Jekyll

Short day today. Decided to spend it at Jekyll Island, which is yet another beautiful sea isle. It was an opportunity to do some laundry, which was waaaaay overdue, and grab a shower as well. I also had the use of a bicycle which was included in the landing fee. This is about as nice an area I have ever seen for riding, with excellent paths going everywhere. Live oaks and Spanish moss dominate. Lovely beaches, laid back residents, what's not to like? I would stay longer but I am not crazy about the anchorage, so will leave in the morning for Cumberland Island. Hoping to meet up again with Doug from VT on Breakaway.

Best, Charlie

It's not perfect

This morning I encountered a certain little insect that resides in these parts and is known as a no see um. I had spent the night aboard with nary a problem and so I nonchalantly made my way up on deck to get underway. They materialized instantly, from nowhere, going immediately into my hair, mouth, ears, and nose, biting relentlessly as they went. I retreated quickly to the cabin and procured a can of Off, which I figured would poison the little cretins. Alas, the spray nozzle didn't work. I fiddled around with the orifice, contemplated cutting the can open, but decided that the potential for injury and toxic shock was too high. After a heartfelt curse delivered at the Off corporation, the designer of the spray can, and his forebears for 10 generations, I hustled back on deck and retrieved the anchor at warp speed. The bugs bit incessantly and since both of my hands were occupied I shook my head wildly to keep the bugs away. It didn't work. Finally, I secured the anchor, left the muddy mess where it lay, ran aft, shoved the engine into gear and gave it full throttle. The breeze created by the movement blew them away.

It turned out to be another lovely day, but I couldn't stop thinking about all of the spray can nozzle failures I have had in my lifetime....

Cattle pen creek

That is the colorful name of my latest anchorage, next to St. Catherine's Island. This is a rather remote area that has seen only a light touch of the human hand, mainly in the form of navigational aids. One thing that really impressed me was St. Catherine's Sound. This is a good sized inlet that remains untouched. Ossabaw Island on the north side, St. Catherine's on the south, both uninhabited as near as I can tell, and they form a place of great beauty. It was pretty special to traverse that body of water.

I only did 40 miles and decided to take advantage of another fine anchorage, rather than push on at dead low tide. I still managed to run aground at the creek entrance. No big deal . Got in the dinghy and took soundings to ascertain the deeper water. A 5 minute delay. Tides rule around here.

All the best, Charlie

Day tripper

That's what I was as I boarded a city bus and headed into Savannah this morning. It was raining, and rather bleak out if I may say. A long ride, close to an hour, through some rather gritty parts of town. As we passed over the ICW bridge I thought about the amazing infrastructure we have in this country. A couple of days ago that bridge had opened for me, shutting down 4 very busy lanes of traffic, so the lowly White Seal could pass, with no delay at all. Quite remarkable and no charge is levied.

When I arrived in the city I went through a small museum at the visitors center and then went walking for miles until my feet and legs begged me for relief . It is a lovely town, particularly with the regularly spaced small parks in the old section. A docent insisted that the historic district was bigger than the one in Charleston. Well, I hate to rain on her parade, but I am going to stick my neck out here and submit that there is no comparison with Charleston.

I was also hoping to find some information on Edward Langworthy, who had been a delegate to the Continental Congress from Georgia, but did not find anything new. We do not appear to be related , especially as most of the Langworthys started out in New England. But fun to look.

Probably head out in the morning. Next cold front will be here before I know it.

Best, Charlie

Gentle rain

Hunkered down, here on White Seal, in a very secure anchorage near Savannah. Did a bit of maintenance this morning before the rain. Went ashore and picked up a copy of the NYT. That has kept me occupied for hours, but has also been quite depressing. Sometimes it may be better to be out of the loop, anchored in a swamp, and nothing to read but fiction.

But all in all, it is rather satisfying to be on your own small boat, many miles from home, casting an eye on a part of the world that is different and exciting and new. I guess that is why I find myself engaged in this sort of exercise from time to time.

I do hope to get in to Savannah tomorrow. It is a lovely town and I look forward to describing it to you tomorrow evening.

Best, Charlie

Savannah

Left Beaufort under sail, which was nice for a change. Favorable tide helped. But the bulk of the day was under power. Nice sunny day, and on the cool side. Slept poorly last nite due to a cold front that blew thru. Did not drag at all, but the sound of the gusts all night kept me unsettled. Anchored this evening in Turner Creek, just past town of Thunderbolt. Pretty beat, and ready to turn in. May try day trip to Savannah tomorrow.

Charlie

Factory Creek anchorage

Pulled in to Beaufort yesterday around noon and decided to spend today staying put. Been a bit rainy on and off, but not too bad overall. I made 2 trips to the supermarket, 1 mile each way, lugging back sustenance for a few more days. My fellow singlehander Doug showed up and we had a nice gam ,discovering just how many other Vermonters we both knew, always an amazing exercise.  And, drumroll please, I signed up for Medicare. One of those things you are always dimly aware of in the back of your mind, but never believe you will actually get there.

Forecast looks pretty good for tomorrow so I guess I will head out for Georgia.

Best to all, Charlie