Isle of Hope (Savannah)

Note: Please click to enlarge some images, and look at some of the detailed in some images by zooming in and out.

Entrance to "Wormsloe"
This is 1.5 miles, there is another .75 miles beyond the fence.

The trip up the AICW on the Georgia border was very marsh laden low lands, and not much change in scenery.  We anchored out on Walberg Creek.  The site was selected due to a 'beach' for Daisy.  The creek was wide and the tidal swing was around 7 ft.  We needed a depth around 10-15 ft, and we found it easily on the north end, and that is where the beach was supposed to be located.  As we dropped anchor it set quickly, and we had 14 ft. Nice. It was raining.   I dropped the dinghy and mounted the engine, put Daisy on and we went to the 'beach'.  What the beach was, was actually shells, large and sharp.  Daisy did not like them at all.  She found a muddy area to do her business, while I was eaten alive by the damn noseeums.  We quickly made the trip back to the boat.  An electrical storm was approaching, it was very humid, and it was about 82 degrees.  As the storm approached the accompanying wind began to blow us around, but the anchor held with no problems, and we did our normal card playing and went to bed.  The next morning we passed the real beach. wow, that looks awesome.  Wish we knew the information was not written clearly, as we eventually learned it is actually a party area for local boaters.

Homes along the Isle of Hope Bluff

Personal Favorite

We made our way to Isle Of Hope Marina for our stop in Savannah.  Isle of Hope is a very nice and cozy, small, but beautiful community along the AICW.  It has been fun to walk the streets, especially along the river (AICW). We ate at the Driftwood (Grouper Taco, Shrimp Quesidilla).

Built from the
Wattle and Daub Technique
Very Strong, very cool to see up close

I visited Wormsloe a Georgia Historical Site.  This is the area (500 acres) that Noble W. Jones acquired as part of the colonization efforts.  Dating back to 1737 when construction began on this site, Jones was critical to the process of Georgia becoming a colony.  Descendants of Mr. Jones still own a small portion of the 500 acres, intact the tree lined picture is also their driveway.

This was a great walk and the beauty was unsurpassed for a tree lined road (driveway).

This is a functioning
Gas Lantern

Here you see the Lanterns,
Six of them.
Very Cool

We took the bus into Savannah for a long day trip to see the city.  We elected to take a trolly tour so that we could jump on and off when necessary.  It is difficult to not have a good time in Savannah.  The history, architecture, landscape, land marks, churches, restaurants, and tourist shops, all made for good entertainment.  It is no wonder over 800 movies have been filmed in some part in Savannah.

I absolutely loved the architecture, I could walk the streets of the historical district with my head looking up all day long.

The town squares, and their associated 'Square ovens', monuments, trees, and seating was just fun.

Pictures not doing a great job

FYI:  St Mark on the right upper

Pipe Organ
Polished Pipes

We made a stop at St Johns Basilica the Baptist Cathedral.  Simply stated, it was great. Of note (to me) was the wall mounted 3D (material I did not know I guess is was wood carvings) depictions of the stages leading to the crucifixion of Christ, and of course the pipe organ.

We had a brunch at Pirates House.  This place was built in the 1700's.  With the building in a state of antiquity, and the southern cooking brunch, it made for a great experience.  I am not the biggest chicken fan, but I did have the best grilled chicken I have ever had.

We paid extra to tour the Thomas Owens Mansion ($14) had a terrible docent, thus the experience was not what is should have been.  Glad we made the effort, but could have been better.

The river walk was fun, but a bit touristy.  The Savannah river is very busy with container ships (second in volume on the east coast).

Daisy and Popz navigating the AICW

Did I mention the damn noseeums?  PIA.

Tides, Currents, Shoaling and Skinny Water

Tides - Currents - Shoals

The area  from St Augustine to northern Georgia has a history of tidal swings of up to 8.5 ft.  Tides produce associated currents, and shoaling.  To add further concern this area, also has skinny (shallow) waters.  Many vessels run aground  in this area.  There is a saying 'It is not a question of if you run aground, but, when'  HHmmmm.  There are many contributing factors to someone running aground.  Obviously, depth is the major factor.  But timing the tides, captain inattention and following the traditional magenta line instead of the markers (which themselves are repositioned as needed, and are not on the charts) are factors too.

