An excellent report from Trade Only in Soundings reports that marinas and marine businesses are slowly beginning to return to normal.
Businesses in the Florida Panhandle Still Recovering from Michael
Trade Only, Soundings
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Here’s another good distance day and a good depths day. Also another report of a Problem Stretch that isn’t a problem this year! Thank you Jim and Peg! .
Came through Fernandina Beach at low tide. The nasty curve south of the paper mill into the South Amelia River is clearly marked with floating laterals. It’s the same path that was good last spring, and it carries 8′ this fall. Just follow the markers.
Came through the Matanzas Inlet [intersection with ICW], next day, also at low tide. There are lateral markers there, and they are correct. A couple have been moved somewhat towards the shoreline from the spring. I followed the visual center between the markers and the shoreline. The route is exciting because visually, you are very close to the shoreline. Follow the curve of the shoreline; do not cut from marker to marker. Saw no less then 7.5′ on that route. South of the inlet, where the Matanzas River straightens out, the markers are farther apart and the water is just a bit more shallow. Saw 7′ at MLLW in that short area.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas. A big thank you to our good friends at Waterway Guide for allowing us to share their excellent report on Staniel Cay with you.
Click here for Preferred Destination: Staniel Cay, Exumas
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! For timely remarks on Cumberland Island Anchorage, see Anchoring off Cumberland Island.
On Tuesday, 0/20/2018, Sanctuary and crew transited from Walburg Creek anchorage to an anchorage on the Cumberland River, south of St. Andrews Sound, off the ICW at Cumberland Island. Observations follow:
We arrived at the Little Mud River at 11h00. The tide station at Wolf Island was reporting 5.1’+ rising. North to south:
R184 12.9′
13.4′ low water between markers
G184/R188 19.6′
10.2′ low water between markers
G189 20.7′
R190 15.1′
11.0′ low water between markers
R192 13.9′
11.0′ low water between markers
G195 11.8′
10.9′ low water between markers
R194 11.1′
G195 12.2′
The control depth was (10.2 – 5.1) = 5.1 and MLLW. Follow the visual center of the river on the straight section and SLIGHTLY favor the outside radius of the curves. We were too close to G195, but that wasn’t the low water anyway.
In Altamaha Sound, you must clear R208 by at least 300′; stay to the far green side for the best water.
In Altamaha Sound, clear G211 by 200′. There is a range there that will take you too close to G211, so do not follow the range; favor red for the best water.
We arrived at Jekyll Creek and 17h08. The tide station at Jekyll Island Marina was showing 4.9’+ falling. North to south:
G5/R6 11.5′
G7/R8 22.4′
R10 15.2′
G11 12.5′
9.9′ low water between markers
G13 10.0′
9.6′ low water between markers
R16 9.7′
G17 5.7′
G19 8.6′
6.1′ low water between markers
R20 8.0′
7.8′ low water between markers
R20A 8.9′
BRIDGE 10.2′
We were at 1/2 tide for this transit. The control depth was in the vicinity of G17 (5.7 – 4.9) = 0.8′. Wow. Could we have been is a less than ideal place? Sure. But this creek is quite narrow, so it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference. There’s very skinny in that area.
Jekyll Creek and Hell Gate are the two places we’ve seen so far that will require help from the tide for most boats to get through.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
One of Claiborne’s favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW was to leave the Waterway at marker #34 and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel to anchor off the west side of Cumberland Island and east of Drum Point Island. I am not sure if this anchorage is where Perry McDonald dropped hook, but I am very sure that Perry was experiencing the true essence and joy of cruising and that you will enjoy his observations!
We recently anchored (s/v Rasselas) with my friend Fred (s/v Rhombus) for a couple of days at Cumberland Island, GA. Cumberland is unique from most islands in that it offers abundant wildlife (horses, deer, hogs, eagles, hawks, etc.) and 18th/19th century ruins (Dungeness) not to mention a beautiful long beach one can leisurely stroll or reserve one of the Park’s bikes for several hours or miles along clearly marked bike paths.
