Trawler Punches on the IntraCoastal Waterway

Today was another perfect Carolina morning. We started very early at 6 am to be able to reach Charleston on slack tide. The current can be a problem in front of the city Marina and we decided to eliminate that issue. It was just a short run today to the marina where we arrived about 9:30 am. Winds had started to pick-up just as we arrived and we docked on the outside of the MegaDock where all the big yachts are. They can also fuel at the sliups, but the negative is we are exposed to the chop which increases when wind and tide are opposed. We bought 176 gallons of diesel at $2.27 per gallon. For this part of the trip we burned an average of 2.86 gph or 2.82 mpg.
We will spend another day here enjoying the city which has all the spring flowers blooming!!!!
Today's Stats: Location City Marina, Charleston, SC, ICW MM 469, miles traveled 29.50, average speed 8.43 mph ( 7.32 knots )

Sometimes plans change fast on the water!!!! It was after 4pm at the Factory Creek Anchorage when the wind came up. Combined with strong current the anchor slipped. The spot was tight with docks on one side. We decided to head downriver and take a slip at Ladies Isle Marina. Just after I picked up the anchor the boat started running down the creek sideways until I could apply enough power and turn us around. Once we were tied up the wind dropped to nothing, but we decided to make the safe decision.
Today was warmer ( 55 degrees in the morning and very calm. This made for a smooth crossing of the 10 mile run down the Coosaw River toward St. Helana Sound.
Tonight we are anchored in a very nice spot call Steamboat Creek. On share is a small building that was used to wait for the steamboats to Charleston.
Today's Stats: Location Steamboat Creek, SC, ICW MM 496, distance travelled 42.18 miles, average speed 8.75 mph ( 7.6 knots)

Today started at 38 degrees, but for the first time in days there was no wind. It was cloudly and hazy; this was the first haze we had seen in 4 months. We left Thunderbolt, GA on high tide and again that let us go over areas that are problems at low tide without worry. The same fortune that gave us the high tide also gave us not so great currents today. We crossed Calibouge Sound then then passed Hilton Head on flat calm waters. Next came Port Royal Sound which was also calm. We cruised past the Paris Island Marine Base and heard the sound of the big guns firing.
This afternoon we are anchored in Factory Creek just above Beaufort, SC and next to Ladies Island. The anchorage is just large enough for the boat and as the tide changes we get a pretty good current under the boat. Temperatures have finally warmed to the upper 60's!!!!
Today Stats: Location Factory Creek, SC, ICW MM 536, miles traveled 48.58, average speed 8.1 mph ( 7.03 knots )

We started the day cool again, about 39 degrees. Winds were light and today we had to cross the sounds of Doboy, Sapelo, and St. Catherines. The last two had some 1-2 foot chop due to winds going against the 2 knot current. Here we have 8 foot tides and the difference between going against or with the current can be as much as 3 knots ( 6 vs... 9 knots speed ). We also passed a number of areas that can be trouble at low tide. We made it through all but one with water to spare, but at Hell's Gate we were on dead low tide. Still we did not see any problem areas for my 4 foot draft, but two sailboats in front had to weave to find deeper water. We are looking forward to the warmer weather predicted for later this week. Tonight we are at Thunderbolt Marina near Savannah, GA. We had dinner at our local favorite , Tubbys Tank House and tomorrow the marina will bring fresh donuts before we leave.
Today's Stats: Location, Thunderbolt, GA ICW MM 583, distance traveled 66.57 miles, average speed 8.48 mph ( 7.36 knots)

Today we delayed our departure because of wind in the marina. The boat is 39 feet long overall and the fairway at the marina way maybe 50 feet wide. We decided to wait for dock help before leaving. It turned out we were Ok and the dock hand did little we could not have done for ourselves. Once underway we discover that winds dropped ( we left at 8:15 am ) and sea conditions were just a light chop. Today we crossed Cumberland, Jekyll, St. Simons, Buttermilk and Altamahaaltimeter Sounds. All of the crossings were easy and we have very favorable currents. The only tight spot was in Jekyll Creek off Jekyll Island which we went through at dead low tide. In some spots there was only about a foot of water under the boat. Tonight we are anchored in the middle of the wonderful and golden Georgia marshes. There is not a house or another boat around. Its supposed to be very cold tonight, near freezing, and I expect we will have to use the generator for heat tomorrow morning.
Today's Stats: Location Back River, Doboy Island, Georgia, ICW MM 651, miles traveled 70.06, average speed 8.92 mph ( 7.74 knots )

