19 Apr Georgia on my mind

Leaving Fernandina Beach and heading north on the AICW, ready to make some miles and see some sights.

It didn’t take long, we passed the Ocean Explorer shortly after we left the dock. She is a new Polar Class cruise ship on her maiden voyage to North America.

A short time later we passed the Kingsbay Naval Submarine base.

We could see this structure from the anchorage at Cumberland Island. Even through binoculars I couldn’t figure out what is was.

It turned out to be a Submarine Garage. 

The “C Tractor” that waked us the other day was docked there, but I didn’t see the big Sub. The base is about 3 miles long and they had covered slips so they had plenty of room to hide it. The security boat had us keep our distance.

I got the long lens out for this shot. 

That afternoon we said good bye to Cumberland Island before crossing Jekyll Sound and passing Jekyll Island.

We are in GA now, Go Bulldogs!

That evening we caught up with the neighbours at St Simons Island and had a nice dinner at the Coastal Kitchen after a quick shopping trip in the marina courtesy car.

Up early the next morning back out into the Sound and a day of weaving through the coastal grasslands.

For the first part of the day we had the advantage of a favourable current  with a falling tide until we reached the Altamaha Sound.

On the chart you could see an area labeled “Breakers” and through the binoculars you could see why.

You might have to deal with currents in the AICW, but not big ocean breakers like that.

It was an interesting day weaving through the channels of grass. You could see the other boats over the top of the reeds following us but heading in the opposite direction.

That night we anchored out in Kilkenny Creek with the neighbours.

I was nervous about anchoring in a 7 foot tide. The current changed twice through the night but the anchor was stuck well in the mud and all was well.