Beaufort to Savannah

We had planned to go to the ocean and sail to Florida.  We changed our mind.  We are seeing things we had only read about. It is such a different way to see the east coast of the USA.  Not an interstate in sight.  You get to see how people live and interact with the waterway and their towns. The journey is turning into it's own destination.  Each turn of the rivers and streams brings something new to see and explore.  Going down the ICW has taught us many new skills.  We only thought we knew about sailing and boats. 


 Anchoring is more than just securing the boat in the water.  Usually there is no one around and you become part of the land and water around you.  Dolphins swim all around.  Birds of all shapes and sizes fly over to check us and the boat out.  A few landed and hitched a ride for a while.  We stay up late and watch the moon rise and the stars.  We sleep for a few hours and then wake up at 4 am - the magic hour.  The dolphins show up to feed and play and frolic all around us.  The sun starts to peek over the horizon and sends all the colors and brightness over the waters and land.  The water is still and is waiting for the current to change.  We watch and listen.  I make coffee and oatmeal and we sit in the cockpit and we plan the days travel. 

our tv antenna at the top of the mast, illuminated by the anchor light

moon reflected in the water

sunrise at wright river, sc

sunrise on wright river, SC

 

 

The houses we pass are diverse.  Some are true 1% mansions, others look like fishing camps.  We passed Parris Island, SC, they make Marines there- siemper fi. I expected to see some kind of security around the Marine base, but it was just a town.   The reason we were thinking of going outside for GA was the rumors of shallow spots.  Having a boat with a 6 ft draft is deeper than some of the areas right off the 'magenta line' track of the ICW.  So far, so good in GA.  We did see an area near the Savannah River that could cause a problem.  There is a large rock pile that would be hidden by a high tide.  Thankfully, we got a bit of local knowledge from the Butler's.  There seems to be lots of places to anchor.  The rivers are deep and meander.  Have seen some duck hunter.  I know these hunters have weapons and we are in an isolated area, but I have never felt unsafe.  The marinas all seem to  have floating docks to accommodate the 7 the 10 ft tides.  The tidal ranges are quite hard to get used to after sailing in the Chesapeake.  Chesapeake sailors are real wooses when it comes to tides and currents.  For years, in the Chesapeake, we never even owned a tide chart or app.  We are quickly learning that tide and currents need to be closely watched. 

would love to own this dock!

keep the mark on your starboard (right) side or...

Rocks you will hit if go on the wrong side of the mark.

We are Isle of Hope marina, in a suburb of Savannah.  Going on a bike ride to see the town.  Beautiful weather.  Going to be around 75F.  Not bad for January.