Jekyll Island to Brunswick, GA

Today:    10 miles, 2.6 hours, ICW St. M 1803.1

Total:     1888.4 miles, 313.2 hours

     Plan was to leave around 8:30. However, when Pete left to walk Bailey, he noticed the current had changed even though it would be another 2 hours before high tide.  He didn’t want to take chances in unfamiliar waters, so we quickly cast off the lines and headed north.  It was a very short travel day. We covered the 12 miles in 90 minutes!  We actually arrived as the Brunswick Cruiser’s Net was beginning at 9 AM.  Since we needed to be talking with the dock hands, we missed most of the announcements. We originally requested a month’s stay, but due to upcoming reservations, they could only take us for 3 weeks.  The Dock Master still offered us the monthly rate which saved us a considerable amount.

     Friends of ours from CCYC, Connie and Ed have stayed here a number of times in the past and highly recommended it.  Besides being a great hurricane hole, it is close to downtown and to really good restaurants. The Farmer’s Market is only a block away and held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. The bikes, washer and dryers are free.  However, it is the community that is really special!  The Cruisers Net is held at 9 am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (channel 69). There are a lot of liveaboards and long-term cruisers, who stay put for months at a time.  Someone is always available to volunteer a hand. Happy Hour is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening at 5:30. Beer on tap is always free and available inside the lounge. Informal exercise classes are held Monday through Friday mornings; 8:15 for aerobics and 9 for yoga.  For the holidays, the marina supplies the meats and wine, the cruisers supply appetizers, sides or deserts.

The 90' power cat BONEFISH
They had a very hard time maneuvering to the fuel dock
due to the wind. I can't believe they have no thrusters!

 We had a few things to do around the boat before sitting in the cockpit and reading for most of the afternoon.

     We met Donna and Ed around 6. Their car was left here while they headed down to Fort Pierce, so they drove us over to Basil’s Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar.  Pete and I chose the Fried Rice with Chicken and Shrimp and had Steamed Dumplings as an appetizer.  For desert, we split the Fried Bananas with Coconut Ice Cream. Donna had the Basil Sampler, which is a meal in itself, while Ed tried the Garlic Chicken and they too split desert.  It was a wonderful evening with new friends (who just happen to be from Easton, MD), interesting conversations and great food!  We said our good-by’s tonight.  Tomorrow will be spent packing tomorrow for their drive to Connecticut on Monday.  They, too, have grandkids to watch! They should be back to Brunswick about the same time as us. We will discuss traveling north once we are back.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Fernandina, FL to Jekyll Island, GA

Today:    32 miles, 5.5 hours, ICW St. M 1883.1

Total:     1878.4 miles, 310.6 hours

     Bailey was walked, the dinghy was raised, and we were underway by 8:30.

Hurricane damaged boats

Rusty work boat

     The boats that were beached due to the storms are still there.  The pier, where some of the sunk boats were placed, is still loaded. Just below the mooring field, the sunken sailboat mast is still visible. There has been no movement to get the City Marina up and running.  There was an article on Facebook’s Active Captain discussing it last night.  The town is willing to walk away from the revenue created by an active marina that brings in tourists who spend in the community, just because they don’t see the marina as a profit maker. 

USCG chase drills

  

     As we approached the St. Mary’s River, there were 4 USCG small boats running chase drills with another unmarked USCG boat.  As we continued up past Cumberland Island, we were passed by another USCG small boat, which closed the river behind us.  Then there were 4-64’ USCG boats heading down river, and another small boat bring up the rear.  We suspect a submarine will be coming up the river to Kings Point Naval Sub Base.  We never saw the sub, but did see the degaussing cage the subs must pass through before entering the huge repair buildings.

Cabin Bluffs Cottages

Our sleepy crew

     Once again, we traveled about 7 miles up river before the currents changed in our favor, the 5.4 finally became 8.7 with occasional 9.2! Following the sonar charts, it was easy to pass around Horseshoe Shoal in St. Andrews Sound.  On the northern tip of Cumberland Island, we saw some homes, an old light house and a green buoy way off station at the base of the dunes. As we were heading up to Jekyll Sound, we saw another green marker way out of position, but still in the water. As we neared it, Sector Charleston announced a Notice to Mariners stating that this green was out of position.  Talk about timing!

