Port Royal to B & B Shrimp, NC

Today:          25 miles         4.4 hours          ICW St M “512.0  ”

Total:       2175 miles     302.3 hours

The air was still so the dew was very heavy on the boat.  It needed to be cleared from the windows before departure, which had to be by 6:15 am, so that we could pass through the Ladies Island Bridge before it closes for commuter traffic at 7 to 9. 

     This day’s travel took us through many changes of current due to all the inlets.  Sometimes we cruised at 4.3 mph while in other areas we were in the 9’s.

     We tried calling B & B Shrimp for docking instructions, but no one answered.  So, we docked ourselves.  Pete went to walk Bailey while I went up to pay the bill and get some shrimp.  I was greeted by the owner (not Isaiah), who promptly told me that he had no space for us as he had a large fishing boat due.  I told him we had made reservations yesterday.  He then “graciously” told me we could stay, but had to be gone early tomorrow and accepted my $25.00 dockage.  When I asked for 4 pounds of shrimp, he watched the new girl measure to make sure I paid for what I got. On previous visits here, Isaiah would grab a handful of shrimp, that would make “a pound”. Last year when I bought, we actually wound up with 7 instead of 4 pounds!  I miss Isaiah and I am pretty sure this will be the last time we stop here.  It is a well-worn, working dock with no amenities.

     The creek is Mosquito Creek and it lives up to its name once the sun is setting.  The mosquitoes are many, fierce, and stay until the sun is climbing into the sky. As a result, we closed up, and I made garlic shrimp and pasta. We then watched some TV, took Bailey had her final walk, and called it quits for the night.

    

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Hilton Head to Port Royal, NC ~ 2 Days

Today:          25 miles         5.4 hours          ICW St M “”

Total:       2150 miles     297.9 hours

Spanish Moss

After Bailey’s walk, Pete paid our dockage for last night, $2.75/ft. There was no Active Captain/Boat US discount, but they still give out a bottle of wine!  It was partially cloudy with mild breeze, same as yesterday. We did the short day of travel; the 25 miles to Port Royal Marina, where dockage is much more reasonable, plus we still had time to wash items, walls and floor that were coated with salt from yesterday’s sloppy ride. Opted to wait on laundry as long hot walk to marina facility. It can wait until we get to St. John’s.

Paris Island

      Stayed a second day just to chill.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Jekyll Island to Hilton Head, NC

Today:          97 miles       15.0 hours          ICW St M “573”

Total:       2125 miles     292.5 hours

Departed Jekyll Marina at 8 am, on the ½ rising tide.  We saw nothing less than 9-ft water. The dredge is currently laying pipe in the NE section of Jekyll Creek.  Hopefully, next year we will not have to worry about depth issues here.
     

     The day was clear and mild, with breezes that were very light as we entered the ocean.  The winds slowly increased to about 14, but unfortunately, were right of the nose. It was hard to maintain proper sail shape to make motor sailing worthwhile. It also meant that we didn’t do more than 6.2 max against wind.
     

     Darkness fell before entering Savannah Channel. We were passed by an outgoing ship. After a slow day it was nice to have the incoming tide as we headed in.  We achieved 10.4 mph in Calibogue Sound heading to the marina. We docked at 11 pm, walked Bailey, and rinsed salt from boat. We couldn't wait for showers and a comfy bed.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Jacksonville, FL to Jekyll Island, GA

Today:          54 miles         7.8 hours          ICW St M “684.5”

Total:       2038 miles     292.5 hours

As we approached Fernandina Beach,  we heard the announcement that there will be the boat parade.  One of the fishing was all decked out for the occasion.  There was also b Star Cruise ship anchored for the day as well.  Unfortunately, the heavy storm clouds were quickly approaching.
              
          

     For the past couple of hours, notice to mariners was being broadcast on 16 regarding the Green 35 being off position in the Jekyll Sound. As we passed it, we noticed that it was off position by about 300 yards and into the shallows. Must have been dragged by a barge.

     At Jekyll Island Marina, we topped off the fuel tanks before tying off for the night. The storms had passed. Once secured at our dock, we opted to grab dinner at the restaurant on site.  We enjoyed out meal and made it an early night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

St. Augustine to Jacksonville, FL

Today:          37 miles         5.6 hours          ICW St M “739.3”

Total:       1974 miles     284.7 hours

Departed Comachee by 8:30. We experienced mixed currents, beautiful breezes, bright sun and mid 80 temperatures. There were lots of small boat traffic as it's a Saturday.  All day we heard the USCG Notice to Mariners: The St. John’s River is restricted in the area off of Jacksonville’s Naval Air Station. A Naval 737 went into the water last night. It skidded off in thunderstorm with 136 aboard. No serious injuries.
The shipyard in Jacksonville was busy ~ 
          

     We made it to Jacksonville free dock by 3.  We were lucky. There was only one slip left.

     

Traffic on the River

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Daytona Beach to St. Augustine, FL

Today:          55 miles         8.3 hours          ICW St M “775.6”

Total:       1937 miles    279.1 hours

Thursday, 5/2/19 ~ Pete dropped off the rental car and was Ubered back to the marina.  We were able to leave the dock around 8:15, drop off keys and head to St. Augustine. We had some rain on the Matanzas River, but the current gods smiled upon us almost all day! We made great time considering we left much later than usual.

     After fuel, pump out and docking at Comachee Marina, we headed over to Vinny's New York Style Pizza for a much anticipated pizza.

Friday, 5/3/19 ~ We stayed put due to storms that split all around Comachee. Some of the heaviest storms were just south of us.  I took advantage of the down time to scrub head and floors. Spent the rest of the day, writing the blog, but not ready to post. Still have to process the photos.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Returned to Pete in Daytona

Monday 4/30/19 ~ Monday morning, after hugs and kisses, I left as Hadi headed to the bus and Kel to Riley to day care.  Once again, I was heading to the hotel in Florence, SC. Tuesday’s trip continuation was uneventful.  The book was finished and I was “home” in Halifax Harbor by 5:30, enjoying my hubby hugs!

     Pete used the last of prepped food:  Spanish rice, chicken and beans for our dinner.  While I was away, Pete ordered new TV, buffer for waxing the hull, plus a Wi-Fi antenna for his computer. We a just about set to continue our journey.

Tuesday, 4/30/19 ~ After defrosted freezer and inventoried our current food supply, I was heading out to provision. While Pete unfolded wagon, Bailey backed up off of finger pier. She swam away from Pete as he called and headed towards the main walkway to shore. After Pete was able to pull her out, she shook, drenching Pete, then rolled in dirt to dry. I headed out to shop, while Pete grumbled and washed Bailey.

   Once back, everything needed to be dated, repackaged and put away. After dinner, we just chilled.

Wednesday, 5/1/19 ~   We were up and out by 6 am to drop our car at St John’s Marina. Pete arranged for a 1-way rental, which we picked up at Charleston Airport and returned to Halifax. Grabbed salads at Panera.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P