While is St Augustine there was a full moon, and a 7.2 ft tidal swing.  Look at the images above, this is the SAME boat, on the same lift.
On the left the waters are touching the cross beam, on the right the low tide is very evident.  Impressive.

Here is another set of images taken at Hilton Head Island.  Compare the posts at the end of the dock with the height of the canvas.  The tidal swing here has been just under 12 ft recently (Apr 2015,  typical tide is  8-9 ft). The current has been just under 5 Knts.

While not as dramatic, the pictures above are pictures taken at Isle of Hope Marina (near Savannah) The pics demonstrate the tides (about 7.5 ft) in a different manner. Observe the pole, angle of the walkway, and the shore.

 Here is what grows on any sub water surface....  These molusks are very hard, and difficult to remove.  Evidence of their starting to attach (to anything , including a dingy) can occur in as little as 12-14 days.

Shoaling is a concern too, as the tides do their thing they also create currents and shoaling.  The image above is a pic from Hells Gate near Isle of Hope.  The orange colored squares are warnings that a shoal is present.  This is an image that represents about a mile maximum from top to bottom, and there are five shoaling hazards!

Tidal currents are a factor while cruising too.  If you have a current of say 2.5 knots it either pushes you that amount, of fights you that amount.   We typically cruise at 7.5 knts.  so a 2.5 knt current will put us at 5 or 10 knots per hr.

Here is a video of a three Knt tidal current:  Click
The video above was taken at the stern of Blue Willow, AND the current is flowing into the stern!
We worry about Daisy falling into the waters when these currents are present.

Another concern, is when two sounds are connected inland, and the tidal current 'meets' each other from opposing directions.  In these areas, the concern is shoaling with silt, as this is when the flow stops in each direction, and the silt drops.

If one runs aground, there are services to come pull you off.  We use BoatUS, another service is SeaTow.  Insurance is inexpensive, while the bill is very high.

During this trip I have been in total awe of this facet of nature.  The volume of water that moves in and out each day (sometimes twice a day) is totally beyond belief for a boy who has only known waters around Michigan.

FYI:
Here is what grows on any sub water surface....  These molusks are very hard, and difficult to remove.  Evidence of their starting to attach (to anything , including a dingy) can occur in as little as 12-14 days.

If you are still reading, Thanks for peeking in on our blog.

Cumberland Island and Jekyll Island Georgia

 

Blue Willow Looking Pretty
in Cumberland Sound

Cumberland Island is known for its secluded beaches, mansions in ruins, wild horses, hiking trails and other attributes.  We arrived a bit late, so we simply made our stop and set anchor.

Daisy On Cumberland Island

I had to take Daisy to shore to do her business.  When we got to the shore and on some of the trails, wow!  This place is simply beautiful.  The Oak trees with the long moss attached as a canopy hanging overhead at 60-90 feet high, and the palms at 6-8 feet bright green as the floor.......  I was awestruck, beautiful.

As we landed the dinghy, I noticed something else, NOSEEUMS.  These guys the size of a pin head, and bites quickly, and the bite is like a mosquito.  You cannot help slapping, scratching, or quickly wiping the damn thing off you.

On our way to the beach

Is it dead?........  No.

Wild Horses Cumberland Island

Awesome

The next day we took Daisy to the beach, a rather quick half mile through the canopied paths.  Vicki said at one point: "This could be the prettiest place we have been to on this trip so far".
As we approached the beach, Vicki was leading, and she excitedly said, "hurry the horses are right here on the beach".  Nice.  There was a small month and a half old  laying on the beach, with the others standing still looking over it.  My thought was, it is going to die!  This is a bummer.  Alas, it finally moved, and simply went about its business.  (someone that I met knew horses, and said all the wild horses were is good health.  Vicki, Daisy and I simply had a very nice beach day.  The dunes surrounding the area were very similar to ones that I know in Michigan, many were over50-60 feet high.

Glad We Have Them
But WOW.

