Friday, May 21
St. Mary’s to Saint Simons Island
36.5 NM 6.5 hours underway
The day began quietly at St. Mary’s, the kind of still morning that makes it hard to leave. But anxious to get to St. Simons, we pulled up anchor at first light and headed north.
The run toward St. Simons Island offered a little bit of everything —wide open water, winding marshes, an ocean run and the reminder that you’re sharing these waterways with more than recreational boaters.
St. Mary’s Sunrise
As we approached Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, the tone shifted. Off in the distance was a submarine—low, sleek, and imposing. Seeing one in person is something else entirely; photos don’t quite capture the scale. Not far beyond, additional Navy vessels came into view, a mix of support ships and patrol craft – ensuring we kept a respectful distance (the machine gun on the front didn’t hurt either). There’s something surreal about cruising along on your own boat thinking about a submarine in the same waters.
Once past the naval activity, the scenery shifted again into classic coastal Georgia—expanses of marsh grass, crab pots on land due to tidal changes, dolphins making their occasional appearances, and our first jaunt into the ocean. Those crab pots are much easier to see when they’re in the mud!
Getting onto the dock at St. Simon’s was a harrowing experience with the winds and the current working against us. We have never been so grateful for two dockhands. After getting settled, the best part of the day was still ahead.
Friends of ours from Vero moved to St. Simon’s about 10 years ago – so we were able to catch up with them. They were gracious enough to not only make dinner – but run a load of laundry. An evening with Hol & Ant always proves to be filled with lots of laughs rehashing memories and today was no different.
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