Haaaaaaaarrrr, we decided to shower up on deck in the dark in Beaufort. It was sooo humid wooo, we didn't want any more moisture in the boat. So the boys went first, then Gary tee hee...while Gary was up showering our dear sweet first born suggested we turn on the spreader lights...heeee...so we did! The timing couldn't have been better- Gary was lathering his hair with his eyes closed haaaaaaarrrr!! He had no idea he was showering in a spot light haaaaaaaarrrr!!! Then he rinsed and ol'hell broke loose! Haaarr! Gary looked like a frothy ape- whisper/ hollering at us to turn of the GD lights HAAAAAAAAARRRR!!! So perfect!
On to Southern Georgia. Man those night runs are the absolute best! It began with a dozen dolphins escorting us along the way. I had the first shift - alone as we decided to let the boys have a "night off". The nights start so soon now. At 6pm it was dark daaaaark! At around 8 I got the boys up to see the bioluminescence sparkling in the waves. The waves were washes of pure white - magic. Then THEN the dolphins returned and the boys and I watched them spiral and jump out of the water - sea comets. Then THEN a lightning storm off to the west! Wooooo!! The best light show ever. The boys returned to bed and I carried on with my watch. Gary came up at around 1am and took over while I had a few hours to rest. I was back on at 3am until the sky lightened at 6, Gary relieved me and I promptly died in the V berth. It was a rolley poley night, but a really good passage. We arrived at Cumberland Island the water temperature was 84 degrees woo wee! 100% humidity woooo, air temperature 90! Wooooo! So after we had some breakfast we decided to head ashore and try to find the beach on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND! Remember 90 degrees, 100% humidity and we go walking. The beginning was incredible. These gorgeous "Free Oak Trees" they are massive winding trees. Arleigh told me that their branches look like roots.They are huge, and their branches spiral and wind everywhere and they're draped with, what Arleigh informed me is Spanish Moss. It is really wow inspiring. We saw some wild horses, wild turkeys and some of the former residences of the Carnegie family. Then on to the beach. Gary has the map. Gary is a first class navigator. I found myself complementing him on his stellar skills in between heat stroke induced giggles and sobs, as we found ourselves wandering lost through sand dunes with no ocean in sight. Poor Sammy our little Newfoundlander - his cheeks were flushed beat red and his baseball cap was completely soaked through with sweat. But no complaints were heard. And Arleigh was such a tremendous help arguing with Gary as to the direction we should go. Rain clouds formed in the distance, we had left the boat open, so we opted to get to the boat and attempt the beach in the afternoon. After a rest and refresh we headed for the beach again. The route ends up being pretty easy, the navigator just needed a few beers to set him straight. On the way there I was almost ALMOST run over by an 8 point BUCK!! Yes!!! That would have been such a great way to be killed! Gary walked around the bend in the trail, the kids were already miles ahead of us, Gary startled this buck along the trail, who bounded off full tilt around the corner and yeowzahs! He almost ran straight into me. Luckily I have quite a shrill girlish scream when a buck comes barreling straight at me and luckily the buck was on his game, it was almost like he hit my force field and bounced off it you know? Lightning fast reflexes -amazing! So freaking amazing! The beach was well worth getting there it is 18miles long with gorgeous fine white sand, virtually uninhabited except for a few wild horses. The water was beautiful and the boys had an absolute ball frolicking in the waves! They were beaming, grinning from ear to ear as they enjoyed being in their element. We plan to be here until...well...until we're not 