Resuming our Journey South - Freezing Weather and Ice Storms Welcome Cats Paws to the Deep South!

Last Thursday, January 23rd we were finally able to leave NJ after snow storm Janus cleared out.  As we drove south we watched the temps gradually warm up from 8 - 20 degrees and then finally 45 in South Carolina!!  Spent the night in Camden, South Carolina to visit my cousins who I had not seen in 22 years!  Friday we arrived in Beaufort, SC to finally reunite with Cats Paws who was waiting for us since her delivery in October.  We were so lucky to keep her at such a safe port and in the care of Rick Butler.  No worries that Cats Paws was well taken care of! The boat looked great when we arrived.  Here we spent the weekend getting things back together and provisioning.  Beaufort is a beautiful town and definitely will stop on our way back. 

Monday, January 27th we are finally ready to resume our journey South. Perfect weather - calm, sunny and temps reaching the 60's in pm.  Rick wanted to make sure we had a proper departure!!

  Progressed through the ICW from Beaufort to Savannah (actually Thunderbolt).  Passed Hilton Head Island at noon and approached the Savannah River approx. 3:00 (had to wait to cross until a huge container ship passed).  I drove and navigated while Fred worked on our boat heater (he wanted to make sure I was warm!)  Original plans were to anchor out in the Herb River just south of Thunderbolt, but after hearing of the freezing rain forecast we decided to get a slip at Thunderbolt Marina.  Had the heat running the entire trip!! Perks for this stop - free Krispy Kreme donuts!!  A half dozen were waiting for us in the cockpit when we woke up yesterday morning!  Also we took advantage of this stop   for a visit to Savannah.  We were able to take the CAT bus route - quite the adventure! We ate lunch at the Pirate House (oldest house in Ga - 1734).   Due to the storm the buses stopped running by 6:00pm - they are definitely not prepared for ice and snow.     It was the talk of the town (like they were calling for a blizzard!!).  Everything is shut down today - even the marina. At least we have wifi service here so I can start this blog!  Hopefully we can get underway again tomorrow, if not definitely Friday!!  Will keep you all posted!

Icicles on Sail Cover at Thunderbolt