Brunswick
The southern Georgia town of Brunswick is a shrimping town - one of the reasons to stop here. But, for cruisers, there are two larger reasons: Ocean Petroleum which has the best diesel fuel prices on the east coast and the great protected harbor which has almost no current. Georgia has tides of 7 and 8 feet. With that much water moving in and out, most rivers and creeks have fast currents.
Many cruisers stay at Brunswick during the summer because their boat insurance will not cover them in Florida during the hurricane season. Here, they are close to Florida and still have insurance coverage.
The downtown area is working hard to remake itself into an attractive and vibrant business, shopping, and entertainment area. They have worked to preserve some of the history of the town. One example is at left, the Brunswick City Hall.
St. Simons IslandCrossing the bridge from Brunswick, across multiple rivers, leads one to St. Simons Island, and a whole different world - large live oaks, winding roads, golf courses, grand homes, upscale restaurants and shops. Two communities, close but so far apart. There is a nice marina in St. Simons, and while not as protected, it does provide access to this barrier island community. St. Simons became one of the Georgia barrier islands to be developed because it is located close enough to the mainland to make a bridge practical. While the island is filled with magnificent homes, this quaint cottage was found to be more appealing. Below, sunset at the marina.
Frederica River
Running through the marshes and along the west side of St. Simons Island, the Frederica River has a number of areas suitable for anchoring, including one next to Fort Frederica. This British fort, site of a large battle victory over the Spanish, is now a national park with great informational displays of the history that occurred here.
Darien
A long way up the Darien River, the small town of the same name welcomes cruisers with a free dock. Darien has a large shrimping fleet and multiple shrimp houses. Interestingly, the best place to purchase fresh shrimp is the hardware store.
Blackbeard Island/Blackbeard Creek
Sapelo Island is a barrier island with much history and no bridge/road access. There is still a settlement of Gullah living on Sapelo, speaking their own language and retaining many of the blended customs of their various backgrounds.
Just to the north of Sapelo, separated only by a creek and some salt marshes, is Blackbeard Island, named after the pirate who chose this island as his base of operations. All of Blackbeard Island is now a National Wildlife Refuge.
Blackbeard Creek is still very tricky, probably one of the reasons for Blackbeard's selection decision. This very windy creek has many shallow areas preventing passage. However, the tides in this area range 6 to 8 feet, so at high tide, even shoals can be passed over by deeper draft vessels.
A spot with trees protecting from the predicted high winds was found for anchoring and serving as the base of operations.
The explorations led to Blackbeard Island beach. This image was made during spring break week - a private beach during the height of the season.
Savannah
There are three large barrier islands to the east of the historic city of Savannah: Skidaway, Wilmington, and Tybee. All three were visited either during the October/December cruise of Georgia or the new leg of Loop Two. And, while there are many interesting aspects on each of these islands (including a wonderful restaurant on Tybee - Sundae Cafe'), the beauty and history of the old city on the mainland made for the most interesting images to share.
Spring was still on display in Savannah, with both azaleas and camellias in bloom. This church is famous for being next to the house where General Sherman set up headquarters and, more recently, for having a scene in a movie.
The varied and beautiful architecture of the homes, churches, and public buildings, with easily walked streets and lovely landscaped squares make Savannah an enjoyable, entertaining place to visit - particularly in the spring.
Friends Along the Way
Jean and Mel Thomason first anchored Dovekie next to Last Dance at Benjamin Island, North Channel, Canada. Paths of cruisers continue to cross. At right, an image taken when they visited St. Augustine, and the crew of Last Dance.
Anchored together again, this time along Cumberland Island.
Steve and Beth Westgate completed the Loop aboard Gemini during the same time frame as Last Dance. Many good times were shared together as paths crossed along the journey. They live on Wilmington Island near Savannah and have hosted Last Dance and crew at their home dock on numerous occasions.
Ned and Mary Sommer, previous owners of a DeFever 44, and still DeFever Cruisers in membership and spirit, hosted the crew for conversation, lunch at an amazing Savannah Restaurant, and a walk through town. Mary shared the historical fact that the famous Savannah fountain in Forsyth Park (just behind in the image) was purchased from Sears Roebuck.
During the fall Georgia cruise, Pam Shipp realized that there were four DeFevers in the St. Simons marina and organized a progressive dinner for an impromptu DeFever Rendezvous. Image of the candlelight main course at right, with Pam and Jim Shipp, Silver Boots; Ron and Janice Walton, River Girl; Chris and Dorcas Sommerhoff, Dorcas Ann; and the Last Dance crew.
The Shipp's land yacht transported the crews to enjoy the breakfast buffet at the Millionaires' Club on Jekyll Island. Glen and Jim took advantage of the rockers afterward.
Visiting friends along the waterways is another rewarding benefit of cruising.
