Skull Creek to Thunderbolt, GA (Mile 584 ICW)

The sunrise that greeted us before the clouds dominated the sky.

       Rain and thunderstorms were predicted for this afternoon, so the decision was made to leave at first light.  Engines were started and anchors pulled by 6:30 AM.  As we emerged from our creek, we were passed by American Glory, the same coastal cruise ship we had come across in Charleston. Navigating her on some of these ICW areas must be very challenging.  She seemed to have dropped anchor off of Harbor Town (Hilton Head) site of the famous PGA golf course.  We tried to get pictures, but the conditions were not optimal.  We will just have to stop there on our way home. I am sure Pete will need a shirt from their pro shop!

Homes and entry to one of the marinas on Hilton Head

Andiamo & rainbow
 clouds were angry
to the west/northwest

     Shortly after sunrise, the winds and clouds increased, but the rains skirted just to our northwest.  I wonder if that cruise ship travels south from Hilton Head on the ICW. . .if it does, it will have issues as the water gets skinny is a number of places.   We were passed by a Hinkley Sport Fisherman, Four Aces. Dan asked if he would report back on any shallows in the channel. His report was valuable to us, but given on a channel other than 16.  We arrived to find another sailboat had just run aground.  Thankfully, with the help of her sails, they were able to free the boat. We all were able to pass slightly to the left of the channel with no problems.

     We gave our names and homeports to the Causton Bluff Bridge Tender. He then told us that the bridge is currently experiencing problems.  Only one side of the bridge will be opening. The west span is frozen, just center on the east side of the bridge.  As the first of the five boats began to traverse south, a small boat under sail decided it had right of way and wanted to sail through the bridge, even though we started our passage.  He was angry he needed to divert.  The bridge tender told him to drop his sails.  He chose to ignore that and sailed through after we five passed through the bridge.  Some people!

     Our planning paid off and we were able to tie up to the dock by 11:15.  The afternoon was spent doing laundry, small chores and reading.

    We met for cocktails at 5 up at the sun room for the marina and still managed to find thing to talk and laugh about for 2+ hours. We plan to explore Savannah tomorrow.

28.8/818 Total Statute Miles        ~  ~ (\_~ ~ ~     Kathy and Pete