We all checked our passports and had them in the ready -- as we departed Florida waters for the South Georgia coast. The forecast for high winds and drenching rain, along with the desire to "get off the beaten path" had us charting a course for the quaint town of St Marys, GA. It was a strenuous 8 mile journey from Fernandina Beach up the St. Marys GA. Navigator chose to depart the marina and exit St Marys Inlet for a peak at the coastline from the Atlantic. Ivory Lady cruised up the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) and connected with Navigator - and both captains closely watched the Coast Guard vessel and helicopter to see if a boarding incident was about to occur! Fortunately, they were only doing maneuvers and we didn't look suspicious enough!
Many boaters who travel to this town may be disappointed by a marina whose dockmaster is four blocks away from the slips or a town with only one real bar or a collection of derelict boats that would rival Dog River Alabama, but for us, St. Marys is a refreshing break from the tourist-absorbed conventional city that typically surrounds a marina. The sunsets are spectacular!
Here in St Marys, you find people who defy convention. Witness the spelling of its name (no
apostrophe) or its magnificent park with flowing fountains in a town of only a
few thousand people or the two large buoys in its harbor capable of mooring a
cruise ship that never comes. Their Yacht
Club is completely housed in a single houseboat whose members willingly offer to
chauffeur you wherever you would like to go.
Their restaurant makes all their own sauces, dressings, and condiments
yet charges an average of $15 for their entrees. Their downtown consists of one street three
blocks long yet it is home to five restaurants, two ferry terminals, two
marinas and a park with an amphitheater where the “Friends of the Waterfront”
perform. It is obvious the people of St
Marys emanate a unique outlook on life.
And if you think the sunsets are amazing - the sunrise can take our breath away! We spent four lovely days as a storms raged around the country and around us - but although we had some rain, it couldn't dampen our spirits or our enjoyment! We truly found gem a in the rough here in St. Marys
and as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, we hoped the ferry and enjoyed the history, wild horses, bobcats, wild boar and all manner of birds.
And if you think the sunsets are amazing - the sunrise can take our breath away! We spent four lovely days as a storms raged around the country and around us - but although we had some rain, it couldn't dampen our spirits or our enjoyment! We truly found gem a in the rough here in St. Marys
and as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, we hoped the ferry and enjoyed the history, wild horses, bobcats, wild boar and all manner of birds. Our bodies & souls refreshed - we'll set out on Sunday for points north.
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