A is for Atlantic and Alligator

We departed Hilton Head with the first opening of the lock, just before 8am, under clear skies and light winds.  As the day progressed the wind built out of the west so that the travel was becoming less pleasant, particularly with the larger river crossings.  This had been forecast so I had watched for places to put up for the night along our route. 

Unfortunately, the coast of Georgia, which is crossed into just south of Hilton Head is not very populated south of Savannah, so the choices are not numerous.  We by-passed Savannah early and put in at a place called Kilkenny Creek, about half way between Savannah and Brunswick, about 2pm. for a 35 mile run. Rustic and quaint would be a generous way to describe it, but it was tucked close into the trees sheltering from the strong west wind and we had a quiet night.



We had trouble understanding the dockmaster's southern drawl but he sure was a good fishing guide!  He had just come in with a couple of guests and 30 speckled trout, and a few sea bass, which Judy was excited to see.












We departed Kilkenny with the sunrise with plans to get to St Simon's Island, where we had stopped on the way north and really liked.  Turned out they are doing a big renovation so had no room for transients.  We went a bit further south and stopped at Jekyll Island, which is famous as a winter harbour for NY ultra-rich from the late 1800"s.  It has since been transformed into a hotel, but the marina wasn't very close to the resort so we didn't get a chance to visit.  Maybe next trip north.



Just prior to getting to Jekyll Island, we crossed St Simon's Sound and encountered a very notable sight.  You may recall the story of a car carrier ship, the MV Golden Ray, rolling over in this location.  We went by about 1.5 miles off.  Quite a sight.  The ship is being cut up in place rather than trying to right it.

The next day, we wanted to get to St Augustine, which would be more than a 70 mile run, as Tristan could visit for the weekend.  Fortunately the weather forecast was excellent with light winds and clear skies.  Unfortunately, the route in the ICW would have us pushing against a current for the first 5 hours and make for a slow trip.  Solution?  Run in the open Atlantic for 40 miles!  Couldn't pick a better day for our first trip in the open.  We departed about 1/2 hour before sunrise, and watched the sun rise leaving St Andrew Sound for the open sea.  Once we cleared the shoal area and got about 3 miles out, we turned south with a light NE swell on otherwise pretty calm water.  The auto-pilot was set for the St Johns River and didn't alter course for the next 4 hours.  The run was great.  At the St Johns River, we met a large car carrier ship also in-bound, so yielded to him and followed into the river.  After a couple of miles in the St Johns River, we turned south into the ICW and continued to St. Augustine, and with a tide change, the current was now in our favour.  We arrived St Augustine about 4pm, for a 9 hour, 72 mile run.


Tristan arrived early Friday evening, and we had a great weekend in St Auggie again.  It really is a
great city to visit.  The city was beautifully lit for Xmas, and we walked the old city area both evenings, and found a great outdoor bar, under a massive oak tree, with good live music.

 Also visited the lighthouse and museum.  Tristan and I also launched the dinghy to test the motor after the recent carburetor install.

Tristan departed Sunday afternoon to get back to Augusta, via a Jacksonville stop to see a Jaguars NFL game.  We departed Monday  for a short run to Hammock Beach resort, where we had stopped ont he way north.  The weather had briefly turned very warm, with the day high of 27C, and this resort has a variety of pools to enjoy.  We arrived just after lunch and spent the afternoon at the VERY quiet resort.

We enjoyed a leisurely morning at Hammock Beach, with more pool time, and got underway at about 1030 for a 40 mile run down to New Smyrna Beach, arriving at about 4 after being delayed a bit by a bridge opening.  That was the end of the good weather though.

Next day we departed NSB about 8 with wet decks after a night of rain, but calm winds and smooth waters, for a six hour run down to Cocoa village. 




Along the way we had our first alligator sighting.  The picture is not very good as I think Judy's hands were shaking with excitement.  (Or fear!)  About a 10' long creature, and we advised the two paddleboarders just 100' away about its presence.

A storm advisory had been posted for 4pm, and we were in by 2, but with the winds already picking up. 

So we sit here being rocked by 30 knot winds, but secure at the dock.  Likely will be here tomorrow as the storm will take about 36 hours to pass, but Cocoa has a very nice historical section only a few minutes walk away to idle away some time.

The weather certainly continues to be volatile.  Although I am now spending most days in shorts and golf shirt, we are subject to brief storm systems blowing through.  We look forward to getting even further south to more consistent warm temperatures.