Magic and Magical

Our route through the southern third of the ICW in Georgia was just inside the barrier islands or Golden Isles according to the marketing folk. We bypassed Cumberland Island but did catch a glimpse of the famous wild horses. Anyone who was horse mad or had a horse mad child will be familiar with the book Misty of Chincoteague and understand why I was looking forward to seeing the only unmanaged wild horse herd in the US. Canadians will recognize the similarities between my photo of the horses and any moose photo.

We spent a night on Jekyll Island, the next of the golden isles. It was at one time an exclusive hunting club for families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, and Baker. It is credited with being the birthplace of the US Federal Reserve. The marina had a loaner golf cart that we used to circumnavigate the island and check out the old historic “cottages” and newer developments on the oceanside.

We added to our boating skills on Jekyll Island. We had stopped on the fuel dock for a pump-out. The tide was running around three knots and a wind gusting to 25 was holding us to the dock. To get to our slip, we need to pivot the boat around its’ bow using a ball fender and line on a bow cleat. Reversing towards the dock and against the line kicked the stern out allowing us to turn end-for-end.

Our next night was on St. Simon Island, only an hour to the north. We had planned on two nights but a change in weather and the length of the walk to shore encouraged us to leave early next morning. We travelled with Jodi and Trish on Last Chance leaving before dawn.

Within 30 minutes, the barrier islands were behind us and we moved into the true Low-country. This area runs from from Mid-coastal Georgia to North Carolina and in many areas is physically below sea level.

This coastal region is distinguished by an amazing natural environment– miles of scenic marshes, winding rivers, estuaries where fresh & salt water mix and dolphins and shrimp (and sharks) swim. The simple landscape and abundant wildlife creates a tranquil, almost dreamlike setting.

Our trip also took us across some big sounds. The stiff breeze created some good sized waves but fortunately Last Chance was leading and knocked the worst of them down for us.

We ended the day at Kilkenny Marina in Richmond, Georgia. Built on an old plantation, the marina seems to make time stand still.

We were also lucky enough to meet Dorothy and Terry (aka Captain Crusty) who are famous in looper lore. At 77 and 70, they are still travelling on Magic. We enjoyed dinner ashore with Magic and Last Chance; telling stories and jokes. Some true, some not.