Heading South: Charleston SC to Fernadina FL 11/25 - 11/28, 2013

Charleston SC to Fernandina FL

11/25:  7:45 am departure From Charleston City Marins. The wind pinned us to dock, but we got off fine with a few extra hands pushing us along.  We forgot to check the bridge schedule, the bascule bridge was not opening till 9am, so we anchored off to the side and had breakfast.  The wind picked up to 25kts, but it was clear and sunny with a temp of 36 degrees.  We anchored at 5pm just outside of Beaufort SC at Ladies island in factory creek since the bridge to town would not open till 6pm.  The forward head faucet had been left on and now there was now no water in the tanks.  I think I had bumped it when putting things away.  Bummer, we had just filled it.  Fortunately I had  filled up the gallon jugs as back up, even though Bob had scoffed at me.  Who appreciates it now???

11/26:  We departed from Ladies Island, factory creek at 6:30 am to make the bridge opening. 

It started out nice but quickly became overcast with some sprinkles about 52 degrees.  What do they say about red sky in the morning????

We fueled up at Thunderbolt Marine, Savanah Ga, and filled the water tanks again, in the now pouring rain.  The dock master was not very enthusiastic but did take one line for us, gave us the hose and went back to his office.  

The wind picked up but it was warm, this was also about to change. 

Bob checked the weather and found that gale force winds and possibe water spouts were predicted.  Oh joy!  So we found a spot off the ICW to sit it out for the rest of the day.  Breakfast Creek was fairly protected, but still lively with 43kts winds throughout the night.  

11/27:  Departed Breakfast creek at 7:25am in 29kt winds, dark clouds, and rain.  Looks like the storm covers the entire east coast, but we are close to the bottom end of it.  Our first little bit of excitement was a VERY shallow crossing that we dredged slowly through.  There are too many spots with shoaling made worse with the high winds.  As we crossed two sounds close to the ocean the winds picked up to 42kts, the waves 3 to 4’ and we were continually sprayed with salt water as we headed just off the waves.  The winds were incredible, healing us over as though we had sail up.  And yes all the hatches leaked, but this time I had everything covered. 

  It was a long slog to get to our closest doable anchorage, Buttermilk sound at 4pm.  Nothing buttermilk about todays will ride.  Tomorrow is supposed to be better, cold but less wind and some sun. 

There actually was a sunset, nice that the sun came out at the end of the day, gotta love those black menacing clouds.  Salad for dinner and bed. Tired. 

11/28 Happy Thanksgiving!  At a very cold 6:30am we leave the anchorage with steam rising from the water, sun coming up, 9kts wind, light chop, and back into winter clothes and ski gloves.  

Crossing the St Simon sound was much better than last two days.  Going into Jekyll creek was again shallow, -.7 and we dredged our way up to the Jekyll creek bridge.  OMG!  This it nuts!

Crossing the St Andrew sound was good also, and we put out the jib, and enjoyed the slack tide.  

A call to Fernadina Marina, on Amelia Island was made for reservations and we pulled up on the inside facing dock in a long line of boats, two  friendly deck hands help tie us up. 








 There were lots of boats pulling up all day that was fun to watch, but the showers were calling.  When the train goes by it sounds like it is going right through the showers, just a little unsettling.  

A few recommendations were made for places having Thanksgiving dinner (2). We selected Jack and Diane's, a funky place, with funky clientele, and had a nice time.  

 On way to and from the boat we walked through the village checking out all the closed shops, and local color, its a very cute place. 

Back at the boat, amaretto was being served over ice, in the solarium.  It turned out to be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving.  Welcome to Florida