I arose early the second morning taking note of the sounds and sights while lazily sitting in the cockpit of the boat. I first noticed the calm still water surrounding our boats as the sun made it way above the horizon to welcome this sailor a new day. At first the water seemed motionless but upon further examination you could see the ever slow current carrying a number of barely visible particles glimmering in the water as the sun rose. I noticed a school of bait fish making their way along to the shore and then a splash as they came under attack. This only lasted a few minutes and then the water return to the stillness I had been enjoying. Soon I heard the sound of an osprey in search of food maybe for itself or possibly some hungry nesting young. It was soon joined by several other ospreys. Then one of the birds swooped down with great speed and grace and plucked a fish from the water and flew off to the tree line. By this time my morning cup of coffee was gone and the temperature was rising so I decided to dangle my feet in the cool water from the swim platform. To my amazement I was soon visited by a group of dolphins frolicking nearby but became curious about who might be anchored in the their waters. To my astonishment they came within feet of my feet as if to say good morning and welcome to our home. They would return several more times during my stay. On the shore some of the island’s famous wild horses moseyed along the shoreline feeding on the tender green grass revealed by the low tide. When you think you have heard and seen all there is–there is more. The sky above Rasselas filled with high pitch squeals of two magnificent bald eagles circling above as if performing a ballet of sorts. They flew in perfect unison scouring the waters below much like the earlier ospreys in search of meal. They soon vanished as they had appeared. Not long after the eagles disappearance the calmness and quietness of my surrounding were soon to be interrupted by the blasting horn from the arrival of the first Cumberland Island ferries depositing a small number of early arrivals to the island. Soon to be joined by the first if several sightseeing tour boats loaded with anxious tourists wanting to take that perfect picture or maybe just one of several selfies. Next to Rasselas lies Drum Point Island and it was beginning to become awash in the wakes of the passing boats as the morning passed.
Before I realized it was time to find a shady spot to hide from the noonday blazing sun ending my account of the sounds and sights (14-15 Oct 30, 2018 of my incredible morning anchored at Cumberland Island.
Perry is a retired LTC and sails s/v Rasselas (Hunter 36) with his wife. When not cruising and exploring the southeast coast and nearby islands they.live in St. Augustine, FL.
Perry McDonald
Hank Pomeranz of Coastal Yacht Care in Southport, NC is replying to Jim Healy’s observations on Northern Fields Cut in today’s Healy Report.
We also have Robert Shere’s report on this Problem Stretch: Sherer Report.
You might also enjoy comparing Jim Healy’s 2017 Healy Report on this area.
The big surprise is the northern end of Fields Cut at 48A. 3.6MLW is less than other reports we’ve seen. The Navionics Sonar Chart shows the deeper water closer to the shore (75’ or so off the mark). Between those two bits of info I think sound advice is to not get up close and personal to 48A and split the difference between mark and shore. Thanks Jim.
Hank
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Northern Fields Cut
Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. My young daughters always declared the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg!
On Monday, 10/29/2018, Sanctuary and crew travelled from Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA. Following, some observations:
We arrived at Ramshorn’s Cut at 10h15 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Daufuskie Landing) showing 5.8+ rising. We saw 11.0 ft, so (11.0 – 5.8) = 5.2′ at MLLW. The channel between G39 and R40 has narrowed further. We took the visual center.
We arrived at the un-named connector between the New River and the Wright River at 10h38 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Hargray Pier) showing 6.2+ rising. We saw 12.2 ft, so (12.2 – 6.2) = 6.0′ at MLLW. Follow the visual center. Honor, but stay away from, the lateral markers on pilings.
We arrive at Field’s Cut at 11h06 with the tide station at Field’s Cut showing 7.6+ rising. Southbound, take the visual center between G47 and R48, and line up on Field’s Cut. HONOR R48A, which appears off-station to the East. We saw 11.2 ft passing about 25 ft off R48A, so (11.2 – 7.6) = 3.6′ at MLLW. This was a surprise! We followed the visual center of Field’s Cut, favoring the outside radius of the turns. That 3.6′ area was the control depth of the cut. Cross-currents are significant at the Savannah River. Be alert for river traffic and cross currents.
There was a large, working crane barge at the Causton Bluff bridge. It appears “they” are replacing that bridge with a high rise. Another surprise.
We arrived at Hell Gate (MM600) at 14h18, with the Egg Islands Tide Station reporting +7.0 falling. Depths we saw:
G87 13.5′
G89 10.4′
9.8 low water between markers
R90 10.9
G91 10.4
So (9.8 – 7.0) = 2.8′ MLLW. Also note, as you enter this cut from the Vernon River, there is a STRONG cross current that will try to sweep you sideways. Boats will need some power and some aggressive steering to stay on the best route. We crabbed into the lee of the current at about a 20° angle. There is a prominent visual distraction just to the west of the marked channel. There is a piling left over from some previous danger mark standing prominently, while the red and green floaters that mark the channel are low to the water and hard to see. Do not confuse that piling as a valid channel marker. Follow and honor the cans and nuns in the water
Net: the overall condition of the A-ICW continues to deteriorate. Most cruising boats will need some tide help to get through this section. Plan accordingly.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage
Passed thru Fields Cut on Nov 9, 2018, and found a minimum of 8 feet MLW at north end of Fields Cut. But there are two possible "gotchas". R48A appears to be off station, but it is not. For best water pass half way between R48A and the eastern shore. Also, be aware that once you turn to enter Fields Cut, (if southbound) you will be subject to strong cross currents.
Please join these fine folks and many of your fellow cruisers in celebrating a day of giving thanks in St. Augustine, home to two CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor and Port of Call. Municipal Marina is just south of the Bridge of Lions a few steps from downtown.
The turkeys are coming! The turkeys are coming!
