Redbird Creek - Day 19

Hell Gate.

The forecasters continued to underestimate the influence of Noel. The NE winds were brisk as we departed Port Royal Landing with the tide. Julep zipped by Parris Island and around into the Broad River and Port Royal Sound which are the northern boundary of Hilton Head Island. We were trailed by four sailboats which left the Beaufort area at the same time.

We continued to make great time inside Hilton Head and around Dafuskie Island heading toward the Savannah River and Georgia. Running at low tide created a few skinny moments but it was perfect. We crossed the Savannah River just before the Coast Guard shut down cross traffic to allow a huge gas carrier to leave the terminal just north of the AICW crossing at Field's Cut. With hot bratwursts on the luncheon cuisine, we caught an opening at the Causton Bluff Bridge as a shrimp boat cleared the way heading north.

A few dolphins were spotted and for the unbelievers, a picture of one was captured. With a nice run past Isle of Hope we turned into the Vernon River with the wind trucking from behind.

Hell Gate is this notorious 1/2 mile stretch of shoals the connect the Little Ogeechee River and the Ogeechee, both of which drain into Ossabaw Sound and the Atlantic. At low tide this stretch is about 6 foot deep and one mistake with the fast perpendicular current and you are calling the towboats. So it is with no coincidence that we make the passage one hour before high tide. Finding the markers hidden by the glaring sun, a 20 mph cross wind and a 3 knot current required attention.

So we survived Hell Gate one more time and made the last 4 miles to Redbird Creek just north of the Florida Passage. We stayed on Redbird this past spring with Kim on our way north from St Mary's. It is a deep and swift stream that provides good swing room for a boat our size. The extra rode is needed to allow for the 6 ft tidal range.

We enjoyed shrimp and grits using the Gullah mix that is popular in the low country and a clear sunset. We are entering a section of the barrier islands where there are no houses so we enjoyed the dark skies and stars.

Data: 07:40 to 15:45. Engine hours 997.