Monday, April 14, 2014 – 8 PM – Leg 9/Days 13, 14, & 15 of The Great Loop – 39.3 Miles

Two days off was just what the body & soul needed. The weather turned colder and windier so staying mostly indoors was in order. After hooking up at the marina, the laundry was done, the old girl was cleaned top to bottom and now is all sparkly. The TV Antenna that was purchased required some wiring to be pulled through the cabin, but to check it first, a wire was run to the outside. It got a pretty good signal, so the decision was made to pull it through the walls and out to the rails overhead where the solar panels are located. The antenna can now be dropped in when needed and stows away when traveling.

There was a small restaurant not too far away, but it was drizzly, so the choice to take a taxi instead of riding the scooter sounded like a better idea. It was a nice steak, great bread, veggies not so much as they were a bit on the mushy side.

After the day at the marina, it was time to moor out again across on the ICW and save on the slip fees. Most of the time was spent on the boat, but while there was a break in the weather, the scooter was a nice diversion around town. I met a lot of nice people out and about and came real close to getting a dog. There was a family selling Shih-Tzu's at one of the markets and I almost could not help myself. But better judgment prevailed. It would be nice to have a travel companion, but on this first go around, taking care of any animal would be a tremendous distraction from the goal.

The leg today was a little shorter than the last and also shorter than the next two, only 39 miles today and that was just about right. It was much lonelier on the water today after being around people all weekend. After crossing the Georgia line, it was deserted all the way except for St. Andrews and St. Simons Sounds. Even there it sure wasn't much to see; some big ships off in the distance and some barges close by, but pretty slow all day, but those were some of the larger bodies of water that have been traversed to date.

Civilization is almost non-existent here. Lots of marshes off to each side and it's interesting to see the water rise and cover everything, and then at low tide, just a bunch of muddy sand everywhere.

Troupe Creek Marina is close by, but the boat is anchored out in a little side stream off the ICW. It's gotten very clear, but it is still pretty cold. The wind is from the land side and seems to be much drier. The cockpit is going to become the sleeping porch tonight with the screen up. It just feels like a night to be outside.

My birthday is coming up and the thought is to ride the celebration into Hilton Head. That means that the next two legs of 50 miles each are going to be broken into 3 legs of about 35 miles each. That should make the arrival by the weekend and once there maybe someone can be found to celebrate with me.

Abba Father, bless all I love and keep them safe and well. I miss them dearly and hope to see them again soon. Tonight let your Holy Spirit bring all together in spirit.