Savannah to Cumberland Island

We blasted straight through the state of Georgia, stopping only to anchor and sleep. Our favourite parts of Georgia are Savannah, which is on the Northern edge of Georgia and Cumberland Island, which is at the Southern edge.  The route through the middle is pretty much swamps with an endless maze through low, grass covered islands.

Following our regular routine we spent the daylight hours taking turns driving and then anchoring out in a quiet secluded spot at night. There are seven or eight foot tides in Georgia, which makes for a lot of current as all that water moves back and forth from the ocean. Evenings were spent curled up watching movies on the laptop (because it was too cold to sit outside) while listening to the constant swish, splash and slap of water rushing along our hull.

We decided to spend a couple of days at Cumberland Island. This island was once home to a large estate of the Carnegie Family (who made a lot of money in Pittsburgh in the steel industry). The main mansion was later abandoned, burned down and all that remains are the ruins, a few smaller but stately homes, and the horses, which are now wild. The horses are fascinating to watch. They seem to have a social order, with one large mail being the dominant one.  As they sauntered up from the field in a long line, they all checked in with him as they approached and he would nod his approval then send them past.  Except in one case.  An older mare approached and I don't know what she'd done, but he gave her a brisk scolding, with lots of neighing and snorting, and she walked away with head hung low.

Much of the island is dedicated as a park and it is absolutely beautiful, covered with large gnarly oaks draped in Spanish moss.  It reminds me of a place one might expect to see hobbits scurrying about.  Not to mention the gorgeous wide beach which when the tour boats leave is pretty much deserted.

We've passed through some very industrial areas as well.  There are many busy ports along this coast, with several large inlets leading to the Atlantic Ocean to cross.  We've shared channels with freighters and a multitude of fishermen, all vying for their spot (we let the freighters win).  Also, there have been strong winds and small craft advisories issued for the past few days which have made for some "bumpy" crossings.  No worries.  Nothing Gran Vida and crew can't handle safely.

We are now in St. Augustine Florida visiting with our friends Joe and Connie, from the boat Chesapeake.  St Augustine is a beautiful, very historic town. In fact, they say it's the oldest city in the U.S.   Joe and Connie have a car here.  They very graciously took us to the grocery story to stock up and on a tour to check out St. Augustine and area all decked out for Christmas.  We are docked right beside a bar/restaurant and as I type I'm listening to the live entertainment.  It's been a great visit and so nice to spend time with Joe & Connie again.  Tomorrow we'll push off and continue our journey South.