Savannah, Georgia to Marathon, Florida
Savannah
Gen. Oglethorpe - One of the founders of Savannah
November 5, 2011
After leaving Beaufort, the next stop was Savannah. For two days we wandered the squares breathing in the history. Revolutionary era buildings interspersed with pre Civil War buildings organized in park like “squares”, all within walking distance of the waterfront provided two days of awe inspiring history.
The entire experience was topped off by a beer on the waterfront in, of course, an Irish bar. Tidbit of information: Savannah has the country’s 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I can’t imagine an Irish lilt with a southern drawl.
After a couple of days of travel, the next stop was Jekyll Island. We rode bikes to the historic district. At one time Jekyll Island was called "the richest, most inaccessible club in the world."
“Club members included men such as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field, to name only a few. Members prized the island for its ‘sense of splendid isolation,’ as well as its beautiful landscape and moderate climate. At a time when the idea of a modern seaside resort was still a novelty, members experienced levels of luxury and service that were remarkable, even by today’s standards.” For more information about Jekyll Island go to: http://www.jekyllisland.com/About/HistoryofJekyllIsland/HistoricSites/HistoricLandmarkDistrict.aspx
We rode around the historic district marveling at the mansions. Many of the old homes are museums that can be toured, they were not open when we were there. Jekyll Island is a must stop on a return trip through Georgia.
As I write this journal entry, the boat is moving side to side and the 30 mph winds whistle through the rig. At least we are tied to a dock and may be for several days to come. We arrived in New Smyrna, Florida late yesterday afternoon after two long days of travel. The highlight of the evening was a visit to an Irish bar several blocks away. The Guinness was flowing and the freshly made chowders were delicious. Topping it off was excellent live music and good company.
After leaving Beaufort, the next stop was Savannah. For two days we wandered the squares breathing in the history. Revolutionary era buildings interspersed with pre Civil War buildings organized in park like “squares”, all within walking distance of the waterfront provided two days of awe inspiring history.
The entire experience was topped off by a beer on the waterfront in, of course, an Irish bar. Tidbit of information: Savannah has the country’s 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I can’t imagine an Irish lilt with a southern drawl.
After a couple of days of travel, the next stop was Jekyll Island. We rode bikes to the historic district. At one time Jekyll Island was called "the richest, most inaccessible club in the world."
“Club members included men such as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field, to name only a few. Members prized the island for its ‘sense of splendid isolation,’ as well as its beautiful landscape and moderate climate. At a time when the idea of a modern seaside resort was still a novelty, members experienced levels of luxury and service that were remarkable, even by today’s standards.” For more information about Jekyll Island go to: http://www.jekyllisland.com/About/HistoryofJekyllIsland/HistoricSites/HistoricLandmarkDistrict.aspx
We rode around the historic district marveling at the mansions. Many of the old homes are museums that can be toured, they were not open when we were there. Jekyll Island is a must stop on a return trip through Georgia.
As I write this journal entry, the boat is moving side to side and the 30 mph winds whistle through the rig. At least we are tied to a dock and may be for several days to come. We arrived in New Smyrna, Florida late yesterday afternoon after two long days of travel. The highlight of the evening was a visit to an Irish bar several blocks away. The Guinness was flowing and the freshly made chowders were delicious. Topping it off was excellent live music and good company.
November 29, 2011
Good morning from Fort Pierce, FL our home for the past 3 weeks. This has been our family stop. We have spent time with Mike’s family who live in Fort Pierce. We are trying desperately to lose the weight we gained from the delicious Thanksgiving dinner as well as all of the other meals we ate at Mike’s sister’s house.
Tomorrow we drive to Long Boat Key, on the other side of the state, to help Francie’s parents settle into their winter home. It will give us a chance to visit before returning to Fort Pierce.
If the weather cooperates, we will leave around December 7th for Fort Lauderdale and then the Keys.
The list of jobs to do during our stay has grown shorter, and we are pleased with our improvements. We have installed a VHF in the cockpit, replaced old anchor chain, added a couple of shut off switches on some electronics and made sunbrella covers for the diesel and gas cans. We can walk to West Marine from the marina, which is both a curse and a blessing. We have been there so often it is like walking into “Cheers” where everyone knows your name and credit card number.
Good morning from Fort Pierce, FL our home for the past 3 weeks. This has been our family stop. We have spent time with Mike’s family who live in Fort Pierce. We are trying desperately to lose the weight we gained from the delicious Thanksgiving dinner as well as all of the other meals we ate at Mike’s sister’s house.
Tomorrow we drive to Long Boat Key, on the other side of the state, to help Francie’s parents settle into their winter home. It will give us a chance to visit before returning to Fort Pierce.
If the weather cooperates, we will leave around December 7th for Fort Lauderdale and then the Keys.
The list of jobs to do during our stay has grown shorter, and we are pleased with our improvements. We have installed a VHF in the cockpit, replaced old anchor chain, added a couple of shut off switches on some electronics and made sunbrella covers for the diesel and gas cans. We can walk to West Marine from the marina, which is both a curse and a blessing. We have been there so often it is like walking into “Cheers” where everyone knows your name and credit card number.
Ft. Lauderdale Winter Boat Parade
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Ft. Lauderdale to Marathon Taken from anchorage in Ft. Lauderdale
December 14, 2011
We arrived in Marathon, which is on one of the middle Keys, yesterday afternoon just as the wind began to howl. After bidding our friends a hasty goodbye, we left Fort Lauderdale at noon on Monday to try to beat the anticipated strong northeast winds and building seas. We expected the seas to be a little rough, but were pleasantly surprised that it was not as bad as we anticipated. We sailed until midnight and anchored behind a Rodriquez Key. An hour before arriving in Marathon the dreaded north winds began to howl. They are still howling and will continue for the next few days. Fortunately we are tucked away in a well-protected marina, which will be home for the next couple of months. As snow birds we are still adjusting to the concept of Christmas without snow – poor us having to endure weather that is in the 70’s. We can see the raised eyebrows and hear the sarcastic tone of our northern friends and family, “Poor you having to wear short and t-shirts. Have you adjusted to wearing flip flops in the winter?” Never-the-less, we find ourselves a little homesick missing warmth of our family and friends. We both wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year that fulfills your needs and wishes. |