Fronts & Friends

We’re still in Georgia. And it’s ok. While the weather front slowed our underway progress, it accelerated our friend-making. And we have made friends, both on the humble dock and in the small town (Darien, Ga.) I love it when “good” comes from “bad” … as it usually does, given enough time. At least that is my experience.

Tonight will be our 6th night here; we came for just one. The severe weather that’s been pounding the east coast has made itself known here too; heavy rain last night, wind gusts of 40mph today, and temps will plunge into the 20s tonight. Good thing we have heat on board. The monthly street fair was canceled so I undertook the “Walking Tour of Darien” to see anything I might’ve missed. A friendly local took us on a shopping outing to refill supplies. There was time for boat clean-up and reorganization — and, the ever-necessary planning. We hope to be in Beaufort S.C. in a few days and I’ve made reservations at a good marina there. We plan to anchor out on the way. (We’ll by-pass Savannah since we’ve been there, and it’s not such a comfortable or easy place to visit by boat.)

I’ve mentioned before that “the world” might recede while living on a boat, but it doesn’t disappear. The issue of rising fuel prices is as relevant to those who travel by water as it is to those who travel by land. Jeff wondered for awhile whether we should leave the boat here and take a break while waiting for prices to stabilize. My answer was “Let’s go…I’ll cover it.” (And I’m grateful that I can. My investments have taken a pretty big hit as the market roils, but I have a cushion and am glad again that I was raised to be frugal.) There’s been a lot of on-line discussion among boaters about whether fuel prices will affect their plans. I doubt it’s much of an issue for most Loopers, considering that their boats generally cost $100-200,000. (Not Many Moons! 😉 ) Sadly, many boaters use this issue to make political statements and I’m remembering to be mindful where I put my attention. I’m grateful that Loopers themselves tend to avoid political discussions. It’s about the adventure for us!

So, we will move north again tomorrow, leaving in the frigid early-morning with the high tide, along with the two boats that have been waiting here with us. We are weeks ahead of the bulge of Loopers who will travel up the East Coast this spring, and we like that.

Photos and captions below describe our extended stay in the shrimp town of Darien, Ga.