Voyage 2004-2005: Chapter 3

It was cold in Wilmington on the 2nd of January. LV Jule III and LV Legend were loaded and ready to head South. We wanted to catch the 0830 ferry to Southport. It was the second time that Butch and Vicki made the crossing of the Cape Fear so they were old salts. We saw a couple of boats transiting the ICW. The powerboaters looked comfortable; the sailors a bit cold.

The current was ebbing at about 3.5 knots so the trip to Southport was quick ...Butch and Bob were disappointed. We followed US route 17 through Calabash NC, Barefoot Landing SC, Georgetown SC, Charleston SC, and Beaufort SC. Sure is a lot quicker by car. We checked out the free dockage at Bear Foot Landing, the anchorage, at Georgetown, and the Town Dock at Beaufort. We then headed for the State campground on Hunting Island on the southern shore of St. Helena Sound and the Atlantic.

Jule III and Legend could share the same campsite (we are small and the sites are large). It wasn't long before Bob discovered that he left some necessary computer cables. So, early the next morning, Jule III heads back up to Wilmington via I 95. We find the cables and head back to Hunting Island. About 20 miles outside of Beaufort SC, we encounter fog. The fog adds another hour to our trip. Around midnight, we tied up at the campsite. What? Butch and Vicki are not up waiting for us?

6 Jan 2005, South Carolina and Florida, 30 42.282 N/ 081 27.259 W

We finally were able to relax. Bob had his cables so he could perform his work for NIH. Ann was happy 'cause Bob was happy. Butch and Vicki are always happy. We spent the day exploring the island then headed for Beaufort for lunch and a dock walk at the Town Docks. Our old Harbormaster, Steve, was still there. We chatted with him for a bit, then headed for town for some window shopping. Towards evening, we headed back to Hunting Island to prepare for the next day's journey.

We said our farewells to Hunting Island and headed for Amelia Island. Unfortunately, we could no not follow the ICW in Georgia as there are no roads that parallel it. However, once we got into Florida, we headed for Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. We headed for Fort Clinch State Park and claimed our campsite which was near the St. Mary's River inlet. Butch and Bob had to do their dock walk at the Municipal Marina, and then we all headed for the local Irish pub.

When back at camp, Butch and Bob would wander towards the River and dream of past and future sailing trips to Fernandina. Ann collected the group and we headed for the fort where we were entertained by the facility's blacksmith. He made some doo-dads for all of us out of steel and iron. After a couple of hours at the fort, we headed towards St. Augustine.

9 Jan 2005, Visiting SV Celena, 28 24.415 N/ 080 37.628 W

We headed south towards St. Augustine and Flagler Beach. We crossed the St. John's River via the local ferry boat on a really quick passage. We stopped in St Augustine to check out the municipal marina and the Sailor's Exchange. Of course, Bob and Butch had to do their ritual dock walk. The Harbormaster indicated that the City has finally been granted the authority to clean the anchorages of derelicts and install mooring balls. Don't be surprised if the 2005/2006 cruising season will include St. Augustine moorings. We arrived at Gamble Rogers State Park around 1600 which (it turns out) was not too late to visit the crews of SV Celena and MV Prussian Pride.

Well, we forgot our camera so we didn't get pictures of Tom and Nancy, formally of SV Celena, and Werner and Helga of Prussian Pride. Oh, well, we had a great time with them but no pictures. Go figure. We'll do better next time. Yesterday, we spent some time with Tom and Nancy but they had other obligations so our day with them was short. Today, we left Gamble Rogers and traveled to Cocoa Beach to have lunch at Roberto's Cuban restaurant (one of Bob's favorites). After lunch, we had to part company with LV Legend. We are heading to Orlando and they are heading to Texas. Happy trails, Legend!