Spring is such a beautiful time of year. What if you could stretch it out
and make it last for two or three months? We hope to see azaleas in bloom
for several months as we head north. They were blooming two weeks ago
in Georgia, were gorgeous in Savannah and on up through South Carolina.
The native azaleas were beautiful along the Waccamaw River of South
Carolina today as we traveled what we consider one of the prettiest stretches
of the whole Intracoastal Waterway.
Today started with a misty sunrise at our anchorage in the wilderness marsh
area of Minim Creek in SC. Shortly after we raised the anchor and headed
down the river we were joined by lots of dolphins, which continue to thrill
us even though we see them most days. Along the river today we were
seldom out of sight of an osprey nest as they are ubiquitous here. Some
nests had small heads showing above the edge as their families grow. We
also had some eagle sightings today. The Waccamaw River winds through
cypress swamps, a change from the salt marsh grass of Georgia and
southern SC.
Osprey Marina, along the Waccamaw River.
We've gained a little more experience dealing with running aground the last
couple of weeks as we've had a few long days which cause us to go through
some shallow areas at low tide. Basically what is required is to wait for the
tide to rise and lift us off, which helps develop patience.
We were in Savannah for a week while Heather and Tim were visiting. We
had a great time catching up with them and sightseeing in Savannah, a great
city.We enjoyed good eating at Paula Deen's restaurant and her brother's
restaurant, too. The marina we stayed at was part of The Landings, a private
island of 4500 homes, lots of bike paths, beautiful homes and golf courses,
and all at a better price than the other marinas we've stayed at. We loved it
there. It feels just like Hilton Head only without the tourists.
Experiencing Savannah with Heather and Tim.
Three great cooks in one picture.
Coming north we've been anchoring more than when coming down as the
weather has been better. We have been trying to stay at different places
than last fall to get new experiences. Traveling north we stage things
differently some days due to restricted lift bridges and shallow stretches
of the ICW.
Cumberland Island is a special place we passed by in the fall but spent two
days enjoying as we crossed into Georgia from Florida. It is a 14 mile long
island originally owned almost entirely by one of the Carnegies but is now
a National Park. It contains the ruins of some mansions and some restored
buildings but mostly is a park with beautiful forests of live oaks and pine.
It also has many miles of ocean beach, mostly deserted and wild, with
beautiful dunes and feral horses and lots of birds.
Biking the dirt road on Cumberland Island
under the live oaks hanging with Spanish moss.
Ruins of a Carnegie mansion on the island.
Since the weather forecast is pretty favorable we'll be pushing on tomorrow
to Southport, NC.
Enjoying my new hammock while anchored
in Birthday Creek on my birthday.
Sue and I love the Waccamaw River too! We also enjoy Osprey Marina. Don't hurry home, as spring is very slow in arriving here. Haven't gotten much done on Passage yet.
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