We're in Brunswick, Georgia

Please Note - Narrative is at the end of these photos.

Susan at the Pilothouse wheel, with charts at hand.




















Walt, happy at the flybridge helm.






















Susan, studying charts and cruising guide, planning the day's run.

















Ed and Diane Havelka - Our "Training Captains", on our flybridge.

























Dolphins play in our Bow Wave

We are now tied up for two months in Brunswick, Georgia, at the Brunswick Landings Marina. Our plan is to stay here until early January, since it is getting too chilly to go farther North, and we must stay clear of Florida for 60 days (or be subject to Florida Sales Tax on the purchase of KINGDOM. So, we will continue working on the boat, readying her for our Bahamas/Caribbean journeys. In January, we expect to start working our way South again, taking our time, with the goal of crossing to the Bahamas sometime in February. We've been advised by other experienced boaters to wait for a really good "weather window", such that the Gulf Stream is relatively calm.

From Titusville northward, we've been fighting a VERY strong northeast wind, averaging 20-25 knots, with gusts up to gale force (35). We stayed in Daytona three nights, hoping it would abate, but finally departed on Wednsday. At least that gave us an opportunity to have a good visit with my sister Ellie.

We anchored Halloween night just off the old Castillo de San Marcos at St. Augustine, FL. It was a beautiful sight all lit up at night, and we could see the revelers wandering up and down the quay of Old Town.

We left early Thursday morning, for a long leg making for Amelia Island/Fernandina. But continued strong winds and extremely high tides slowed our progress. We could have increased our speed marginally by using more engine rpm's, but that has the side effect of increasing our fuel consumption to achieve only marginal increases in speed. Susan studied our charts, and found us a nice anchorage just off the ICW at a place called Alligator Creek. It turned out to be ideal. It offered us a lovely sunset, protection from the wind, and a peaceful night. From there, we set out at first light for Brunswick, GA.

It was a tough slog all day Friday, again with heavy tidal currents running against us. As Ed and Diane Havelka said, "Running northward in the ICW is like running up a hill all the way." We encountered 5' seas crossing Cumberland Sound, which made for an exciting half-hour or so. The boat was happy, but we still have issues with the latches on our galley drawers...Susan had to get out the duct tape again to keep them from sliding open and shut, open and shut, etc.

We arrived in Brunswick around 3:30pm. The marina is at the foot of the old historic district of the town. It is well-preserved, with lots of restaurants and little shops within easy walking distance. In fact, we had a wonderful dinner at a place called Christie's. I ordered Lobster Mac & Cheese, which was absolutely scrumptious! It contained a large whole lobster tail, cut into large bite-size pieces, surrounded by pasta, with both cheddar and parmesan cheese melted overall. Wow!

We have encountered playful dolphins all the way along our journey. Often there are up to half a dozen playing in our bow wave for a half-hour or so. I'm including a photograph or two of them, but the pix don't convey the thrill we experience when these beautiful animals appear and convey their blessings on our path.