takes us about 5 hours to cruise up the river.  The river flows north, so even though we are heading south, we say we are cruising upriver.  The river opens up and becomes 2 miles wide at places resembling a lake more than a river. 

We found a spot at the floating city docks alongside the riverside park in Palatka.  Getting into the slip was a little difficult as there was a current pushing the stern out and wind blowing the bow toward the dock.  We couldn't get close enough for me to step off and tie us off--not wanting to risk getting wet in the murky water, we tried again and managed to get close.

The downtown area of Palatka is an easy walk.  Mostly vacant stores line the streets but we found some interesting sights to photograph.  We noticed immediately that many of the stores and businesses are painted with murals.  The city is a part of a mural project.  

Looks like Billy Graham  with a baptism in the background

The St. Johns river in the background.  The pink building is still standing.

See the fish in the boot

Steve is going to research the cannonball hit into the Columbine

Beautiful wildlife paintings

Scarlet and Rhett in Palatka

We also some some interesting signs...

Vintage sign

It must be too early for the  Bikers

Another vintage sign at 3:30 in the afternoon not 9:00

Italian food however you like it

McCrory's sign on the door handle of this vacant building

Just had to get myself in the photo

Jeweler's Hours

looks like this boat was used during the heyday of Palatka--needs some upkeep now

Since Steve was in the fence business we are always looking at fences.  This is a very unique gate opening system.  We are not familiar with this contraption.

We really wanted to reach over and grab an orange from this tree.

Looking out over the St. Johns

Memorial to the submarines that were lost during WWII

Welcome to Palatka

We noticed a sign for Bingo when we entered Palatka and a life size  Bingo card.  Being the curious people we are, we went into the Bingo Parlor.  It was smoke filled with many senior citizens sitting behind computer screens.  A most unique way to pass the time.

Matthew 11:28-29  Psalm 46:1-2