Jekyll Island Lighthouse and
severely misplaced green buoy

Jekyll Island Southern Shore

Driftwood Tree

Buoy with visitors

HMS VAGABOND

     We filled up the fuel cans and topped off the fuel before being walked down to our spot on the dock. Once secured, we met Ed and Donna form SV DEEGEE IV, a Catalina 380.  They are from Easton, MD and this is their first trip.  They have not enjoyed it as much as others. With no enclosure, the trip down was cold, windy and raw.  They spent 2 months in Harbortown Marina, Ft. Pierce.  While looking to fix an problem, he was directed to the “Captain”, whose shop is right on the closed area of A1A by the marina.  “Captain” has a “Sampson & Son’s-esk" shop, with an unbelievable inventory of parts.  Ed was in awe of “Captain’s” knowledge of engines and mechanical parts, and is a machinist, who makes parts he can’t get. He solved Ed water pump problem and had the correct part for replacement.  A great resource to know! Hopefully, we will never need his services.

View up the Jekyll Creek

     When Pete registered, he found out that there is a restaurant onsite. He suggested we grab dinner there.  So, I extended an invitation to Donna and Ed to join us around 6.  Since I still had a couple of hours, I decided to borrow a bike and head into the village with my camera. I really enjoyed exploring. Hopefully, I have some great shots.

Moss Cottage

Indian Mound Cottage

Spanish moss in the wind

Stable Road

Skeet House

Baker Crane Carriage House

Family cycling under the mighty oaks

   

Zachery's River House Restaurant

     I got back with extra time before we met Ed and Donna.  We ate indoors, which was great as the temperatures were beginning to drop a bit as the sun got close to the horizon. Zachery’s Riverhouse had a smaller menu, but delicious selections, primarily fresh seafood and reasonable.  Pete ordered a hamburger with fries and cold slaw (surprise, surprise!).  The three of us ordered salads.  Our platters were mounded with green, tomatoes, eggs, onions, cheese and about a half pound of fresh shrimp salad.

     During dinner, we talked about passage though Georgia.  Pete discussed our float plan. Donna raised concerns about possible problems with the marinas. We came back to the boat and spent the next 3 hours trying to figure out what we need to do.  The two viable marina options were bust. Hidden Harbor went private and does not accept transients and Hampton River club is silted in, restricted to small boats or entry and departure on high tide only! We need a marina or anchorage with access to shore for Bailey. We have to time our passage though Jekyll Creek, just a few hundred yards north of this marina, The Little Mudd River and Hell Gate with half tides that are rising. Exhausted and drained, we decided to delay leaving in the morning until after 8 am, so we can confirm reservations for Brunswick Landing and work on our float plans with clearer minds. Emailed Donna to let them know that we need to leave shortly after 8 am instead of 7, and finally headed to bed at 11:30 pm.

The local hangout!

Friday 3/30 -  Donna came and knocked at 7:15 am to see if we changed our minds and would head up to Brunswick with them this morning. We were already up and had decided that with the stormy forecast, we would stay an extra day.  So, as we were heading over to help them cast off, we waved good-by a they passed.  She e-mailed around 2 hours later.  They were already docked at Brunswick Landing. She listed the skinny spots on Jekyll Creek to be aware of and invited us to join them for dinner tomorrow night.  There is a great Thai restaurant not far from the marina.  It should be fun. She also mentioned that they were able to dock before the storms came.

      We did more research on the trouble spots here in Georgia. With the high tides currently at 9 am, low at 2:30 pm, and no staging spots for the trouble areas, it is better to wait until we return from up North, around the 17^th. With the tides shifting 45 mins/day, it will allow us to stage properly and transit bad areas in the middle of the day allowing us to do more miles...So... rather than do something stupid with needing to get to Charleston by next Thursday (since our car is there), The boat will stay in Brunswick through the 17^th and rent a car on Monday to head to Charleston to retrieve our car. This way we can get home next Friday, without stress, to take care of the grandkids for the week. 
     I was able to download the photos from yesterday and get some of the blog posted.
     Shortly after dinner, there was a pinkish glow through the windows.  I got lucky to capture why once outside. . . .

The rains cleared just in time for pretty sunset

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

St. Augustine to Fernandina, FL

Today:    60 miles, 9.1 hours, ICW St. M 1851.1

Total:     1846.4 miles, 305.1 hours

Sunrise as we left Comachee Marina

     Pete walked Bailey, then filled up the gas can for the dinghy and the jar of diesel for the filter exchange. I got everything ready to leave when he returned. We were underway at 8 am.