6th Annual Thanksgiving Potluck
Lisa Wilson Tarlecky
Our thanks to author/cruiser, Bob Sherer, for this report on the notorious Hell Gate Problem Stretch where the Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. As posted on Bob423.
Robert Sherer to ICW Cruising Guide by Bob423
October 27 at 10:21 PM ·
Hell Gate report (10/27/2018) There is no deep path. You need tide. Strong west wind lowered the water level some, perhaps 0.3 ft or more. The 3.5 ft MLW spot was very brief, just a flash on the depth sounder. The 4.2 to 5.6 MLW areas were persistent.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
After the tragic fire at the museum in early September, the Gulfport Historical Society can certainly use our help to continue their important educational and environmental work. See below for how to help. Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
It feels like it’s been a lifetime since we had the opening reception for Read All About It: 50 Years of Hyperlocal News.
That exhibit was an exciting time for the Gulfport Historical Society, because it represented a new chapter in how we worked with the community to share our history. I was over-the-moon excited about so many facets of the exhibit, and the Gabber shared some of their artifacts — the original phone from the newspaper, photographs never before seen by anyone outside the newspaper staff and other one-of-a-kind items that you’d only be able to see at the Gulfport History Museum.
The owners of the Gabber put their trust in us to keep those items safe. Two weeks after that exhibit opened, I had to tell the owners of the paper their items had significant smoke damage. They’ve been gracious and supportive, and I — along with the rest of the board of directors — cannot thank them enough for that, and their support.
Fortunately, insurance is covering the cost of repairing those artifacts. It’s also covering replacing our porch, our floor and restoring all the documents damaged by soot and fire.
It will not cover the cost of archiving and digitizing our town’s records — tax rolls, original maps, photographs, and other historical records.
Like The Gabber, Gulfport’s families, residents, government and community have placed their trust in us. They — you — trust us to keep your history and memories safe.
Since the Labor Day Fire, this thought has hung over me like a dark cloud.
What if there hadn’t been a meeting next door and no one had called 911 right away?
What if a tree had fallen on the museum during Hurricane Irma, like it did to this museum during Hurricane Michael?
What if Hurricane Michael had hit us instead?
What if the next hurricane does hit us?
In every one of those scenarios, the Gulfport Historical Society would lose most — if not all — of our town’s history. And what has weighed on my mind so heavily is that we might not be so lucky next time.
I’m not willing to gamble with our town’s heritage. What we have in Gulfport — what we’ve built since the Barnetts made landfall at Barnett’s Bluff towards the end of the Civil War — is far too special to risk. As the head of the Gulfport Historical Society, our community has trusted me to make sure I do everything I can to minimize the risk of losing everything that makes Gulfport special.
As we’ve mentioned in the days following the Labor Day Fire, we need funding to digitize the collection. That includes proper archival processes (to retard decay) in addition to unbinding books, scanning and re-binding books. It’s not a simple matter of getting a scanner and saving the items to the cloud (oh, how I wish it were). The handling of the records themselves require specific protocols.
Many of you have already been quite generous with your donations, and we thank you — I thank you — for that. But we still need more money; digitization is expensive. It will be worth it; once complete, people anywhere in the world will be able to search through our records and photographs. And — most importantly — those records and photographs will be safe from fire, hurricanes or random acts of disaster.
We need your help. Here’s how you can help protect our community’s heritage:
1. Donate. Whatever you can. Even $5 helps. You can also donate at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar.
2. Make monthly donations — easily. We can debit your checking account or credit card for any amount you choose, from $5 to $100.
3. Pre-order a commemorative Labor Day Fire t-shirt or postcard. Local artist Steve Smith based his design on a screenshot from a video taken of the fire.
4. Visit the Gulfport Beach Bazaar and buy something from the our Square Mullet Gift Shop. We have books by local authors, coffee mugs, portable dog bowls, and a myriad of other items.
5. Become a member. We have membership levels for every budget, and you can pay for your membership over the course of one year. While the cost of your membership isn’t tax-deductible, it does come with lots of other benefits.
6. Become a business member. Benefits include newsletter advertising and other perks.
7. Volunteer with us. We need volunteers at our events — we need people who can get comfortable using the Square for our booth at Holiday Hoopla, we need people we can train as tour guides and we need people to check in folks at our twice-monthly original walking tours. If you can help with any or all of these things, you can sign up here. If you’d like to be a tour guide, please reach out to Cathy Salustri via email.
Whatever you choose to do, thank you for your support, your kind words when we pass on the street, and for being a part of our amazing, resilient, historical community.
Cathy
Copyright © 2018 Gulfport Historical Society, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email from the Gulfport Historical Society because you signed up to receive emails from the city of Gulfport. However, this is a new mailing list independent of the city. You may unsubscribe from this list at any time.
Our mailing address is:
Gulfport Historical Society
5301 28th Avenue South
Gulfport, FL 33707
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Be the first to comment!