It was quiet but 36 degrees this morning, yikes!!!!!! Winds as predicted started to kick-up soon after sunrise and soon were over 15 knots. We decided not to anchor tonight, instead we stopped at Amelia Island Yacht Basin. The marina is nice and they gave us a free van to use. We toured the nice historic district of Fernandiana Beach and also stopped off to pick up some provisions for the boat. This morning I steered the boat about 50% inside to stay warm, but discovered its harder to see things in the water from downstairs. A small log or piece of wood it the boat and I never saw it. As far as I can tell no harm was done. Currents in general today were favorable and even with the winds the crossing of the St.John's River and Nassau Sound were OK.
Today's Stats: Location Amelia Island Yacht Basin, FL, ICW MM 720, miles traveled 45.69, average speed 8.30 mph ( 7.2 knots )

We left Daytona Beach under cloudly skies and 58 degrees. For some reason every time we are in Daytona it is cool and cloudly!!!! Winds picked-up after sunrise and were soon in the 15 knot plus range from the NW. That provided some chop in the ICW. The good new today is that good currents pushed us all the way. We were lucky in St Augustine. The Bridge of Lions is under reconstruction and a very restrictive opening schedule. With the tide down were were able to get under without an opening.
Tonight we are anchored again at Pine Island about 10 miles above St Augustine. We had a perfect sunset over the marsh and the wind has dropped. Temperatures for the next 3 days or so are supposed to be below normal. Today for the first time we ran the boat from the inside to keep warm some of the time. Quite a change from the Keys just a little over a week ago.
Today's Stats: Location Pine Island, FL, ICW MM 765, miles traveled 64.42, average speed 9.2 mph ( 7.99 knots)

We left Tiitusville with 70% chance of rain in forecast. Instead the rain went north and south of us. The day alternated between some clouds and sun as we left the Indian River, made our way up Mosquito Lagoon and then back into protected rivers to Daytona Beach. Today we passed 3 sailboats all going north ( 1 to NC and 1 to MD ) but otherwise ICW traffic was very light. Tonight we are anchored between bridges in Daytona Beach. Temperatures are cooler ( mid 60's ) and they are calling for cool nights the next few days The winds are supposed to pick-up tomorrow, but all of theday's trip is in protected so we should be OK.
Today's Stats: Location Daytona Beach, FL, ICW MM 829, miles traveled 49.82, average speed 8.3 mph

This morning winds were lighter around 10 knots from the NW. We made our way up the Banana River which is poorly marked and shallow, past Port Canaveral, through the barge canal and back to the ICW. The chop was about 1 foot and at reduced speed we had a good ride. Tonight we are at the Titusville Marina. We walked into town and had dinner at Dixie Crossroads which is a famous local seafood restaurant. We were early and when we left at 6:30 there was maybe a 45 minute wait to get in. Tomorrow we will finish the Indian River and head for Daytona Beach.
Today's stats: Location Titusville Marina, ICW MM 879, distance travelled 37.15 miles, average speed 7.43 mph

Today at sunrise found a strong south wind. The forecast was for 20 plus knots of winds and gusts into the 30's. We decided to enjoy another day at the Marina at Patrick AFB. The temperate set a record today here - 90 degrees!!!! This will probably the last 90's we see until summer in Virginia. ! During the day Air Force transports practiced short field takeoffs and landings. Winds are supposed to drop tomorrow and shift North to North West.

We left Ft Pierce under sunny skies and moderate 8 knot south winds. Seas were almost flat. As the day went on the wind increased to 15 knots and the chop to maybe 1 foot. Since it was behind us it helped our speed. This part of the ICW is straight north with little to see along the way. Boat traffic was again light and we did not have to deal with many large boat wakes.
Tonight we are staying in Manatee Cove Marina at Patrick Air Force Base in Melbourne, Florida as guests of Bob McLeren and Judy Young. Its a nice facility about 5 miles up the Banana River across from Meritt Island.
The forecast is for stronger south winds tomorrow, but with them behind us that should be OK
Todays Stats: Location Melbourne, Fl, ICW MM 914, distance travelled 59.35 miles, average speed 8.91 mph

We stayed one day at the Marina in Admiral's Cove at Jupiter, FL and visited with friends. Today we started later than usual at 10:41 am. It started out sunny but quickly turned cloudy and winds increased to 10 knots from the East. On a Sunday there are many boats on the ICW in Florida and you have to travel with care. The tide and current was favorable and we made good time over the ground. With less sun it felt cold and at Stuart we traveled from the tropical zone of Florida to the temperate zone. We are now on the wide Indian River and will be for about 3 days. Tonight we are tied up at the Ft. Pierce City Marina. Most docks are now new and rebuilt after the hurricanes of almost 2 years ago.
We also filled up the boat : diesel $2.62/gal 63 gallons, burned 1.97 gph, 3.63 mpg
Today's stats: Location ICW MM 966.5 Ft Pierce City Marina, traveled 43.06 miles, average speed 8.6 mph

