On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

Who has left the Waterway and tracked their way upstream on Darien River to the village of the same name? If you have done this, what sort of depths and channel markings did you encounter between the ICW and the Darien waterfront? Where did you dock at Darien? Please tell us something about the village and any good places to eat ashore.

Responses follow:

Yo Claiborne!
In response to your query about Darien, I can supply to following. I/we have visited there about 4 times as we have good friends depths are quite good. There is a sharp turn at the junction of Rockedundy Creek but that is well marked also. There are several good anchorages along the way with good holding, but the current is pretty swift at times and sometimes things in the river (including alligators) can go “bump in the night”. Depending on the current, transient time is a round an hour to Darien.
The docks are municipal/county and the rate is $.75/foot with electric (30A). The docks are parallel to the current, which helps as they are unattended. You pay at the small building above the docks. There is probably enough room for 5-6 average sized cruising boats. I’m told that the docks may be expanded in the future. While small, the town is charming and in the process of major renewal. There are several new restaurants, gourmet store and wine shop, hardware store, post office, convenience store, etc. I have personally eaten at Skippers Fish
Camp several times and found it very good every time. There is also a great spot for breakfast on the main drag. The town is a great walking one with a historical fort less than a mile away. There is a good sized shrimp boat presence with fresh seafood available. I heartily recommend the stop.
While not having stayed there, I’ve visited two Mile Fish Camp several times and found it to be a well-run marina. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center folks use it as a base, so often there are interesting things going on. I can heartily recommend Mudcat Charlies also. everything is good.
I’m copying my buddy Ron on this, so he may be able to flesh this out as he lives here. Might even act as a port captain (ala MTOA).
Donovan Vezin
MV/EOS, Endeavour Trawlercat 44

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

19. Who’s left the Waterway and anchored on the beautiful waters of Wahoo River (off South Newport River, near Statute Mile 630)? Did you anchor just east of Wahoo Island, as I recommend in my South Carolina ‘“ Georgia cruising guide? Please tell us what you found here!

Responses follow:

We anchored in the Wahoo River in June 2009. Great spot to anchor just south of Wahoo Island in about 18 feet of water with some wind protection from the north; no wind protection from any other direction. We did not anchor to the east of Wahoo Island; no particular reason other than getting the island to the north of us for wind protection from that quadrant rather than hanging out further east/southeast with no wind protection from any direction.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
MV Sanderling

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Wahoo River Anchorage

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

28. Has anyone run the Frederica River as an alternate passage, rejoining the ICW north of flashing daybeacon #241. If so, did you anchor abeam of the Fort Frederica National Monument, or anywhere else on the river? Please give us a report on what you found.

Responses follow:

In late March,2008, s/v”Carolina” traveled the Frederica River(west side of Jeckyl Island) from south to north, entering from the ICW just north of Golden Isles Marina. We were accompanied by s/v “Pamonetti” and m/v “Pelican”. We encountered consistent depths of no less than 20 feet the entire curving length of the river. All three vessels anchored overnight in about 24 feet tucked up against the west bank of the island in the curve near the National Monument. We all had plenty of swing room and were well sheltered from N through SSE, which was much appreciated. Wind at the time was NE 15-20 but everyone had a quiet night. We encountered a very thick fog after getting underway in the morning and all dropped their hooks and enjoyed another cup of coffee.
Steve and Sheila Kamp
s/v “Carolina”

We ran the Frederica River in June 2009 and anchored midway between the fort and the now inaccessible dock about 300 yards south of the fort. We entered at mid-tide. Depths were never less than 8 feet and in many places approached 20 feet. Holding was good with hard mud. Wind protection from the east is good, but not from any other direction (although we didn’t encounter any substantial winds from any direction while we were there). The charts displayed on the chart plotter (and on paper charts) were accurate for the location of deeper water through the length of the river.
We called the fort/park office, and were told that the dinghy dock is closed due to structural problems, but they anticipated it would be repaired and open again in the fall. We’ll check when we head back south in October – it appears to be a delightful place to visit.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
MV Sanderling

On October 4 we ran the Frederica River, anchoring near Ft. Frederica. As I previously reported the dinghy dock is not in place yet. Someone has made a small start of placing some planks from the edge where the ladder is attached to the new retaining wall, but that is all. It would be so nice if the Park Service would see fit to extend the dock to the low water line. We had a quiet evening. There were two other local boats anchored which left in the afternoon. Lots of no-see-ums for the past three nights. Depths on the Frederica are generally good if one favors the outside of curves.
Jean Thomason, DOVEKIE

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Frederica River Anchroages

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

18. Those of you who have anchored on Walburg Creek (off. St. Catherine’s Sound) in 2008, please tell us what you found. Did you use the northern entrance from the Sound, or did you try to make use of the creek’s shallow southerly mouth opposite the Waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #124? Did you spot any of the exotic animals housed on St. Catherine’s Island?