On our way to Jekyll Island we had to pass by the Nuclear Submarine Station at St Mary's River. Okay folks, these guys do not mess around.
My first realization was when I was hailed: "Blue Willow", and I responded: "Anyone hailing Blue Willow?"  At that time I actually thought that there were guys at the base with super binoculars to see my nameplate, with 3" high letters,  from a distance of over half a mile and hail me by name.  But, as I looked to my port shoulder, there was a Coast Guard vessel, with manned machine gun within 50 feet. YIKES!  At that point they asked if I was going maximum speed, which I affirmed, then was told to proceed.  Between these guys amping my adrenaline, and a dredge in my way, and the markers all over the place for subs, I was a bit off course nearer the station, which the escort did not appreciate . I finally made it, but damn, it was serious business.

Riding bikes in
Historical
Jekyll Island

A Cottage

Spanish Moss at it best 

A portion of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Croquet Anyone?

Our next stop was Jekyll Island.  This is a tourist state park, but done very well.  As a backdrop, Jekyll Island hosts about 12  'cottages' of the millionaires from the early 1900's known as the Jekyll Island Club Historical District.  These cottages are 6000+ sq ft.  and most are cedar shake siding, and are very nice.  The island is a bicycle haven.  Bikers have right of way.  There are great beaches, and nice shops.  But all very well done. Of note, the State of Georgia has razed some buildings (non historical) and has created a significant Convention and beach shops area near the beaches. It is not open yet (4-2015) but it will be a significant addition to the area (good or bad).

Peace and Calm, Mark Vicki and Daisy

Did I mention NoSeeUms?  If not, they are a Pain In the Ass

St Augustine (One Month)

Daisy Sitting Pretty

Hotel Flagler purchased.

Nice view 

We have heard so much about St Augustine (SA) in planning the trip, we decided to spend a month.  St Augustine prides itself in being the 'Oldest City in the U.S.", and in 2015 they will celebrate their 450th anniversary.  St Augustine did not disappoint!

For those that know Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island in the summertime, , St Augustine is very similar.  I used the phrase ' Machinaw on Steroids' in describing SA.

We arrived at the municipal marina in (what else)  21 MPH winds, and a 2 Knt following tidal current.  The Harbor Master reassigned us a slip to make docking easier.  (glad he did as it was tough enough going into the wind).

SA is where we planned to have some visitors come for a while.  First were Rick and Barb Eldridge (Friendly Cove arrived at the same time too) , then Cousin Col. Bill Brown, then The Grand kids, then Daughter Kourtney.

Many like this in SA
This is a personal Fav.

Before we had visitors we has some time to explore the city.  Right off the docks, there are many historical, narrow streets with really awesome older homes, many with balconies.  Very charming.
With minimal traffic, walking these streets (actual street)  was fun, and you found yourself looking at the gardens, landscaping, architecture, street, and the usually quiet surroundings.  There are many restaurants with bistro seating located in what seems to be a residential areas, and Bed and Breakfasts.  Very peaceful surroundings for an enjoyable meal.  In the more busy sections, King Street, and pedestrian  only St George, there are all kinds of shops, restaurants, and treat stores.

Day at the beach in S. Vilano.

Daisy resting after a nice run/walk

We took the dingy to south Vilano beach and had a sushi picnic.  Daisy had a great time running off leash.  I rode my bike to Annistasia Island and checked out the beach, Lighthouse, and some shops.

Fence

Fence.  Serious!

Zoom in, Best Chimney If seen.

Caroline and Vicki having a coffee

Bill MUCHO coffee

Geometry

Inside Church 

Entrance to Flagler College
The whole campus was awesome.

Shells and cement
(forgot the name)

Youth at its best.

Barb at School

Rick and Barb arrived and we had dinner together at  O.C. Whites.  The next  day, Rick, Barb, Vicki, and Friendly Cove (Bill and Caroline) took the Red Trolly to see the town during a narrated somewhat historical tour.  We hopped on and off.  One stop was St George Street, so we walked it for a while, then got back on.

The following day we walked the downtown areas, and took in a Pipe Organ Concert at a fantastic church, that evening Caroline invited all of us over for dinner on Friendly Cove.  While there was much Loop talk, Rick and Barb said it was okay, and felt they were part of the trip.

