June 20, 2020

We were heading to Beaufort, SC via the Atlantic instead of the Intracoastal so that we could get a jump on distance. We'd prepared ourselves for about a 24 hour journey.The departure from St. Augustine went off without a hitch and we made the 10 am opening of Bridge of Lions. We made our way out to the ocean through the St. Augustine inlet and we were happy to see fairly flat seas as predicted (that isn't always the case). Winds were on the low side around 6 knots so we decided to motor sail to keep up some speed. The winds were optimal for a spinnaker but unfortunately we still had not pulled that sail out of her bag to see her condition and we didn't feel this was the time to shake her out...in hindsight we should have. Around 7 pm our engine just quit and we were unable to get her restarted. Bruce checked the usual culprits the best he could but to no avail. We pressed on undersail making 3 to 5 knots for most of the next 12 hours. It was a beautiful night and fortunately we had wind that was 8 to 12 knots out of the southeast.


The sun came up and the wind died. We were lucky if we were making 3 knots. We looked at our options and decided that we needed to find a place with a mechanic and marina that could take us in. We were slightly north of St. Simons Island and felt that if we tacked a bit south we might pick up some wind and could make it into Brunswick, GA. We managed to get a bit closer to Brunswick and when we finally got a cell signal we called Brunswick Landing Marina and a tow boat to bring us in. We were still about 12 nm offshore when they picked us up. I was very happy to see them and enjoyed the tow in to shore. It was very hot and getting quite miserable without much of a breeze to cool us. We finally made it in to Brunswick around 3 pm on June 21-Father's Day. We had a similar experience on a Father's Day on Lake Michigan about 12 years ago. Perhaps we shouldn't sail on Father's Day anymore.


We settled ourselves into the marina and immediately connected the air conditioner. What a relieve that it was working! And of course I had to immediately take the dogs to shore to relieve themselves. When I got to the top of the dock my eyes were so happy to see a dog park! I quickly got them in there, unhooked their leashes and got attacked by mosquitoes! They were vicious. And this was at 3 pm, not dusk and it was hot! I was getting a little concerned that we may have made a mistake coming to Brunswick. Needless to say we quickly went back to the boat, stopping at the marina office on the way. I was informed that the mosquitoes had just arrived about 3 days prior and they were trying to get them under control. It didn't help that across the river there is a marsh. We just covered ourselves in bug repellent every day we went out. And as promised the mosquitoes have really become more manageable over time. The marina is very nice. They have free laundry and free beer on tap in the boaters lounge! No hunting and scrounging up quarters while we are here. Life's simple pleasures. Tomorrow is Monday and we will be seeking out the mechanic.


Monday we made our way to the boatyard. They said mechanic might be able to stop down today but most likely it would be on Tuesday. We have had our experiences with boat yards and mechanics and we would be really surprised if we were actually fortunate enough to see a mechanic that quickly. Monday came and went, no mechanic. Tuesday the same. Bruce went back on Wednesday and was told Monday for sure. Well I guess we're here for the long haul. As it turns out there is a couple here that we had met in Boca Chica. We met up with them in the lounge and had some drinks. As usual there are so many nice cruisers and it's always interesting to hear the stories of travels. We actually met another couple here that was in Bruce's navigation class back in Chicago several years ago. Normally there is a happy hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with wine also supplied by the marina and everyone brings an appetizer to share. We were able to join in the fun for 2 of these our first week here until it was terminated due to Covid 19. Apparently a few of the boaters have tested positive and the lounges were then closed for socializing. It was fun while it lasted but we completely understand and agree.


I don't want to bore you with the monotony of our everyday life here so let me summarize and complete this post. Our dog Phoebe has become more fragile and developed seizures in early July, to the point where she usually has 1/day. We saw the vet and started her on phenobarbital. We finally got our engine working on July 15th which was just 3 days ago. We have decided that we are going to stay put here as we have a trip planned at the end of July to go to Illinois to see kids, grandkids and friends and due to Phoebe's fragile state. I will add another post when we get back and also some pics of Brunswick. We are within walking distance to the downtown area. There isn't much going on in this town but they do have a few restaurants open and a brand new brewery that is quite nice. Covid numbers are steadily rising in Georgia so we are mainly out for dog walks and occasionally some take out food. Times are crazy but I'm so thankful for this experience.