Responses follow:

We anchored there late Nov. 2008 and liked it so well that we dropped anchor again on the way north in May 2009, Both times we entered from the northern entrance.
We found it to be peaceful and uncrowded, plenty of swing room and good holding.
It was so quiet we could hear the dolphins breathing as they swam by.
We woulkd give this a 4 anchor rating
Ron & Audrey
Lucky Girl

We went through Walburg Creek just to check it out. There was one sailboat anchored in the vicinity of the small private dock. They said they had had an enjoyable, quiet evening – no zebra! The green C which used to mark the middle ground at the northern entrance is no longer there (and I guess hasn’t been for some time because it’s not on our electronic charts. The western entrance which is charted 4 ft would have been 6.1 feet at low tide. In fact the whole last curve at the western endwhich has depths on 19 to 23 feet on the chart would be about 6 feet at low tide.
Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Walburg Creek

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

16. Who has visited Kilkenny Creek Marina lately (Statute Mile 614)? Did you hear the `Deliverance’ music playing in the background, or did you have a good experience? Did you dine at the newly re-opened restaurant here?

Responses follow:

We took a look a couple of years ago at Kilkenny and decided to avoid it. It was just a shack and a dock with some scary looking characters hanging around. A friend of mine dropped by there this year and said the place has changed a lot, with a restaurant added. See if you get more info on this place because it is well located and may have gone through a transformation.
Best regards,
Woody Norwood

We stayed at Kilkenny Marina at the end of June this year. It was strategically located between St. Simons and Savannah. The entrance channel had plenty of depth all the way up the creek, and the dockmaster monitored the VHF and gave us docking instructions before we got there. This is a barebones operation – no restaurant or rest rooms to speak of, just dockside electricity and water,but I was impressed with the friendliness of the people. It was eerily quiet all night, and we saw a lot of stars. A welcome change from the touristy towns of Fernandina and Golden Isles.
Shel Rabin
S/V Evening Star

Claiborne,
I’ve been up and down the ICW several times and I *still* keep Killkenny on my `must stop’ list. It’s a pleasure to talk to the owners and a joy to sleep in absolute peace and quiet. Plus the sky is loaded with stars if you’re lucky enough to pick a cloudless night. I really like to watch them launch those small boats with their ingenious launch rig. It’s right up there with Leland Oil Company as a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of most other stops. Both of these places are examples of what I imagine the ICW was like many years ago. Another excellent one is the B&B Seafood Company. I believe that is what it’s called.
Jack Kamer
S/V Glisse

Naturally, we got there on Monday so couldn’t try the new resturant. This is our fifth stop in the last three years and we plan on stopping there again. Robert and Bob are super and do their best to please. The peace and quiet is wonderful. Good diesel prices, also.
Bob Poovey

We have our boat docked at Kilkenny’¦we love that place’¦Danny and the other guys are great to work with’¦You should really give it a try’¦Dont let the small appearance fool you’¦it is an awesome place to be.
Shannon

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Kilkenny Marina

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

30. Someone who has docked at Brunswick Landing Marina, please give us a report on what you found. Any dining recommendations in nearby, downtown Brunswick would also be very welcome.

Responses follow:

We have very much enjoyed our stay at Brunswick Landing Marina. Rates are very reasonable, it is clean, safe, appears to be a great hurricane hole. Sherry one of the dockmasters is great. They have lots of friendly live aboards with plenty of local knowledge. Wayne Horn is an excellent mechanic and they have a yard with travel lift. The floating docks are very solid, no current (rare in GA) and easy to get into. The Lounges are clean, large, nice. Amazingly Laundry is FREE!
We have had several tasty meals at Fox’s Pizza Den 1429 Newcastle Street Brunswick GA 31520 (912) 265-4490. They have a daily special, several types of pizza, Stromboli, spaghetti, great wings, cute decore. Great prices. Our favorite. We keep coming back.
Another more upscale place is Cargo Portside Grill. Food was more pricey but well worth it. They have a first Friday celebration where many stores stay open late. We had dinner on the sidewalk while being serenaded by a good guitarist.
The 4th of May Café is great too and even closer to the marina.
Paul & Judy Jones
SV Gratitude
2005 Island Packet 445
Draft 5′