Always wanted to see St Andrews

Rick and I at PHA HOF
Putting around
(I think I beat him)

Rick Barb and I went to the PGA Hall of Fame and Museum.  We all enjoyed the experience of the very well organized displays, and recommend it if you have any interest in golf at all.

Cuz Bill and Wife Caroline.

We invited my cousin Colonel Bill Brown over, and he showed up right after the Eldridges departed.  Bill and his heavily southern accented wife Caroline were awesome to chat with.  Bill brought some old pictures of my dad in his early years over, it was a treat to see my dad in the (new to me) pics.  We ate at the popular (and large) Harry's restaurant, what a fine place.

A man and his boat!

Crew member of
Blue Willow
Janelle

Janelle had to EARN her tee shirt

Fun times

Janelle M Hill 

Jason M Hill Jr.

KOURTNEY IS HERE!!!!

Lunch at A1A
Very good place

Both are real!

Some of many!

Cool bird

Funny how they lay around

KB with the kids

The Grandkids Jason Jr. and Janelle arrived late in the evening wednesday for their weeks stay with Grandma and Grandpa Hill.  We have been looking forward to this for quite a while.  We sat up a bit and talked some, then they crashed.  The first day was raining slightly, so we simply walked the town a bit, and Jr and I took the Dinghy out for a spin.  Friday our daughter Kourtney was to arrive so we waited for her.  She did arrive in style, a black on black mustang convertible with the top down. We had lunch at A1A on the balcony and then did the shopping thing St George street.   We finished off the night with a friendly game of Rummikub.

Saturday, we took the highly anticipated (Janelle)  trolly around SA in the morning, the kids loved the ride and the different sights.  After the trolly, we made the trip to the Alligator Farm.  Wow were we surprised at the quality and quantity of all things alligator.  We spent about 3-4 hours there, very nice attraction. After a rest we walked the sights, and had dinner at an Italian  restaurant.

This was a riot!!!!

Who is peeking? 

Brunch

Sunday we had brunch at O.C. Whites (including a mimosa).  We then rented the highly anticipated 'Jellybean Cars' for two hours .  What a fun time this was.  We were smiling and giggling all the time. We went to the Anastasia State Park, and the lighthouse there, and toured the streets.  What a hoot.
Alas, our time with Kourtney came to a close too soon.  Kourtney had to depart, however, we all had a great time together.

Monday we took the grandkids to the Anastasia  State Park.  The 2-3 ft waves were crashing in a bit, so we had a blast.  Jr, and Janelle had a total blast.  Gpa joined on for awhile, man that is tiring.  The sun was out 100% and the UV must have been high as the grand kids got burnt, even with 50 SPF.

After the beach time we went back to the boat rested ate dinner and then played Rummykub with both grandkids winning.

Tuesday was a down day, but we still got in some activities.  I took Janelle to the fort San Marcos, she had a wonderful time exploring, and she was into the experience.  Later Jr and I took Daisy to the sandbar beach and threw the frisbee.  Later after dinner, Vicki took Janelle on a Pirate ship cruise, that was a total blast for both of them.  The cruise is highly scripted, with paid actors, and musicians.
The expressions on the faces of all that departed indicated it was a great time.

Wednesday the grandkids were scheduled to leave around 3 pm.  However, Christine (our daughter in-law) got tickets to  a Detroit Tigers Grapefruit League game.  The Grandkids departed around 9 AM.  What a treat to have them for an entire week.

Glass Engine.

With all the visitors now departed, we simply worked on some overdue projects, rested, and visited  any sites that we delayed going to.  One of which is the Lightner Museum.  What a great museum.  This guy, (from NewYork) during the depression purchased a vast amount of 'collections' from now bankrupt millionaires.  One piece of note was a steam powered engine made from (almost) 100% glass.  It was to demonstrate the accuracies and various shapes capable via this material.  When I heard about this item, I imagined it to be about the size of a  very small car, imagine my surprise when it actually was about the size of an oven.

Cleaning the bottom
that is Ablative bottom coat

We have not had our bottom inspected since Mobile, so I had the bottom cleaned and inspected, including the running gear, and zincs.  Everything was fine!

We departed St Augustine a coupe of days early, as we were ready to get 'Looping' again.

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Daisy on the wall at St Augustine.

Bag Pipe Parade.  Nice