APPROACHING SAVANNAH

Trip Day:         19        Latitude:            32°00.91' N                        Locks Today:    0

Miles Today:     40        Longitude:     081°01.90' W                      Locks Total:     6

Total Miles:    628        Location:          Thunderbolt, GA   

 Last night after my blog post "Blues Breaker", a sailboat from Elgin, Canada pulled in and dropped anchor—this is our view this morning.   The sunrise over Cattle Pen Creek was a nice touch!





The dolphins welcomed us as we stepped out on deck to have our first cup of coffee - seriously, does it get better than this?

As we wind in all directions on the rivers we slowly continue north.  The rivers are wider in this section and nothing but water, small islands and low lands of marsh grass can be seen. 

Crossing St. Catherine’s Sound we again glimpse the Atlantic.  We considered a run in the ocean today, but the marine forecast is for increasing winds and 5-7 ft seas as a cold front approaches, so we continue up the ICW.  This morning the US Coast Guard has issued warnings regarding procedures if you come in contact with Right Whales. How amazing would it be to see whales?!

This beautiful trawler from Wisconsin passed us at noon and Ron had a short conversation with him on the VHF. This couple started out to do the Great Loop in 2005 and are still traveling! He indicated that they loved the keys, the islands and the South in general and simply have not been able to force themselves to leave favorite places to continue.  I told Ron to not even think about a multi-year voyage!

We slipped into what is called Hell Gate which is a passage in the convergence of Vernon River and Ogeechee River (Georgia coast’s second largest river).  The currents of the rivers meet the current and waves of the Atlantic and make for a fiercely strong ebb current.  It was nice to have the trawler in front of us to show the way through Hell Gate!

Skidaway Bascule Bridge gives way to progress.

Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

We have rejoined civilization!  We are only 8 miles from Savannah and homes now populate both sides of the river.  Tonight we are anchored in Herb River away from the homes and docks.  We have our flag flying to indicate the bar is open in case any of the locals want to stop by. 












Tomorrow we will go into the Thurderbolt Marina to reprovision, clean the boat, and do laundry. 

 Saturday we will be tourists in Savannah!

GO GATORS! ELITE EIGHT