Eleven days at Sadler Point Marina, in a slip 6" wider than the beam of SONATA . . . but under a cover, i.e., in a shed dock, was great. Charlie had time to complete brightwork, and do other needed jobs. Great to be back on the water and on our way North as we pass the AMERICAN EXPLORER. We turn North up the ICW and the freighter continues out to sea.
After Jacksonville the first stop was at Amelia Island, Fernandino Beach, Florida. The last place in Florida before we enter Georgia. A very nice and quaint town with many places to eat and shops to visit. We found that lunch was best at the marina restaurant.
Walking up the street past the shops we found this guy standing in a doorway. He was wired so that as you approached his detector noted your presence and he began to shake. He acted, looks . . . like all of us will is a few (hopefully, many) more years. He was so cute.
Departing Florida we crossed St. Mary's River and passed the King's Bay Submarine Base were some six trident-class submarines are based. There were two patrol boats present to make sure we did not attack or get too close. We turned out of the Cumberland Sound and continued north on the ICW.
In preparation for the run up the ICW the latest copy of Dozier's (he lives and has a marina in Deltaville, Virginia) Waterway Guide was obtained and it accurately describes the shallow waters we will encounter along the ICW. This picture is just one of the many places where the sand/mud bank of the ICW is displayed in passing.
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel, formerly the clubhouse where Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Pulitzer enjoyed croquet on the front lawn and an escape from their world. The State of Georgia acquired the entire island in 1947 and it is now open to all of us. We enjoyed a very nice brunch on our way to Savannah.
North of Jekyll Island we entered the Brunswick River on our way to an anchorage. We were greeted by the United States Coast Guard, Unit 057A, with Petty Officers Waldorff, Jones, and Spence. They boarded to conduct a safety inspection. Bonnie kept SONATA on a steady course and slow speed, they boarded, were very courteous and considerate, found everything in order and thanked us for being Coast Guard Certified Captains, thanked Charlie for his 22 years in the Navy, and they were on their way in about 15-20 minutes. Very nice young people. We anchored just south of St. Catherine's Sound in Walberg Creek after a 96 mile day. A beautiful sunrise over the entrance to the sound.
In Savannah we docked at the Hyatt Regency Hotel dock which is right in the historic district. We then took a trolly car ride through the city to hear about all the historic sites. There have been many movies made here such as "Forrest Gump", "The Legend of Bagger Vance", and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". All of the movie spots were pointed out as we toured. The waterfront was full of boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and galleries.
The Downtown Marina was a great place to stay, no wakes. There are bridges bordering Beaufort to the North and South and on each is a sign warning that violation of the no wake zone may result in a $1,025 fine and 30 days in one of South Carolina's historic jails.
There were many beautiful old homes in Beaufort and we enjoyed riding around on a self-created tour.
The Spanish Moss covered live oak trees covered most of the streets in the historic district. We enjoyed our bikes again as we have so many times before. They are great, except when Charlie has a flat. Today he had two....
At the other end of our dock a Grand Banks 42 Europa came in showing the looper flag. We went down to greet them after returning from one of our bike outings and met Neil, Alan, Dennis (the boat captain) Pixie, and Margo. They are starting the loop and just commenced their adventure in Vero Beach, Florida. Neil and Pixie are from England, Alan and Margo from Canada, and Dennis is USA. They wanted to hear all about our adventures.
Departing Beaufort at 0630 we passed one more historic home, the home used in the Gleen Close, Kevin Kline . . . The Big Chill. Beaufort, such a great place to visit!
Approaching Ocean Marine the cheering section lined the seawall to greet SONATA; what a beautiful sight!
SONATA passes Ocean Marine and turns to "pass-in-review" in front of the crowd on the seawall; the pendant (made by SONATA's daughter-in-law, Pat) is flying from the mast whisker pole as are the signal flags arranged as prescribed.
The SONATA fans, Pat in the forefront, salute SONATA as she passes the seawall on the way to Ocean Marine's entrance.
Bonnie maneuvers SONATA down the fairway, on its final approach, to dock in front of the "Welcome Committee".
SONATA alongside at Ocean Marine in Portsmouth, Virginia, the loop completed, SONATA's wake has been crossed, and Bonnie and Charlie are greeted by so many friends, relatives, and fellow boaters. A wonderful and joyous day!
Food, drinks, and greetings exchanged on the dock; a great reception.
Friends on the dock.
The torn and tattered white looper burgee has been taken off the bow, the loop completed. The GOLD American Great Loop Cruisers Association burgee which signifies completion of the loop is now flying from the mast spreader. This location means we have completed the loop but are no longer "on-the-loop." This summer SONATA will be exploring the Chesapeake Bay; 2009 the Down East Loop is planned. This entry marks the end of Book 1, a book of many chapters. Book 2 will continue on this blog.
