Journey's End

Location: Isle of Hope, Georgia

Log: 2,620

I anchored last night on the Wahoo River, just north of Sapelo Sound, after a very long day in the Intracoastal Waterway. Winds were high so crossing each of the four sounds was very rough. I even broke the fifth of the six wine glasses I started with last fall.

I awoke this morning to a spectacular spring morning. It was about 62 degrees with a nice breeze. The air had the distinct aroma of the low country, not at all unpleasant, although it is caused by marsh gasses. I had slept with the windows open and, thank goodness, with the screens closed. The outside of the boat was swarming with the deer flies which make their appearance every year here between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. It was difficult to go out on the bow to raise the anchor with the swarming, biting creatures.

I left the anchorage at about 8:30 this morning and enjoyed a spectacular day, arriving at Isle of Hope Marina at 1:30 pm. The entire trip from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin has covered 2,620 nautical miles in 397 hours of engine time, an average speed of 6.6 knots. Doing my part for global warming, I have burned some 1,550 gallons of diesel fuel, averaging 3.9 gallons per hour or 1.7 miles per gallon.

Steel Magnolia will be spending the summer in and around the Savannah area. We have many improvements yet to make so there will be no major trips this summer. If all is well, we hope to take her south next winter and spring. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted on our future travels.