Proceeding into Florida

March 31, 2009

We sailed/motored from Beaufort, SC on Sunday March 29th passing through Skull Creek which borders on Hilton Head Island.  We proceeded through Calibogue Sound which was choppy.  The winds were again 25-38 knots.  Only a few sailboats were out on the water. Continuing up the ICW to the Savannah River where we made an incorrect turn towards Savannah instead continuing across the Savannah River through one bridge, Causton Bluff, up to Thunderbolt, GA .  Once we recognized our error, we quickly turned around. We docked overnight at Morning Star Bhaia Blue Marina. 

      Monday we waited until after 2p.m. to start out so we would arrive in daylight hours at Fernandina Beach, FL.  Instead of returning to the Savannah River, we went out the Wilmington River which ended up being quite shallow and shoaling at the entrance to the sea, requiring us to go very slowly as we proceeded out into the Atlantic in 6ft or less to 10 ft depths .  We sailed all night doing three hour watches.  Although the winds were only about 15-18 knots with 2 ft. waves, they were short and choppy.  We also had the problem of the wind becoming on our nose so we had to motor much of the way or tack the whole way every 30-60 minutes.  

      We arrived tired but safe in Fernandina Beach and got a space at the Fernandina Harbor Marina which is right at the historic downtown. We walked into town for a leisurely breakfast before showering, taking a nap and doing laundry.  We saw an internet cafe to which we returned later in the afternoon to check on e-mail and make this post.  

      I have taken pictures along the way but discovered that I forgot my cable for the camera. We bought a multi cable at Best Buy in Beaufort, but when I connected it to the computer to download my pictures, the computer did not recognize the connection.  We may look for a card reader for my camera's chip or may have to wait until I return home for Drs. appointments in late April to pick up the correct cable.  One of the realities of traveling on a boat is that you don't have a car to go on errands to get things you need or forgot.   

     May 2:   I have added more pictures.  the fort is Fort Clinch at the entrance to Fernandina Beach.  The pictures of the town are of Old Fernandina Beach which we found very pleasant.