Mayport Boat Ramp

Mayport is a small fishing village in NE Florida.  There is nothing quaint about it:  it doesn't have any boutiques selling cute tank tops and sea shell.  It's a place where fishermen live and work.

In Mayport, there is a much liked and much used boat ramp.  It is used by small craft fishing boat and for families who like to go fishing in St. John's River.  The parking lot overflows on weekends.  It is a popular place.


The St. John's River is tidal.  The tide goes out and comes back at a clip of 6 to 8 knots.  It is fast and furious. 

Heaven, or the Seatow, help you if your motor on your boat cannot handle the tide.  There is no going with the flow unless it's on purpose.

There are two pilot boats tied up at their own pier within sight of the ramp.  A pilot always has to be on board a ship to guide it into Jacksonville or guide it back out to sea again.


There is one spot on the River that makes a sharp turn.  This same spot is also extremely narrow and a pilot is surely needed.

When we want to get away after working on the Back Forty, we go and pick up a pizza and a soft drink and take them to the boat ramp in Mayport. 

While we are feasting on our pizza, we are overlooking the River watching for shrimpers to come in with their load while others are heading out.



We watch for the dolphins that usually go out with the tide and return with it.  We watch the pelicans take flight or preen themselves on the sandy shore.  We are mindful of the seagulls looking for scraps that we might throw out.  We don't and they leave us alone.

It is time to go home when the loon starts watching us and even laughing, I'm sure, before he takes a dive under the boat ramp.

Are we there yet?
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