Leg #17, April 20, 2022, Fernandina Beach to St. Simmons Island, GA.

We departed Fernandina Beach, FL. Under much calmer conditions at 8:00 a.m. with two other Looper boats, Happy Daze and Knotty Dog headed to St. Simmons Island with Happy

Daze as the lead boat. It didn’t take long for the wind to pick up, but we were expecting it so not a problem.

Today’s route dipped us into the Atlantic Ocean at St. Andrews Sound. We went out, got tossed around for a bit with 4-5’ rollers, found our marker and headed back into the safety of the barrier islands. So much water around to go straight across but none of it is safe for our draft. Chalk this up to "another experience". We do plan to do some outside the islands travel on nice days.

We were travelling in much deeper water than previous days. In fact we even saw a submarine where the water was about 50’ deep.

We arrived St. Simmons Island just after 1:00 p.m. Glen landed another stellar docking and

was again complimented by the harbor master for showing up other boats and with a single screw at that. These river landings are always a challenge with the ever-changing currents. And transients are often put on the outside docks for easy in and easy out.

Photo: Saunter, Knotty Dog and Happy Daze

What a beautiful marina and so friendly and helpful. We walked the girls in what little grassy area was available and Lainie played a little street frisbee. They were happy. They had a beautiful picnic area (deck) set over the marsh behind the marina. We met the other boaters up there for docktails and a cookout. We had a very nice time with good people.

Off to bed early (9ish) as we planned for an early morning departure to Richmond Hill, NC, a 60-mile track.

We woke early to find a mystery bag in our cockpit containing 2 beautiful, fresh blueberry muffins, compliments of Morningstar Marina, St. Simmons Island.

We casted off at 8:00 a.m., got in the channel and enjoyed our delicious muffins with a hot cup of coffee. What a way to start a morning.

THANK YOU MORNINGSTAR, ST. SIMMONS.

Not many photos. I had an issue with the camera so I have a couple of days where my photos didn't come out. And they of course were the best ones yet.