It is good to be underway. We cast off to a glorious sunrise. Dolphins escorted us for most of the day. We enjoyed getting back into the rhythm of sailing: the gentle rocking of the boat, the wind in our face, the sunshine on our skin, the lathering of sunscreen, the spraying of insect repellent.

It is bug season! There are “no see’ums” (little buggers who play dirty), love bugs (they fly in formation copulating!), midges, and ugly green-headed flies which somehow found their home in our home!

Our route today is Isle of Hope (Savannah) to Beaufort (South Carolina) – about 7.5 hours of sailing. Approaching Hilton Head the weather gods looked like they might play with us. Happy to report the fair weather stayed.

We are now tied up in the Downtown Marina – quite literally in the heart of historic Beaufort. And Beaufort is a beautiful place! After squaring away we walked part of the waterfront and into the historic town, all just at our feet. We indulged in a horse carriage historic tour. Our guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. It was a wonderful oversight of the town. Not only did she explain the history of the Revolution and Civil Wars, but also the Gullah culture, church history, notable citizens and the gossip on actors and actresses. Quite a few movies have been filmed here: Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, Rules of Engagement…

The architecture is stunning. Buildings from pre-Revolutionary War to antebellum to Victorian, the town and historic centre is stepping back in time. The majestic live oaks, angel oaks, magnolias, Spanish moss and resurrection moss work together to create a southern genteel ambiance.

Our guide brought it all to life: the Arsenal packed with gunpowder to fight the Redcoats; the slaves working in the big houses; the garden parties designed to parade heiresses for the marriage market; Union forces headquartered in the town with churches requisitioned as hospitals and grave stone slabs used as operating tables; slaves freed and fighting for freedom; carpetbaggers and the part they played in creating Victorian mansions; and the effects of the movie making business on Beaufort.

Have you heard the saying “saved by the bell”? The story, not sure if is true, was that when someone died from yellow fever they were buried with a string tied to their little finger attached to a bell at the grave site. If they “awoke” as some apparently did, they could ring the bell and be dug up – so saved by the bell. The practice was abandoned when a strong wind blew up causing 200 exhumations to no avail.

I’m in history heaven!

Such is Life!

The first week of our return to USA has been one involving work, relaxation and discovery.

After swabbing the decks, washing the windows, dusting and provisioning the boat (housework on a small scale), Mark surprised me with a mystery drive – a Mother’s Day visit to Claire.

Claire and family were equally surprised when we rocked up. The time spent with family is always priceless and this was no exception. Back on the road after two nights – too short, but so worth it. A side treat was seeing much of Georgia in our 8-hour dash to Tennessee and another 8 hours back again to Savannah. Plus, we ‘dropped in’ on our friends, the Turners, for morning coffee.

Back to Bushranger with Mark doing a lot more boy stuff in the man cave (engine room). He fired her up today and she purred beautifully. He also serviced our bicycles in preparation of a discovery ride. Unfortunately, a no-go! My bike requires major attention, with a suspected inner tube replacement needed.

Isle of Hope is a gorgeous piece of Georgia containing architectural gems and history of Colonial times, Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

We visited Wormsloe, the 1736 colonial estate of Noble Jones… and it is next door to our marina! The 400 live oak avenue runs 1 mile to the ruins of the original tabby house. We undertook a very informative tour, strolling the bucolic grounds. You could just see the Spanish trying to sail past Jone’s Narrows; the British Redcoats in scout boats; Union troops ransacking the residence; and a little bootlegging gin during Prohibition.

Love being immersed in history! The bugs… not so much!

Such is Life!

We have arrived in Savannah, Georgia, after a long and grueling day of travel. All up we undertook two Uber rides and three air flights resulting in 28 hours from door to boat. We experienced two sunrises and one sunset – all on the same day and continents apart! Way too long without sleep. A hard slog!

We always wonder in what condition we will find Bushranger. We left her 10 weeks ago securely tied up at the Isle of Hope Marina. She has sprung to life, happy to see us.

Before we embark on the next leg of our journey we must undertake a detailed maintenance program to have her in tip-top condition. A little sprucing up is required, along with planned maintenance of engines and other boy stuff. I may even dabble in a little brightwork (varnishing) – ‘little’ being the key word here.

Of course, I will need to get over my jet lag first!

Such is Life!