LEAVING THE WRIGHT RIVER

JANUARY 3, 2013

Weighed anchor at about 8AM & headed through the Fields Cut & across the Savannah River & back into the ICW.  After about 7 miles we asked for an opening at the Sam Varnedoe Bridge.  They promptly accommodate us & were on our way.  The water temp. is 55.5 (getting warmer), skies are cloudy, the breeze is cold & it has been a long time since we have seen the SUN.....

After passing Thunderbolt we turned into the Skidaway River as a light rain fell from the dark grey sky.  As we travel through posted Manatee Habitat there is no wind.  Dolphin are in abundance but not a manatee to be seen.

At 10am we passed Moon River, yes the river the song was written about.  From what I can see through the rain, it is not wider than a mile & no one is crossing it in style.  Maybe Andy Williams had never seen it when he sang the song.  As the day progressed the weather only got worse & we seem to be the only boat around.

We moved on through the rain & by 12:30pm we passed
Hells Gate.  This area, full of hair pin turns, is well marked & at low tide has depths of 6ft & less in some places. It is still high tide while we slowly make our way through the shallows.

 More rain fell as we anchor behind St. Catherine Island in 15ft of water, the time is 4:20pm.  After a chilly wet day on the ICW the chores began.  As Rod secured the boat, checked all the fluids & cleaned the filters, I headed for the galley.  Tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwiches, our favorite meal for cold, wet day is on the menu.  Add a perfect glass of crisp white wine & a glass of full bodied red & you have a gourmet meal.  Mmm... Mmm... Good.

We called it a day early & got in a nice warm bed to read before turning off the light.  Tomorrow is another day in the life of a cruiser.