Day 211 May 13 42 mi Thunderbolt Marina Thunderbolt GA

7AM departure.....57 degrees this morning....where did we make the wrong turn????

Sunrise at Sunbury Crab Co

 

We have faced two problems on this stretch of the ICW in Georgia.  Little Mud River, which we came through on high-tide and Hells Gate, which we went through today on high-tide.  Both have serious shoaling and the state of Georgia has not provided any money for dredging for the past 5+ years.  This is why many boaters say "travel on high-tide or plan on hitting a few shoals."
The other problem with the area is marinas are sparse and fuel is lean...so planning is needed.

But the Sunrise is something else

 

 

Best to do St Catherine at low slack water when the sea is calmest and the currents are most favorable

 

 

We follow Summer Wind thru Hell Gate

 

 

We have been in areas of Georgia that have probably changed little since Native American rowed their canoes past the same shores.  The winding rivers and vast areas of marshes and the Atlantic Ocean is what you see.  No McDonalds out here!!!!

 

 

Once you reach Isle of Hope you find old Georgia homes

 

 

Big Columns

 

 

River traffic even gets Saddi's attention

 

 

Skidaway Bridge being replaced

 

 

The Confederacy is alive in Georgia

 

 

Wonder what he does

 

 

Beautiful River home

 

 

Nice live-aboard...but what about diesel???

 

We are staying at Thunderbolt Marina tonight near Savannah.  The marina has swift currents that are between 3-4 knots and a 8-9 foot tidal range.  They do have floating docks so we can get Saddi off the stern. 

 

 

Tide going out

 

 

Steve and Denise...we found you a sailboat

 

 

Downtown along River Street

 

 

Tubby's Tank House

 

 

Evening Sunset looking downtown

 

 

Across the river at the marshes

 

 

Very nice boater's lounge and laundry