Brunswick to Hilton Head, GA

Today:    105 miles, 17.1 hours, ICW

Total:     2071.4 miles, 320.3 hours

     “O-Dark-30” came very quickly.  The alarm went off at 2 am. Dog was walked, fed and lines cast off. By 2:45, we were heading to the Brunswick River.  Winds were light, current was ebbing and giving us a 2+-mph push, and the ambient light made traveling downriver a bit easier. The channel meanders and there are lots of lit markers; unfortunately, some of them are on Jekyll Creek.  Without the GPS it would be very confusing.

     Towards the mouth of the river, there were lights that were a bit confusing.  They turned out to be an inbound ship.  Pete had called out to him on 16, but he only responded with 1-whistle toot on his horn as he got closer.  Thankfully, we were able to give him plenty of room.

Sunrise over the Atlantic

     We continued in the channel for about 4 miles past the mouth of the river before we were able to turn to the north. Twilight was upon us, so Pete set the main sail, which added a good 0.8 mile to our travels.  It was helpful for all but about an hour, when the winds lessened while shifting.  It was a great day for a sail. The skies were clear, the temperature mild, the seas pretty calm; 1-3 feet from the S and SW, as were the winds from the same direction and between 10 and 18 during the day.

Savannah River Traffic

     As we entered the Savannah River, we had to once again make way for an outbound container ship.  Thankfully, there was some room outside the channel before the water got skinny.

Outside Windmill Harbour Marina

Trimaran
enjoying an evening sail

     We had reservations at Windmill Harbour for the night, but called ahead to verify hours. It was then that we were told no problem as they are open until 7, BUT super low tide (-2 feet) was at 4 pm.  There might be some problem entering the lock.  He suggested that we wait until after 6 to make sure there is sufficient water at the entrance.  We had been making great time, but spent about 90 minutes traveling at idle from Harbortown Marina up to Windmill; about 6 miles. We had the current and the wind increasing our speed!

     Bailey was so good for all that time.  She knows that while underway, it is best not to eat or drink.  She waits until I start to set the lines for docking before drinking, then she drinks the bowl dry.

     We entered the lock at 6:30  with plenty of water under our keel and was secure at our slip by 7 pm. Bailey was very happy to see grass.  Once back on board, we had dinner. I love cooking larger meals and freezing them for later use. It is very helpful for long travel days, especially like today.

     Once the galley was cleaned, we read for a short while.  Pete laid on the bed and was asleep by 7:30, I managed to stay awake to walk Bailey at 9. We showered and went to sleep knowing they was no departure time in the morning. Pete has priority/rush work for a good part of day, so we are staying here tomorrow.

     Night All!

Thursday, 4/19 – Pete woke, walked and fed Bailey, and was working on his computer by 8:30.  I slept soundly until 9.

Very scenic enclave

     After breakfast, I walked around the harbor and the community.  This is really a beautiful spot.  The harbor is about a ½ mile long and holds a couple of hundred boats.  Large townhouses surround the harbor and single homes of varying sizes extend out into the community.  I only walked about 2 blocks out, but it is obvious that the enclave is well thought out.  Streets are canopied by large trees, walkways and roads meander through the homes.  There are benches placed invitingly along the walkways. Each home is unique from the outside and the grounds are beautifully gardened and maintained.  It was no hardship getting my 3 miles in!

Colorful assortment of floral blooms

  


    

Beauty with every step!

The various shells the are used
 in the walkways  surrounding the harbor

   The free laundry facility is located by the pool and lockers. “Visiting Yachtsmen” are welcome to use the washer and 2 driers after 1 pm with the key provided by the harbor master.  The staff uses it in the mornings.  It is in a small, airless room, but thankfully, the pool has comfortable seating and there are wonderful breezes today! Located on the harbor is the South Carolina Yacht Club.  Miles River Yacht Club has reciprocity; perhaps we will use it in the future.

     Pete called ahead for reservations at B & B Shrimp for tomorrow and tried to get reservations at St. John’s for the following 4 days, but they had no room. We snagged one of the last slips at Charleston City Marina. That will enable us to shuttle the car from Brunswick to River Dunes.

     I processed a lot of photos and was able to post some of the backlog and photos to the blog on the web. I still have more photos for weeding and processing, along with some entries for future posting.  I really hope I will be caught up soon.  I have the entries for most days written, but I need to refine wording and process/size the photos.  Travel days, boat chores and a couple of headaches have delayed the postings, but I am getting there.

    With laundry done and supper completed, we called Pete’s Mom. She is home! Back in her apartment and feeling good.  YEA!!!

    We watched Big Bang and Young Sheldon, two programs we really enjoy, finished up a few boat things, walked the dog and called it a night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P