Just a sweet old song

Oyster Bay Yacht Club, Fernandina Beach, Florida

We stopped at our final Florida Council Club – located at the northern tip of Oyster Bay Harbor, in north east Florida – Oyster Bay (OB) Yacht Club. True to their name, we confirmed OB serves Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

But no, Gail, we did not get to enjoy one of our favorite white wines since the yacht club was closed to visitors and members – reserved for a wedding. A big thanks to OB club members from M/V BadLad, Kemper and Anne Harr, who gave us a personal tour of the community. Congrats on your new Sabre!

At some point, the wedding party came to us! This photo is for Phil, our favorite wedding crasher.

Georgia on my mind

We said goodbye to Florida, for the summer, followed by a sweet hello to Georgia. This is for Mark C, a perfect fit for his smooth voice. Go ahead, sing along.

Ray Charles – Georgia on my mind.

Jekyll Island, GA

Some of our boater friends (DB) prefer to blast past GA. Not us. We enjoy the slow journey of the ICW, preferring to stop along the way. Just look at that smooth water! Full disclosure, this Jekyll Island photo was taken shortly after a formidable thunder and lighting storm.

Boater’s Tip: Zachry’s Riverhouse is found just above the marina, tucked between the trees. The food is good, and the beer is cold.

Zachry’s taxidermied critters are often dressed for the season. Not entirely sure what they are celebrating this time …

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

At the end of the island we discovered ghost crabs. This little character was roughly 3 inches in total.

The ghost crab has phantom-like moves. Their pale coloration, which matches the sand, makes them difficult to spot, and they can quickly disappear into their burrows at the slightest disturbance, capable of moving at speeds up to 10 mph – that’s faster than Exhale at her best speed!

Thanks to Samantha (boss lady at Jekyll) we took the courtesy car to Driftwood Beach, aka the boneyard. Notice the massive trees compared to Capt. Rick, who is slowly walking by!

The beach’s apocalyptic landscape made it a unique filming location for the long running (2010-2022) TV show “The Walking Dead”, and it was the backdrop for a plethora of movies, like “The Tomorrow War” 2021 with Chris Pratt, “X-Men:First Class” 2011, “Red One” (2024), and more.

Here’s a shimmering moon photo for Dave Lubs from my new iPhone.

Brunswick, Golden Isles, GA

The marina was very quiet. Just a short run from Jekyll to Brunswick, time for a fun boat name. Embracing Diversity with our critter lovers, this is for Ynot!!

Boater’s Tip, when you check in tell the dockmaster the number of passengers on board to get a $5 coupon per person for the adorable Coastal Coffee shoppe, where they serve a delicious chicken salad croissant sandwich.

Kilkenny, GA

This is for Tracy Harris, and Lola, who have a love hate relationship with this stop. A few sections of the dock have recently been repaired, but it’s still a wobbly walk from our boat to the shore.

A little history: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kilkenny plantation dates back to 1733; once known for summer fishing vacations, the property changed hands many times. The main house is still standing! Overlooking the river, she’s located directly above the marina.

The magnificent structure was neglected for decades, until Henry Ford acquired it in 1930 – properly restoring it as a private home. Click here if you want to learn more. No worry, speed readers – it’s okay to skip the Wikipedia history lesson and just enjoy the photos.

Isle of Hope, Savannah, GA

Traveling north to Savannah, the sky is befitting at the Isle of Hope. Sit back, relax, enjoy the beauty of Georgia.

Boaters Tip: This family run marina provides two courtesy cars – making it easy to explore and provision. Enjoy the food at several nearby restaurants, or drive to the magic of Savannah!

These whimsical critters can be found at at the Driftaway Cafe

Here’s a garden sloth for Alisha,

and some googly eyes for my birthday boy, Zach Silverstein.

Hello Beaufort, SC!

Beaufort (with a view) is a preferred stop! Boaters – tie up securely with sturdy lines, the marina gets a little rough. Kudos to Capt Rick and Tom Matovich who rescued a certain boat that tried to escape.

Within easy walking distance from the Safe Harbor marina is a quaint town. With a lovely array of boutiques, there are numerous retail options on Bay Street – and on the various side streets – including a great spot for a relaxing pedicure :-) Nail Bar on Bay. Walk ins accepted, or book on line.

Old Bull Tavern, Beaufort, SC

And, Beaufort is home to Capt Rick’s all-time favorite restaurant along the ICW. Located at 205 West St, Old Bull Tavern is a must!

Boater’s Tip, plan ahead (at least one week), Click here – and make your reservations on line, request either the Middle Room or the Pizza Oven Room, and definitely order an Old Fashioned!

We were thrilled to see Ashley Moore again, our fav – thanks for remembering us – you look amazing! Can’t believe your little one is approaching 5. Congrats.

On the topic of amazing, introducing McDreamy eyes Derek (for all of you Grey’s Anatomy fans), co-owner and host extraordinaire; thanks for the amazing strawberry corn cake!

Who else has been there: definitely Jeff and Dr. Patty North, Trevor, Tim and Tracy Harris, and Gail and David Bernstein; any others?

We left the dock today at 06:15, as the sun was gently rising. Unexpected bonus for the early start time – on the VHF radio we heard a distinguished, familiar voice – shout out to Lorrie and Rodger Swink on Reality, ships passing at first light!

Next Stop: Charleston, SC

Happy Memorial Day everyone. A sad thank you to all those military men and women who we have lost. Here’s a little photo of my father, who served during WWII.

Celebrating Milestones:

Anniversaries – May 25, Gail & David; May 26, Jeff & Dr. Patty North; May 27, Carly & Brandon

Birthdays – May 25, Zach Silverstein; May 28, Scott Ginsburg; Brennyn; May 29 Doug Belknap; and May 31, Pamela Ledward.

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