We left early this morning (6:30) in order to be ahead of the rising tide. Had to use spotlights to see the first few markers. We were in the Beaufort River which is broad and deep with a well-marked channel. This took us past Parris Island but we didn't see any Marines. Guess it was to early for them. Just past Parris Island Spit we took a starboard turn to cross Port Royal Sound. This is supposedly the deepest natural harbor south of the Chesapeake Bay. It's only about 5 miles across the sound but it was a bumpy ride with lots of white caps.
From the sound we turned left into Skull Creek which goes past Hilton Head Island. There were several folks on the radio telling us to slow down...leave no wake. One southern sounding lady came on and said "Remember, you're responsible for any damage you cause". We could hardly stop laughing about any wake we could possibly leave. I told Phil I should have told her not to get her panties in a was because she couldn't go south for the winter.
There has been little funding in the past few years for maintenance dredging of the ICW south of Port Royal Sound, SC and Cumberland Sound, GA. So some areas in lower South Carolina and most of Georgia have become shallower with each passing year. That means it's important to stay in the channel. follow the magenta line (the ICW route) and give markers a wide berth which we do.
We crossed the Savannah River, going through a couple of cuts, and took the Wilmington River. As a side note for those of you who read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" the Bonadventure Cemetery made famous in that book is visible from the ICW.
We arrived at Sail Harbor Marina, east of Savannah, about 2:30... a little early to stop for the day but we had to get a pump-out and had laundry to do.
Below are the pictures that I couldn't upload last night and a few from today. Enjoy!
Our Swiss friends, Patricia and Thierry, that we met at Green Pond, SC.
For our Cypress Cove Crusiing Club, we're with you in spirit for the fotilla this week-end. Seahawk is all dressed up.
Phil all bundled up and ready for Christmas.
Sunrise over Port Royal Sound. The Albemarle Sound doesn't have anything on this one when it comes to choppy water...especially when the tide and winds are opposing which they were later this morning
Think these guys were waiting for lunch? There were dozens of them in the wake of this boat taking up crab pots or something.
We passed this cruise ship north of Savannah; we couldn't decided where it was coming from or going to. For the inquiring minds. it was the Independence.
CCCCers, remember what it's like to pass a barge in the ICW. Thank goodness this big boy doesn't come up our way...it was at least 150' long.
Phil spotted this pair of eagles in one of the marshes we were passing. This is as close as I could zoom in.
Seahwak and Kermit at rest after a hard day's work. Thankfully we haven't had any trouble with the boat. Hoping that will continue.
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