Safe Overnight Journey to Cumberland Island, GA

As I have mentioned in previous posts, the weather has not been cooperating with our plans to shorten our ICW journey by traveling "outside" (meaning out in the ocean as opposed to following the many creeks, rivers, bays...of the ICW)).  However, the storms, wind and waves of the last few weeks finally calmed down and on Saturday November 12, we left Port Royal, SC (near Paris Island) and had an easy 24 hour passage to the St. Mary's GA inlet.   The good news is there were no waves to speak of (just a 2-3' roll with a large interval so no issues) and a full moon to light the night sky.   The bad news is there was also no wind so it was a motoring trip.   We have used the sails since we left (on the Chesapeake and the Alligator River) but not much.   This is pretty typical of ICW travel and we often comment that when this boat grows up, she wants to be a Kadey Krogen ( a BEAUTIFUL power yacht with a steadying sail). 

After coming in the St. Mary's inlet, we actually traveled north on the ICW for about 1 hour.   Joe will say this was all to indulge me.  We are currently at the northern anchorage of Cumberland Island (on the Brick Hill River).   This was one of our favorite stops from last year and we plan to spend 2-3 days at this northern anchorage and then move south about 5-6 miles to the lower anchorage on Cumberland Island (CI) for another 2-3 days.    There is no bridge to CI so all traffic arrives by boat or small plane.   The Carnegies originally owned much of the island  but now the majority of the land belongs to they National Park Service (only a few private homes and one B&B remain).   There is a campground and great walking trails.    On the ICW side where we are anchored, the island is  a mix of marsh and creeks.   There is a 7-9 foot tide in this area so it is fascinating to watch the landscape change with the tide (it makes anchoring fun too).   On the ocean side, the beach.......is fantastic.   There are more than 10 miles of wide open beach with nothing but shells, wild horses, birds and the occasional strolling camper, boater, or photographer.  This is one of those places in the US that just feels like another world unto itself.   No pictures yet.....you'll just have to wait but in this case the wait will be worth it.   This place is gorgeous.