More on ICW Navigation

Skidaway Bridge (ICW Mile 592.6)

One of the ICW's hassles is opening bridges, not only for the boaters, but also for the road traffic trying to use the bridge.  Many are restricted from opening during peak traffic hours, others only open on the hour or half hour, and a few open on request.  As we approached the Skidaway Bridge we were advised that we would have to wait due to ongoing repairs.  This isn't so bad when the current is against you, but can be somewhat laborious when the current is pushing you towards the bridge.  After about a 15 -20 minute wait the bridge tender let us go through, however the northern starboard side would not open (see in background).  Note the angst on my face.  Can't believe he let us do it, and can't believe I accepted.

If you are going to run aground, do it when the tide is rising, otherwise you will risk heeling over too far as the water recedes.  Entering St. Marys anchorage we found the sand bar that runs through the middle of the anchorage.  Luckily, it was at low tide so all we had to do was wait about an hour for the tide to come in and float us off.  The only damage was to our pride because at happy hour that night the other boaters greeted us with, "oh, Serenity,you were the boat sitting on the sand bar."

Hell Gate

Can't over emphasize the effect the tide has on currents.  Don't know if these kayakers are sitting there because they are worn out from fighting the currents in Hell Gate, or if they come out there for entertainment watching the "yachties" navigate this stretch of water.

To simplify the engineering, our wind generator was installed with its tail tied so that it only operates in a 270 degree arc forward.  The thinking was that when anchored, and most needing the wind power, we would be pointed into the wind.  Wrong; the currents here are so strong that they can over power a 20 knot wind.  Today, we put so much stress on the wind generator that one of the blades flexed enough to hit the mount breaking it off.  Not to worry, we have already contacted the supplier and will have new blades in Jacksonville.  My point of contact advised me, "you might want to tie off that tail a wee bit shorter."

Happy Thanksgiving

Anchored in St. Marys, GA with about 100 other boats.

The town of St. Marys and the local boaters put on their annual Thanksgiving week for the cruisers headed south for the winter.  Each day begins with a conference at 9:00 AM on VHF channel 69.  Today's schedule includes dinner at 1:00 PM followed by an informal gathering at Seagales Bar which is run by the former porn star Cindy Deen. Eclectic gathering to say the least.

Happy Thanksgiving 

Navigating the ICW in Georgia

Stay in the center of the channel!

The ICW through Georgia presents new challenges.  First of all, the tidal fluctuation is about 8 feet.  This creates some interesting currents flowing around all of the small islands.  They also have cuts that connect rivers to form the ICW route.  These cuts are notorious for strong confused currents and shoaling.  Just prior to entering the Savannah River we touched bottom coming out of one of these cuts.

Today we did Hell Gate, a one mile cut that connects the Green Island Sound with the Ogeehee River.  It is noted for shoaling and strong currents.  Pollie said that they would not have named it Hell Gate if there wasn't a reason.  I said that "Walk in the Park" was taken.  We had no problems.

Savannah

Savannah is a busy port.  Large cargo ships pass by us day and night.  We even got to see two pass each other on the Savannah River right outside our window.  The most disruptive boat, however is the little  green and white ferry (on the right).  It comes and goes about every ten minutes carry passengers across the river.

We have really enjoyed biking and walking around historic Savannah.

Great old cemetery.



Hilton Head Island - Almost

We had a great stay in Charleston, spending most of the time biking around looking at the magnificent homes.  On the second Sunday of each month King Street is turned into a pedestrian only street.  Most of the merchants were open and the restaurants had tables on the sidewalks.  The Jazzercise class was held on the street.

Monday was a late start due to a work related telecon in the morning, so we only made it to South Edisto River (32 37.172N/80 23.779W) where we anchored for the night.  We had planned to make it to a Marina on Hilton Head Island on Tuesday, but it didn't happen.  With three guide books and a sign saying the the Ladies Island Bridge open on the hour and half hour, it only opens on the hour according to the less than communicative bridge tender - 45 minute wait.  Then the wind associated with an approaching frontal passage gave us 20 - 25 knots on the nose and large waves as we crossed Port Royal Sound.  So, we decided to anchored in Skull Creek (32 15.174N/080 44.679W) next to Hilton Head Island.  We will see Hilton Head on the next time through, tomorrow Savannah, GA.

 

New Link

Look to the left.  Right below the "Finding Serenity" button is a new link.  Because we found the http://www.marinetraffic.com/ unreliable, we have added a new link that tracks my cell phone.  We haven't given up entirely on the AIS even though our unit is in for repairs, but look at this as an augmentation.

Thanks Haeden!



American Star

As mentioned in the previous post, restrictions on a bridge opening would have forced us to enter a strange harbor after dark; not wise.  So, we anchored for the nigh 14 miles short of Charleston.  The next morning we found American Star anchored at the mouth of the creek we had tucked into.  No problem, we were able to sneak around her bow and proceed down the ICW.  Soon, however we noticed American Star coming up on our stern, but not fast enough.  The bridge tender decided to delay our opening to wait for her.

Once through the bridge, I noticed she was gaining on us in the narrow channel so I contacted the Captain and ascertained she was doing 7.9 knots while we were doing 7.  We slowed and moved to the far side of the channel and waited for her to pass.

The last part of the ICW before it enters Charleston Harbor has some sharp turns that American Star had to slow down for, forcing us to slow.  But, once in the harbor she turned one way and we headed straight for The Haborage at Ashley Marina where we had reserved a slip.  We had tried to get in the City Marina, but all the space was taken.  As we entered the Ashley River and the narrow reach to the marinas, American Star was on our stern again.  Evidently the Captain had given the passengers a short tour of Charleston Harbor before heading to her reserved space at the City Marina.

At that point I declared it would cost each passenger a beer for me to accommodate them again.  Actually, the Captain was very professional and a gentleman.  There are probably a couple hundred more pictures of Serenity out there somewhere.