     It was calm and cool as we entered the Tolomato River.  Pete had another busy workday, so I was at the helm most of the day. The ride north is beautiful, and I was really able to enjoy the scenery because the current was once again against us until we entered “Roscoe Row,” Palm Shores. Dolphin families usually show up on the lower portion of the river, but manatees like the narrower canal.

Dolphin Family on the Tolomato

A Pelicans Gathering

Our wake

     While in “Roscow Row,” the current changed and I finally increased speed from the mid 5’s to the high 7’s mph.  To make things a little more interesting, I watched a fast boat come up from my rear. As he got closer, I could see the structure was some sort of an official enforcement vehicle.  It was the Immigration and Border Patrol.  He slowed to idle about 100 feet from me and gently passed on my starboard, but he hit the gas for the 3-450 HP engines just as he passed my bow and waked me. Only to stop ¾ of a mile ahead to pass/check out another sailboat.  I spotted 3 manatees along this canal.  I hope they were not in Immigration’s path.

Reflections of Red 42

Tolomato River Shore Line

     Well those high 7’s quickly became high 8’s and low 9’s, once in the Pablo River.  The Navionics’s Sonar Charts were super to follow for the skinny areas from here north.  The current was definitely with me, but near low tide. Things got more interesting at the bridge when I saw the small cruise ship, AMERICAN STAR, approaching from the north as I was approaching from the south.  After communicating, he sped up while I slowed down to idle (still doing 5 mph) and navigated in still deep water, closer to the banks, giving him room. Things went well for both of us and we continued on our courses.  While going through the next bridge, we reached 10.2! Thankfully, the southbound power boat heard the conversation with AMERICAN STAR and called to say he would hang back until I cleared. I love it when fellow boaters are courteous and considerate. Pete was still involved with work, so I stayed at the helm until we approached the skinny area where, last fall, we used BOB423’s waypoints.  Pete wanted to make sure it would not be a problem at low tide.

Railroad bridge closed and in use!

     I did eventually pass that sailboat, OSPREY, but they caught up when we got to the railroad bridge.  The guide book states that it “is usually open, but will close for a train.”  I kept looking and finally asked Pete to look, as it appears to be closed. I tried to call on 09 to verify, but there was no response. Sure enough, a train started to cross as he looked.  We waited about 10 minutes and it opened. Once it closed, OSPREY and PEKABU continued on to Fernandina to request a mooring ball for the night.  Originally, we were going to anchor off Cumberland Island, but thought it would be easier to walk dog from here with the ambient light from the factories and town.

    After dinner we read and watched the sunset. Pete decided to take Bailey for her last walk at 8 pm, while there is still some light. A bit more reading, we called it a night. Tomorrow, we head up to Jekyll Island, Georgia and into unexplored territory for us.  There is no window for us to make the outside jump and we need to keep moving north. We need to head back north by April 6th for Mom and for the grandkids we will be sitting while their parents take a well needed vacation.

Tonight's Sunset in Fernandina

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

Hanging out in St. Augustine

Walking by the School for the Deaf

Azaleas in bloom

  

Wild-colored succulent bloom

   Saturday, 3/24 – After breakfast, I walked 2.5 miles, then showered before driving over to River’s Edge Marina, on the other side of St. Augustine, to pick up Deb & Hugh. Pete has a rush job that will probably take up most of the weekend, so he will not be joining us. Unfortunately, I forgot the printer cartridge, which meant that I brought them back to our boat to visit with Pete for a short time.
    We headed to downtown St. Augustine and had a delicious lunch at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill.  Afterward, we waited to meet up with Deb’s sister and her husband. They just returned from a Caribbean Cruise out of Port Everglades and were heading home to North Carolina. While Deb was waiting and giving directions, Hugh and I went into the Basilica for a look around. Since walking wasn’t conducive to talking, we then went to the Barefoot Bar and Grill to have drinks.  We made plan for Deb, Hugh, Pete and I to meet for a farewell dinner tomorrow. Sunday, they will drive down to Marathon to help with a Junior Sailing Program for the week before returning to their boat and cruise north.

