Chapter 46: St. Simons Island to Hilton Head

Log 46
ST. Simons Island, GA to Hilton Head, SC.

5:30 AM
Friday, May 19, 2000
Harbortown Marina
Hilton Head, SC.

Day 47


With all of the terrible weather, I feel bad telling everyone how great our weather is. But it is!
We had a great day yesterday. We untied our lines at 6:45, and rejoined the Intracoastal at MM 667. The sun was just coming up, and it was about 75 degrees. (Which is almost 20 degrees warmer than it will be at home today) The waterway through Georgia continued to look the same. Fairly wide, and easy to navigate. There were only two problems. First of all, it was pretty boring. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have traded places with anyone, but each mile looked almost like the last. The other problem that we had to deal with was the flies. Big flies, and lots of them. In fact we had to go fast so they didn’t bother us as bad. (Keep in mind we were traveling through miles, and miles of marshes) I also came up with another reason not to own a sailboat, because they wouldn’t be able to “outrun” the flies. (I hope I never end up owning a sailboat, and having to eat all of these words)
There were two bright spots to the trip yesterday. The first one was going through a small town called Thunderbolt. This is where they make Palmer Johnson boats, and they had a bunch of them (average size over 100 feet) sitting out so we could admire them as we passed. In fact one pulled out right in front of us, and then followed us up the waterway. The other bright spot was our destination. This marina we are staying is very nice. (And pricey too. They charge you 1.75 per foot, per night) Actually this is a small complex of stores, and restaurants, and it is all built around the marina. It’s not very large, but neat. Last night there was two different areas of live music, both within ear shot of our boat. This morning as I write this it is still dark out, and the harbor is very pretty. (I’m not sure if I didn’t see it in the dark last night, or my appreciation of beauty it keener in the morning)
Anyway….we got to Harbortown at about 3:30 yesterday, after traveling over 100 miles. We took on some fuel ($1.33), pumped out the holding tank, and we were at the slip by 4:30.
Side note: The four of us have really got a routine down for docking, and cleaning the boat. Everyone has a job, and they do it without much discussion. I’m not sure how this even came about, but the last three days this has happened, and it’s worked great. When we get done, the boat is all tied down properly, very clean, and all organized for the next event. Cocktail Hour!!
After getting all of this done yesterday we all took a walk around the shops a little (no marine store..what’s up with that?) They also have a big lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor, which you can climb to the top of. And we did. (We took a couple of pictures, from up there, so if they turn out, I’ll put them on the web page.) When we came back to the boat Deb had dinner ready. She made chicken enchiladas, and they were great. After dinner Darrell and I went to get an ice cream cone, and everyone was glued to TV set to watch the final episodes of Friends, and Frasier. (Hey…. we have to stay touch!)

Today…
Heading for Charleston. It’s supposed to be another very nice day. Sunny, and almost 90 degrees. This is our last full day with Darrell and Donna, so we need to make the most of it. (Like we haven’t done every day since they got here)
Right now I’ve got to go to work. I must fire up these engines. Organize the charts, and get the captains area set to go. Darrell will unhook the power cord, and water hose from the dock. Right before we untie the lines, I’ll pour a fresh cup of coffee, and climb to the bridge to survey the situation, and then give the command “lets go”. Then we will have to grab the sunglasses because the sun will just be coming up, and get prepared for another 6 to 8 hours of cruising. Am I lucky, or what????

See ya……

BK