Brunswick to Savannah

We spent 5 days at Palm Cove Marina in Jacksonville Beach visiting Debby’s family, provisioning, and finalizing a few minor boat projects.  We got to spend some quality time with Debby’s mom, sister and nephew, but unfortunately her brother-in-law was out of town.

On Wednesday, May 21 we traveled offshore to Brunswick, GA.   Traveling the Georgia Intracoastal is a real pain with many switch backs and several shallow areas that can only be traversed at mid tide or above.  We wanted to avoid the entire length of the state, but windy weather only permitted this section to be done off shore.  It was a perfect day on the ocean.

St Simon Light from the Sea

On our last visit to Brunswick in 2008 we were underwhelmed .  This time things were different.  Brunswick Landing Marina was a treat: Free WiFi, Free Laundry and can you believe it Free Wine!  The marina has built a very nice club house, with library, lounge and excellent laundry facilities.  On Mon. Wed. and Fri.  they host free wine from 5-7 for slip holders.  Like Titusville and Daytona, Brunswick has spruced up the Old town historic district and revitalized the shops, clubs and restaurants keeping the old architecture, but adding trees and landscaping.  They have interesting things for sale at the local market!

Quite a Menu

Hernando de Soto first planted the Spanish flag here in 1540, the French established a colony after that until 1565 when the Spanish reclaimed it.  The British flag flew in 1735 until after the Revolutionary War when the American flag was raised.  The Confederate flag flew during the Civil War.

You can picture Matlock at this Court House

Impressive Live Oaks

We had a great lunch at Indigo Coastal Shanty recommended by a woman we met at the bar at Tipsy McSway’s.

Live Oak in the patio at Indigo

It is about 100 miles on the Intracoastal to Savannah from Brunswick with two areas, Little Mud River and Hell Gate, that require mid-tide or better to traverse.  For us this is a two day trip.  Day 1 May 23 was very windy (15-20MPH) making for uncomfortable crossings of the several sounds that are exposed to the ocean.  We anchored that night on the Wahoo River.  The tides at this location are 10 ft which provides a strong current, but the holding ground is good.  Day 2, May 24, we pressed on to Thunderbolt, a small town just south of Savannah. The local watering hole and restaurant is a short walk away.  Interestingly, the live oak trees grow in the middle of the street here.

 

Live Oaks in middle of road at Tubby's Tank House

Enroute to Thunderbolt our engine synchronizer failed.  Decided to get it fixed here.  Parts had to be ordered and made, so our planned one day stay in Savannah turned into four days.  The saying that “boat” stands for “break out another thousand” is proven once again. Nice thing about this marina they provide free Krispy Kremes delivered to your boat every morning.  

We have been to Savannah several times over the years both by car and boat.  Decided to take a tour this time which proved to be interesting.  Had cocktails at Debby’s favorite place, the 17 Hundred 90.  Great old building with lots of atmosphere and always interesting people.   Also had dinner one night at The Old Pink House.  Ate at the bar in the basement and listened to a good “open mike” session with piano accompaniment done by an older lady with large straw hat, evening gown and long black gloves.

On Tuesday Malcolm Farrel on First Light from LYC hailed us as he went by.  He too had equipment problems that he was going to get fixed at the next marina down from us.  He invited us for wine and cheese Wednesday night.  All-in-all we made the best of our extended stay.

Malcolm and Jim at Thunderbolt

Eau Gallie to Jacksonville Beach

Arrived at Palm Cove Marina in Jacksonville Beach on May 16 after a week of perfect boating weather.  We will stay here for 5-7 days visiting Debby’s Mom and sister.

Navigating the intracoastal in Florida is like driving on I-95, boring.  The stops along the way however are interesting.   We overnighted at Titusville Municipal Marina and at Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona.  We haven’t been to either place in 5 years and the transformation in the historic downtown areas in both is impressive.  The streets and sidewalks have been “greenscaped” the buildings  painted, and new shops, bars, and restaurants opened.  The dockmaster at Halifax is worth the trip giving us a good history of the club that started in 1896.

St. Augustine also proved to be a treat.  We have been there several  times before, but never enjoyed it as much as this visit.  Temperatures in the low 80s and fewer tourists have allowed us to enjoy our walks around this very historic city first settled in 1565.  We docked at the Municipal Marina at the base of the Bridge of Lions directly in front of the city square.  For added measure we were docked near the 17^th century Spanish reproduction “El Galeon” pictured below.  We can highly recommend Harry’s restaurant on St. George street as a place for lunch or dinner.  Great  New Orleans style food.

We walked all over town both days.  Many interesting historical sites and great art galleries.  Of course there are good bars as well.  On Thursday night we had cocktails at the “Tini Maritni” bar in the Casablanca Inn where we met several local people.  They enticed us to move on to the Hilton several doors down where one of them knew of a “secret” room.  Ordered drinks at the bar then walked across their plaza, up an elevator and out onto a terrace overlooking the harbor.  We suspect this area is normally reserved for private functions.  But it was unlocked and we enjoyed the view and company.

New found friends

On Friday we explored more of the city.  Debby, being a huge fan of Gone With The Wind, was happy that we were able to find “Scarlett O’Hara’s” tavern, a place we have visited in the past.  (I think we will have to invest in a “selfie stick”).

At Scarlett O'Hara's

Week 1 May 2-10

We got off to an inauspicious start.  As we were approaching the marina in Stuart May 3 just north of the Palm City Bridge in the middle of the channel we ran aground and damaged the props.  Jim had to drive to Ft. Lauderdale to pick up the spares on Tuesday then have the props replaced by a diver on Wednesday.  Not a good start for the trip!

At least Debby, who has been sick for the past month, was able to get to the doctor and is now well on the way to recovery.

Got underway for good on Friday May 8 and as if in celebration we were treated to a dolphin show.  As we traveled up the Indian River four dolphin cavorted in our wake for 15 minutes, leaping out of the water and landing right at the swim platform all the while making eye contact with Debby.  We stayed at Vero Beach Yacht Club Friday and Saturday nights.  We always enjoy this place and meet nice people.  This time was no exception.  Sunday we pressed on to Eau Gallie Yacht Club near Melbourne.  At their dock was a magnificently restored Chris Craft from the 50’s.

AT LAST WE ARE UNDERWAY

We have talked of doing an extended trip such as the Great Loop for nearly 10 years.  Life kept interfering.  Finally on May 2, 2015 we untied the lines at Lauderdale Yacht Club (our home for 6 years) and departed.  We have modified our travel plans and may not do the Great Loop, but instead will explore the Eastern Seaboard for the next 2 years.  This year our loose plan is to be in the Chesapeake during June, Long Island Sound in July, and Maine in August.  We will likely winter in Charleston then in 2016 go up the Hudson River cross the Erie Canal into Canada and Georgian Bay.

We will document our travels with periodic updates in this blog.