The morning was calm and a little cooler ( 58 degrees). We had three other boats with us, two trawlers and a sailboat. With another seven bridges to open and most with restrictions, it is necessary to carefully calculate speed between bridges so that you make them on time, but not too early. On this section of the waterway at trawler speed you can make all of the bridges but one. That bridge would require a 12 mph speed which is a little too much for a trawler. The effect is to add 30 minutes to the trip because you miss an opening. Fast boats have no advantage here, as all of this part of the ICW is posted idle speed or minimum wake ( 15 inches ).
Traffic was light on the waterway until West Palm Beach where there were many boats waiting for bridge openings. Just after West Palm a large Sport Fish passed us very close at high speed and really rolled us with his wake. We were warned he was coming by another boat but it was little help.
Tonight we are at Admirals Cove Marina in Jupiter. We will stay here two or three nights.
Today's Stats: Location Admirals Cove Marina, Jupiter, FL ICW MM 1007.6, Miles traveled 35.29, average speed 6.23 mph

Today we started the day with east winds of 10 knots. Three other boats shared the anchorage at Key Biscayne and two were over 50 feet long. We had a nice view of the Miami skyline before sunup. The first part of the trip thru Miami was very quiet and we saw very few other boats. When we reached Ft. Lauderdale which was our original destination for the day we decided to go on. With little traffic we could then complete the restricted part of the ICW which has heavy traffic on weekends before everyone else hits the water. At Ft. Lauderdale we picked up about seven other boats including a small cruise ship and together we went from bridge to bridge timing our progress to just make each one. In all we lifted 12 bridges today. Even having been this way before we always marvel at how the homes get bigger and bigger. We also noticed homes clearly just being left to rot as the land value increases. The owners realize that the land is worth so much it is not worth maintaining the house anymore as the lot prices increase. I also marvel how much dock space sits empty in front of homes even during high season.
Local Sights:Ship that transports yachts to West Coast:

ICW Bridge Traffic
todays stats: Location - Pelican Harbor, DelRay Beach, FL, ICW MM 1042, miles traveled 54.09, average speed 7.06 MPH

This morning winds had shifted to N-NE, but still light enough so that the ancorage was calm. We left at 6:30 am with a forecast for increasing winds. Once past a few smaller sounds and into Biscayne Bay we found the wind on the bow and 1-2 foot waves. I dropped boat speed to 7 knots for a smooth ride. It started overcast and we realized that in 3 1/2 months in the Keys it had only rained once or twice and we never had a day without sun. No wonder everyone feels better down there.
We are anchored off Key Biscayne and the only boat here. Its still blowing 15 plus knots, but we are in the lee of the land and its OK. Across the bay 50 sailbaots are in a largeone design regatta making a nice backdrop.
Today's Stats: Locastion Key Biscayne, FL, ICW MM 1095, miles traveled 35.17 average speed 8.12 mph

We are off!!!!! Today started warm ( 72 deg ) and was warmer later ( 85 deg ). Winds were south and because we had a week of Easterly winds the outside passage was still bumpy. We decided to head back " inside" up Florida Bay.
It appears there is less water due to sand being moved by last years storms. For about 10 miles the boat just had enough water to run in ( maybe 4 1/2 feet - boat needs 4 feet ). Clouds of sand rose from the prop wash and the friction with the bottom slowed us down.
It was a smooth ride and two porposes ran with us maybe 15 minutes jumping all the way out of the water. The water was a beautiful clear light green.
Tonight we are anchored at the top of Key Largo in Barnes Sound. The wind should shift North overnight and I picked the spot for North protection. We are hoping the front is not too strong, as tomorrow we cross Key Biscayne which is open water, but protected by the reef.
Today Stats: Location Barnes Sound, FL ICW MM 1128, miles traveled 74.46, average speed 8.27 MPH

It looks like we are two days away from starting our trip back north. For almost the last week in thr Keys we have had 10-15 knot winds and we hope for a little less wind as we head up the Keys toward Biscayne Bay. Yesterday was Sandra's last day working at the Turtle Hospital and today was my last day at Boater's World. We did inventory today at the store which was a long and tiring day.
The boat is ready to go; all the groceries are onbaord and yesterday the diver came to clean the bottom and replace zincs.
We have really settled into the Keys lifestyle and it is bittersweet to be leaving the many new friends we have made.