The trip went quicker than had I expected. It always does. There were a couple places I had wanted to visit - Brunswick for one, and also the St. Johns below Palatka - but through good luck I had the chance to see a brother if I made it to Palatka by a certain date. And it was worth missing some sailing to see him, it had been too long.
The temperatures were colder and the tides stronger than past trips. I was pleased to find I had the gear to deal with 40 degree temperatures. And I was surprised by the stronger tides that I found by casting off a week closer to the new moon.
A favorite evening was one I did not intend to spend on Hilton Head. I arrived at Skull Creek mid-morning on Sunday, Superbowl Sunday in fact, and had looked forward to seeing Webb that day and the next, leaving Hilton Head on Tuesday. But Tuesday came with strong winds that went on longer than expected. Webb kindly welcomed me for the extra day. Instead of pounding into the wind and tide, we walked to Hudson Seafood for a late afternoon dinner, then spent the evening enjoying drinks and conversation on the porch. It was very enjoyable.
It was a treat to see Kelli across the water as she set off with her husband for a yacht delivery. A friendly wave on the Skidaway River was perfect. ( I am probably at my best when taken in small doses, and from a distance.)
A birthday on Lincoln Creek, filling in the logbook as I enjoyed a couple of Red Stripe beers, made me smile. I am in the second half of my sixties. It is good to be active, and I think sailing 385 miles in a little boat that I built qualifies as being active.
The photograph above, leaving Jove Creek on my way to Jekyll Island, is one of my favorites of the trip. A perfect morning with good wind and a rushing tide.
The sail into Jacksonville always marks the beginning of the end of the trip. It was a long day, but an excellent day. Sometimes it is good to be hungry and tired.
Many thanks to Pete in Charleston. He always keeps an eye on me, and stores my truck and trailer too. Thank you, Pete.
Thanks also to Bobby in Palatka who offered a free dock if the marina was full like last year.
The Pilgrim and I are off in a day or so for a trip to Costa Rica, a week in the rain forest and a week on a Pacific Beach. I am looking forward to the warm temperatures. The Pilgrim is looking forward to hiking, plus the coffee and cacao farms.
Around the first of May I'll begin the spring trip in North Carolina.
Maybe being retired isn't so bad after all.
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