May 31, 2026 FINALLY, Back on the water

Sunday May 31, 2026.  Brunswick Landing Marina to Vernon River Anchorage                       89 miles and 10 Hours

During my last visit with the orthopedic surgeon following up on my thumb issue, he felt things were sufficiently healed that traveling would be OK.   Just need to tape it up twice a day to compress the swelling and work on some flexibility exercises. After that unplanned month long delay, we finally left the dock today after having the boat docked for three months here at Brunswick Landing Marina. 

680 miles to Norfolk, then up the Chesapeake to Baltimore

Weather for last week and this coming week have been loaded with rainy forecasts. Despite having 70-90 percent chance of rain most days, the reality has been cloudy with an occasional shower or downpour but no long sustained rainfall.  So, it was no surprise when we woke up to a dreary cloudy day.  Off the dock at 7 AM. Working the tides so we have decent water at two critical areas.  Need to hit Mud River around 10:30 to get through there at high water.  Then time the start of an incoming tide at the end of the day while crossing Hell Gate.

Leaving the marine.  Loaded with a huge number of sailing catamarans 

Passing under the Sidney Lanier Bridge shrouded in low level clouds

Scenery is all coastal Georgia marshes and islands.  The ICW constantly winding around in every possible course heading.  Much more enjoyable on a sunny day running from the flybridge than on a dreary day running from inside.  Not too many other boats out.  The primary migration of northbound boaters is over so just a few boats coming and going.  Passing a tug with a single barge was the highlight of commercial traffic while Martha thought a blue hulled Sabre down east style boat that passed us on the way back to Massachusetts looked like a good candidate for our next boat.

Marshland and occasional islands along the ICW

Trying to stay ahead of the rainstorm

We were surprised at the lack of dolphin sightings for most of the trip.  That was until we hit Creighton Narrows and marker 155.  Not sure why they were all congregated here but there were dozens on hand and all willing to take turns playing in our wake or at the bow.   Great photo opportunity. Always makes me wonder what they are thinking as they swim on their side with one eye looking up at me while I'm   looking down at them.  

Amazing at how effortlessly they glide along in front of the boat

Made it safely to our anchorage without going aground or getting hit by any heavy rain.  Hope we'll be as lucky tomorrow.  Boat ran flawlessly.  All equipment running normal temperatures during our every 2-hour engine room checks.  Overall, a good successful day to start this trip. We'll need more like this in order to hit that expected June 15 arrival in Baltimore. 

Journey for May 31, 2026