May 6-7, 2014 Beaufort SC

On to Beaufort, SC. (Buew -ferd). Not to be confused with Beaufort NC (Bo-fort).

 We left Thunderbolt Marina about 7:15 because we needed the 8:00 bridge opening 3 miles up-stream. But tide was so low, there was 30 feet of clearance and no need to bother the bridge operator. We only need 22 feet and the bridge is posted at 21 feet. Tides in Georgia and South Carolina run in the 7-8 foot range and take some serious getting used to! We had no problems crossing the Savannah River and the related "Cuts" to new rivers and creeks. Lucy for us, no large ships on the water that morning.

We motored past Hilton Head SC and recalled the great times we spent there with friends Gene and Linda on a previous trip. The Lighthouse seen below was about 1000 feet from our Condo and we ate several meals at restaurants nearby watching cruising boats come into the harbor. Sweet day-dreams!

As seen from R Island when we cruised by.

 

We crossed the Port Royal Sound north of Hilton Head and were attacked by a rogue herd of black bugs! Hundreds invaded the boat, many gave their life! They did not bite, looked like a love bug but fatter, and loved Ger's face and ears. (the hair?) The breeze picked up and the bugs vanished Judie said it was revenge for the large number I had killed a few days earlier getting to Savannah. We also passed Paris Island, the east coast Marine base for basic training. 

 

Arrived at Lady's Island Marina about 1:30. Judie did her best deck work for docking to date! We were about 3/4 mile to downtown, but out of the strong current. We were referred here by folks at the West Marine store in Brunswick GA, and told that Steve and Gloria, who manage the place, were great - proved to be a great statement! After a quick lunch at the local sub shop, we found a "Canvas Guy" who would replace the front window screen that we had lost at Fernandina Beach in a storm. We then washed the boat to remove all the slaughtered bugs and took long cold showers to cool off. We both miss the dry heat of Arizona. Saw our first Bald Eagle of the trip - this guy was a little late headed north, or simply loves the abundance of marine and small animal life in SC.

 

The next day we caught a lift into town from one of the Marina workers and visited Beaufort. Started at the visitor's center and caught the 10:40 carriage tour of the area. Lots more beautiful, but smaller homes along with a few big houses that rival and beat anything in Savannah.

 

 



 

A great B&B in a house built by Gentleman "Rhett" - also a military man.

 The Episcopal Church played a large role in the early south - simply because we see an old one wherever we go. This one, surrounded by a graveyard is simple and inviting at the same time. The graveyard holds people from all wars in US history including Generals from the north and south in the War of Northern Aggression.

 

 

Judie spotted this young lady hanging out in a tree on a quiet street.

 



Beautiful Flowers - Red!

Ger likes the trees!

 

We had lunch at a great little Bar-B-Que place overlooking the River and after walking thru, and buying, at some of the local shops; we headed back to the boat. Judie agreed to walk and it was not till we were approaching mid-span of the bridge below, that we realized how challenging this was for her fear of heights - but she did great and after 10 minutes we were on dry land.

 

Typical marsh area below.

  R Island at the marina - 2nd from the far end.