First Night in Georgia

On our way south in the fall, we thought those we met who were headed off shore were crazy ... why would anyone leave the protected inside route and subject themselves to the scary North Atlantic Ocean???
"Real" sailors, as we thought of them, would actually spend an extra night anchored near an inlet, waiting for the right weather so they could head out of the nice, benign ICW and subject themselves to the wrath of mother nature.

Today though, with the benefit of a few more ocean experiences, we have a better appreciation for off-shore sailing. Today, we didn't have to fight current, the wind was light but steady, the sea was beautifully calm. Two other sailboats, crisp white sails bright against the blue sea and sky kept us company. There were a few shrimp boats on the far horizon. Beyond that, we spent the day in the company of hundreds of cannonball jellyfish, dozens of dolphins, and some of the biggest sea birds I have ever seen.
As we approached our inbound inlet, the swell began to build, and we could see the thunderheads building on shore. Our time was up. We happily headed inbound, thanked the ocean for the day, and motored a few more miles up the ICW to a secluded anchorage on the Frederica River. The sun was hot, and the flies were relentless so we ducked into the protection of our cabin and enjoyed a great family evening.

Tomorrow we will continue up the ICW. But in the future, knowing that the ocean is not meant to be feared, just respected, we would consider another outside passage. Maybe we're becoming "real" sailors after all!