Carry On

"Low Country"

A week has passed since we left Charleston and we have slowly made our way down the ICW to our anchorage for last night in Jove Creek, near Brunswick, GA. We’ve passed through varied terrain since leaving our spot on the City Marina Megadock, but we are constantly reminded why this area is called low country. The banks are marshy or muddy depending on the tide state and the horizon extends out as far as the eye can see. Finding a protected anchorage on a day like yesterday when the wind is howling can be difficult as there are few high places to tuck behind and few areas with the necessities of swinging room, suitable depth and bottom, plus a stand of trees that might serve as a wind break.

Once again our plans to go outside and enjoy less intense piloting were preempted by high seas. Instead we have twisted and turned through the Stono, Wadmalaw, Dawho, Ashepoo and Coosaw Rivers among others, sometimes feeling we are going more east and west than south. The winding rivers are connected by land cuts which at least straighten out the course for some distance. No-wake zones abound in populated areas and shifting shoals await the unwatchful.

Bald Eagle

We spent Thanksgiving in Hilton Head--a balmy, sunny 75 degree day perfect for a long walk on the pleasant trails near our marina. We were joined by local friends on Saturday, who made the short run down to Savannah with us. They know their way around Savannah well and had positioned a car at our marina, so we had a great time exploring and enjoyed some wonderful meals. What a lovely city with its’ canopy of ancient live oaks and palm trees! 

One note on our marina there and its famous tradition-- every morning a box of still warm Krispy Kreme donuts is delivered to each boat. Not exactly what one needs after Charleston, Savannah, both of our birthdays, our anniversary and Thanksgiving all in the same month, but still pretty much delicious. And when will we have such an offering again? 

One of the things that always surprises and delights us is discovering that friends are near our path on the waterway and with a phone call or a VHF hail we can arrange a rendezvous for that evening. So it happened a couple of days ago and we had friends from Ft Lauderdale join us for dinner that night. We said goodbye yesterday morning at first light, hoping for another such encounter in Florida waters. 

Next port --Fernandina Beach, a favorite spot where we’ll spend a week-- more later from there.

Impromptu Raftup at Walburg Creek