Brunswick Landing is our home marina. This is our second long-term stay. It is very reasonably priced and is clean and safe as has been mentioned. For dining options, Fox’s Pizza (already mentioned) is great; there’s also Pronzo (?) Portside Deli, Arte Pizza (fantastic brick oven specialties – good stuff!) and as has already been mentioned, the upscale and fantastic Cargo. Some good breakfast/lunch places are close by as is a public library.Grocery stores and chandleries are available but are a drive, as is Home Depot, Target, etc. Marina access is easy, depths are good and protection from weather is decent. Two captain’s lounges are well furnished and clean, as are the shower/bathroom and laundry facilities. The marina also has wi-fi service throughout. The one downside is the papermill across the marshes to the west and north. There is a current and tidal range, but it is slight compared to many other places along the GA and South Carolina coasts. There is a full service boatyard attached to the marina.
Bill and Lisa Ballard

We came in to Brunswick Landing Marina. The dock staff was there to help us and were helpful in other ways. The restrooms are nice and very clean.
Jean Thomason, DOVEKIE

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

29. I’m sure many of you have docked at Golden Isles Marina (Statute Mile 676) some time in 2009. Please give us a report on this well run facility.

Responses follow:

We have had the pleasure of docking as well as using the dinghy docking privileges at Golden Isles Marina several times in the last 2 months. We found the dock facilities very good. We had kids aboard and they loved swimming in the pool. Melissa was a great dockhand and helped us with the current. If you call ahead and take her advice you should have no problem docking. We used the courtesy car a couple of times, very handy. The Coastal Kitchen was an excellent restaurant. We had two very good meals both lunch and dinner.
We anchored out a couple of nights too and dinghyed in. $5/day. Holding was no problem but the tide will swing you back and forth. Laundry was reasonable and convenient. Restroom could have been nicer but clean and functional.
Very close to St. Simons and Brunswick.
Paul & Judy Jones
SV Gratitude
2005 Island Packet 445
Draft 5′

Great facility
Great dockmaster
Free courtesy car which we used to go to West Marine and Winn Dixie ( a 5 minute drive). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the restaurant at the end of the dock. In the morning we awoke to muffins and a local paper on our deck.
Ron & Audrey
Lucky Girl

Stayed at Golden Isles at end of June this year. This makes the second year in a row. Still a great place to stay. Great dockpersons, friendly and helpful. Morning paper and muffins helped us decide to extend our stay a few days.
Shel Rabin
M/V Evening Star

I have stayed at Golden Isles, The lady who runs the docks is great. The current is strong so take notice. There is a great restaurant at the marina so enjoy. St Simons and Sea Island are both within miles. The Cloister at Sea Island is beautiful, expensive, and first class.
Hicks Milner

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Golden Isles Marina

We have always found Wahoo River to be a good anchorage, right in the middle of nowhere along the Georgia coastline. Swing room is a bit less here than the chart would lead you to believe, as the shallow water comes up sooner than indicated.

We also found Wahoo river to be a very good anchorage. While we were there a major squall came roaring through. We saw 30 knts of wind and the winds were clocking. But through the entire night the holding was EXCELLENT
Denny

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Wahoo River

Fort McAllister Marina is located on the Ogeechee River, well upstream of the AICW's passage. I'm glad Capatin Vicki (see below) had a good experience here. My problem with this place has always been the uncertainly marked river channel leading upstream from the AICW.

Subject: Fort McCallister Marina
Cruising News: We spent the last 3 days at the Fort McCallister Marina with the district 26 power squadrons and this marina handled our needs with efficiency and first class service. The restaurant on site is excellent and all the staff were right there to fulfill our needs.
Vicki Swierkowski

I agree that Golden Isles is an excellent faciltity. Also, don’t overlook Jekyll Harbor Marina, just to the south. It is also a very fine marina, and a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: Golden Isles Marina
Cruising News: Stop in here if you are ever in the Brunswick, GA area. Great docks, super restaurant and and a very good dockmaster, Melissa Linton who will make sure you have a good experience. Mechanic Wayne Horne worked on my alternator on Mothers Day and did a great job. Got some help with our A/C water strainer fom a fellow boater. Very friendly crowd at Golden Isles and definitely on my “return here” list. Cruisers net marina sponsors have been exceptional from the Panhandle, down the west Florida coast, fom Stewart Florida up to Savannah…what a great resource!
Robert Fitzgerald

I have stayed at Golden Isles, The lady who runs the docks is great. The current is strong so take notice. There is a great restaurant at the marina so enjoy. St Simons and Sea Island are both within miles. The Cloister at Sea Island is beautiful, expensive, and first class.
Hicks Milner