Old home with unique charm

Basilica of St. Augustine

     

Columns of the Treasury

Gathering of Hari Krishnas

   

    I had to say good-by to all around 4 so that I could get back to the marina, gather my appetizers and Pete, and head over to Jay and Pegg’s.  We had seen them last spring, just after they bought this house.  Over the past year, Jay has been busy making their place special.  It looks like they are in the home stretch as most of the projects are done.  Soon, he will get back to fiddling with another boat. It was a great visit and we look forward to seeing them when we pass this way in the fall.

Sunset from the Bridge of Lyons

    

     Sunday, 3/25 - Pete continued with his work commitments while I walked again and did some chores around the boat.  Around 3, we headed out to check out the Marineland Marina, which is about an hour south of St. Augustine. The facility is new, the write-ups are good, the comments are good, and so are the prices.  We might consider staying here for a while in the future.

Eagle pair hanging out at the Marina

     We picked up Deb and Hugh and headed over to Sonny’s BBQ.  It also had great reviews and we weren’t disappointed.  Between the BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork, the Baby Back Ribs, baked beans, salad bar, and corned bread everyone enjoyed their mead.  The service was also excellent. A return trip to Sonny's will be part of our next visit to St. Augustine.
The time has come to say good-by to Deb and Hugh.  We definitely look forward to keeping in touch and seeing them once they get to our neck of the Chesapeake!

     Monday, 3/25 – Pete was still busy with work, so I did laundry.  I also took advantage of having the car to head over to Green Cove Springs to retrieve out mail. Since their Post Office is easy access and not crowded, I mailed some stuff, one which needed next day delivery. On the way back, I was able to complete the provisioning needed for this leg of our journey. It took a bit more time as I didn’t know the store and I had 3 calls while I was shopping.  I made it back just in time to pick up Pete so that we could pick up the rental car before 6.  Due to traffic and time, we kept the groceries in the car and went directly over to Enterprise, making it with 8 minutes to spare before closing. Tomorrow, we need to drop our car off in Charleston so we can leave St. Augustine on Wednesday.

     Once back, everything was put away (which meant some reorganizing), dinner cooked and eaten, then stuff was readied for our drive in the morning.  We need to leave around 6 am to miss traffic up by Jacksonville and make St. John’s Marina by 10:30, in order for Pete to make his conference call on our return trip.  I usually gather the drinks, snacks and breakfast sandwiches into a bag, which is easy to grab from the refrigerator in the morning to put into the cooler. We also need Bailey’s bed, food, meds and water.  We have a canvas bag with the bowls, radar detector, GPS and EasyPass which is always packed and ready.

      By 9 pm, we are more than ready to head to bed.  5:30 am will come much too early!

River Road, Yemassee, SC

      Tuesday, 3/27 -  We were up by 5:30, but it took me a little longer than normal to get my act in gear. We were on the road at 6:30. Pete dove the rental while I followed in our car.  We were pleasantly surprised when we drove through Jacksonville at 7:30 and traffic still move at a reasonable pace on 95 even though the off ramps to downtown were really backed up.   Later, Chris called and we were catching up with things so I wasn’t paying attention to the exits. During this time, Pete and I were separated by some cars and tractor trailers, so I went into the passing lane, hoping to catch up to him, but the exit came up too fast. Pete tried calling, but since I was on with Chris, I didn’t take his call. When I saw him on the exit ramp, I disconnected and called Pete.  I told him to continue and I would take the next exit, which should get met there not too far behind him.  This way he could start the conference call on time.  I wound up taking the next exit for Yemassee.  Due to railroad construction, there was a small detour and the GPS took me along River Road, which was a beautiful ride; large estates, old oaks that canopied the road in places, azaleas in bloom and no traffic. I only saw 3 other cars during the 10-mile ride!  I was only 10 minutes behind Pete arriving at St. John’s Marina. 

     At the marina, the handy man and Bailey remembered each other, and Bailey got her treats. We were quickly in the car and on our return trip.  Pete’s conference call lasted about an hour, which was perfect. It was noon and time to stop for lunch.

     Unfortunately, Pete’s mom is not doing well. She is an amazing woman, who has always kept up a positive outlook and was willing to do whatever it takes to get better, but this time the road back is so much harder. At 91, time has taken it toll on most of her organs and she is dealing with the problems it causes. We continue to call daily and share our stories, love and support.

     We were able to get back by 4. Pete took another conference call before returning the rental car.

    After dinner, Pete did an engine check and I made sure everything ready for the morning’s departure.

Sunset over the marshes by Comachee Island

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P