Aground (again) and more

We continued our cruise up the Frederica River to get back to the ICW. Pretty. It used to be a section of the ICW sometime in the past. Pretty deep also. As we got to the intersection with the ICW 'someone' said, "Go to the port side." Then: crunch, crunch, crunch, shudder. We are stopped. 'Someone' says, "Maybe not to port."

Stuck good.

We waited for Tow-Boat/US for an hour but we got off the shoal ourselves and continued on. Can't wait until we see the bottom of the boat.

Our next stopped was Walburg Creek. Another shortcut off the ICW that is shallow at the entrance but deep inside. It's a wide area for anchoring but has shallow enough spots. There is a forest of dead trees nearby but we didn't go to see them. There are also tons of gnats. Georgia gnats are pretty awful. The birds, however, are varied and interesting. Beautiful songs. There was also a large animal making deep, loud sounds ashore. I thought it sounded like a moose or panther but in the morning I decided it sounded more like a donkey or mule. Our exit from this creek was uneventful. Crossing the sounds of Georgia exposes you to the ocean but conditions were mostly benign.

Our next stop was Taylor Creek in the suburbs of Savannah. When we went to anchor, the windlass would not let the anchor and chain lower. Oh, crap. After a struggle we decided to go to a nearby marina. Simple and basic. The manager's name was Bubba. I think I heard a couple of banjos playing in the background. You cannot make this up.

It did have some stores, restaurants and fuel nearby so it wasn't a bad spot. Two nights. A mechanic came by but couldn't even attempt to make a repair or diagnosis. He recommended going to Thunderbolt Marina. It's a mile or so closer to Savannah in, wait for it... Thunderbolt, GA.

They were able to make a diagnosis on our windlass and give us some options. Verdict? More than $3000 to replace. Ouch. So... stuck here a while. No anchor equals no cruising.

I was able to negotiate the docking fee down 80 cents per foot per day but again, they are getting more than $3K plus $44 a day plus any other repairs or upgrades we have them do. The price does include the USA Today and half a dozen Krispy-Kreme donuts every day. What a bargain.

After the first day we started giving back the donuts.

Geogia on my mind

We crossed into Georgia today. The last two days were pretty breezy but today was rougher due to more open areas. Fewer trees in Georgia. But to make up for it there are lot more flies.We had some trouble finding a calm spot to anchor. Found some trees well up the Frederica River.

We saw some of the wild horses that are on Cumberland Island. They are beautiful.

Last night was a noisy one on a mooring in Fernandia Beach. It was windy and the current kept us banging into the mooring

We spent two nights before that in St Augustine again. Dinner ashore and watching women's BB. What could be better?

There is not much water in the Georgia ICW but the tides are 6-8 feet. This means we are likely to get through, We leave tomorrow (25th) at low water so we'll see.


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19 March

Carol is back on the boat after an 'emergency' trip to Las Vegas. Emergency? Fancy restaurants? Gambling? This is work?

We had a last dinner with our old friends, Mike & Carol, and some new friends, Mike & Sandy. Then one last stop at the Saturday Fort Pierce Farmer's Market and we're underway, northbound. Sunny and warm. That's not news. It's been the weather for more than a month except for one or two days of scattered showers. We're hoping we do not get ahead of the nice weather as we head north into spring.

Next long stop will be in the Hilton Head area if all goes as planned. One or two shorter stops along the way, perhaps.

Good luck and congrats to Mike and Carol's son on his wedding day.

New composting head working as advertised so far. No odor. No hold tank or valves. Nothing to clog. Highly recommended.