LOOP Report 04/23/2005

Beaufort, South Carolina
April 23, 2005

The stories continue as we head north and enter the Low Country…Looks much like the prairies as the marsh lands go on and on forever, this they call the low country. Much history lays here on the land and the water, Spanish Forts and British Forts and American Forts both Southern and Union Forts many battlegrounds and wasted lives all over what seems to be marsh after marsh after more marsh.The only living thing surviving all this conflict intact was the Flying Teeth you may know as Gnats or no see-ums. And they show no mercy as well as the oldtimers did years ago. Now, we all know more or less this history so we’ll mention the more enjoyable side of all these destinations we are now tracking through. St. Augustine (and also Fernandina Beach) was the parting town of Florida and the attractions are many and a trolley ride around the city was interesting for it’s beautiful buildings and homes. Many art galleries/gift emporiums and most objects made in China it seems. This town is all about Henry Flagler who built railroads and monumental hotels back in early 1900’s. The weather is still in 70’s-80’s so it’s great sightseeing weather. Should we mention the superb seafood again? Onwards to the next great State of Georgia, docking at Thunderbolt Marina to see Savanna and what a pretty town this is, georgous oak lined streets with Spanish Moss hanging all about .and cobblestone everywhere.The choices of sightseeing are horse and carriage, bus, trolley or shoes. We chose the trolley ( made to look like a minature train) and shoes the second day. River street is all neatly restored to old glory and pretty shops and gallery spaced between bistros and candy, and ice cream shops.We voted for the bistros. If there had’ve been a Boater’s World or a West Marine we would have lost the male vote. Hey, we got there the next day, needed couple of things before heading for the City Market Village. Pat and I had to stop and have a Tapas of beef and hot, spicy Italian sausage.accompanied by cool beer. This was a good stop over between Trolleys and Shoes. But now on to other places. Took off for Beaufort, South Carolina. Oh, I forgot to mention the marina in Thunderbolt embellished our boat every morning with local newspaper and Krispee Kreems for all. A long day cruising through the ICW river systems and across a couple of large sounds including waiting a moment for a Humongus freighter coming down the Savanna River from the Atlantic. No use telling him to slow down and watch his wake or change his heading.So we showed him the courtesy of allowing his passage unobstructed, not to mention he also did have the right of way. Arrived at The Beaufort City Marina, by backing down into the dock against a current of 6 Knots with all others watching and waiting for the fun to begin, but out of luck they were, as it went without a hitch, thanks to twin engines and a smart crew, now that was intense. This town is very historical having been the area where the Civil War was also very intense with General Sherman burning down the town. Later the Declaration of Emacipation was signed and implemented by Ab Lincoln. Many Baptist Churchs, The Tabernacle, The Beaufort. And The First African Baptist of 1865. Also other early churches like St.Helena’s established as an Eplacopal Parish June 7, 1712 and with a cemetery with British Soldiers who fought and died in battle 1779. This was the 9th state of the original 13, Georgia being the 13th. A walk about showed beautiful homes and gardens and suggests to visitors this is a good place to hang up your hat. Tomorrow we set off for Charlston with our hats still on.

Southern Loopers,
Ted, Pat, David and Susan.