Woke to a foggy Sunday morning and weighed anchor at 8:15. Forecast was for light winds and 70s. Still traveling with First Light, we hoped for a day stop in Beaufort, but there was no room at the dock, so we both continued on. We stopped about 1:00 at Skull Creek off Hilton Head, lowered the dinghy and picked up Mary and Bob, and went to shore for lunch and a chat some locals. We finally got a picture of them! As well as a great shot of a Great Blue Heron.
On the way back to the boats, a dolphin swam alongside not five feet away, rolled on its side and looked at us with one eye. Who was checking out who? He was too quick for a picture. We enjoyed a quiet evening onboard, looking at the stars and listening to the dolphin spouting.
On Monday, weighed anchor at 8:20 and arrived Turner Creek early afternoon to check out the area. We dropped the dinghy and went ashore; along the way, the marine patrol stopped us and asked us to move SeaTryst closer to the shore, since we were in a navigable waters. It took some time for Bob to rig the anchor and for Maggie to follow his instructions on where to drive the boat to drop it. Bob and Mary came over for a fresh shrimp dinner, and a final farewell. We bought the shrimp at a seafood store right on the creek, just past the shrimp boats. We are staying here a couple of days to welcome Larry Bogart onboard on Wednesday.
Tuesday morning, we found our way to
the
bus stop and into Savannah to meet Jim and Joanna Arnold
for breakfast at the Hyatt. They make this a traditional stop on their way
south to their winter home in Stuart.
We walked around Savannah and enjoyed the beautiful homes, moss-covered trees, and many gorgeous squares.
After grocery shopping at the Publix close to our landing, we called it an early evening.
We rented a car on Wednesday morning, and ran some errands at the Savannah strip malls, being grateful we are not part of a madhouse scene. It appears that this once diverse country has become one strip mall after another.
Larry arrived about 1:45p,
right on time and we drove directly to Savannah. Bob made sure
Larry changed into shorts to fully enjoy the 80 degree day. We went to Riverfront Plaza,
and the first place Roberto brought Lorenzo was to the candy store for free samples; he didn't
buy a thing but Roberto got more free samples. The candy was way
toooo expensive. After drinks and a snack at a local pub, we walked
through at least 10 of the 21 squares in Savannah.
We then celebrated Roberto's birthday dinner at Churchills with Yorkshire pudding and of course beer and wine.
On Thursday, the alarm rang at 6:30a (actually, it's the head being flushed), After returning the car, eating breakfast, pulling the anchors, we left at 9:30.
We anchored in Wahoo River, totalling 50+ miles for the day; it was a beautiful spot, but with lots of bugs (brought in especially for Lorenzo). Had yet another birthday dinner, and pineapple upside down cake that Maggie made underway using Joanna's special recipe.
Early Friday morning, after the alarm going off again at 6:30, we left at 7:00, eating oatmeal along the way. We left the ICW to go 4 miles to the Two Way Fish Camp, where fuel was described as being the lowest along these parts. After getting there found out that the price was the highest yet ($3.33). With wind and current against us, we attempted to depart the fuel dock, only to be pinned against it and raked along the portside, with Lorenzo and Maggie fending off all the way. Thank God their was no damage. After that, Richoche Roberto needed a beer. We went on to Jekyll Island, where we anchored just north of the marina, where we saw First Light (once again) docked. Wind was 15-20 all day and it was cloudy and cool. Larry made a perfect roast pork dinner, and homemade applesauce. The adventure goes on.
Getting an early start on a beautiful and warm Saturday morning, we crossed St Simon's Sounds with a rough passage, and Rosie got a bit seasick, finding comfort between the Skipper Lorenzo's feet.
Back to the boat for an early steak dinner, and a wonderful warm evening spent in the cockpit. Lorenzo slept under the stars until the mosquitos started to devour him about 2:00 in the morning.
Sunday morning, we left Cumberland to make our way to Jacksonville, where we'll leave Larry for his return flight.