Skinny Waters
23 November 2009 | Fort Frederica
Today we had to make our way through the ever-troublesome Mud River and Buttermilk Sounds. Published soundings for these areas in September advertised depths of 3 or 4 ft at low tide. We draw 5 and one of our band of three draws 6. So, we timed our crossing for a rising mid to high tide and never saw anything less than 10ft. The tidal ranges down here are around 6 or 7 ft, so you really have to watch traveling on a low or falling tide.
I particularly love this section of Georgia with the endless and desolate marshes. On a sunny day it is spectacular, but unfortunately we had another day of misty gray. However, it is still beautiful and it is nice to pass through long stretches with no McMansions, in fact, no houses at all. We saw an occasional die-hard fisherman and a couple of shrimpers, but that was all.
We are still traveling in our group of three sailboats and I'm happy to say that all of us made it through the shallow spots without difficulty. Buttermilk Sound was nearly blocked by a huge dredge, but he kindly moved his boom so that we could slide by. Those are the kind of tax dollars at work that we sailors are very glad to see.
We anchored tonight at Fort Frederica. Unfortunately, the dinghy dock is gone and according to the park, they are at half-staff and won't be able to fix it until spring 2010. Darn those tax dollars at work. Murph and Dad were undeterred and went to the remnants of the old dock to get ashore. This required a big boost from the dinghy to land on the way in and an Agility Dog trick on the way out. Murphy had to walk a 6-inch wide beam out to the old ladder, as Dad gave him the agility command of "Walk-it". I just knew that training would come in handy someday. I'm also glad no one went for a swim!
The picture shows Mary Lee at dawn on the Wahoo this morning.