TEXAS RANGER: Savannah, GA to Beaufort, SC August 24

As soon as Thunderbolt Marina delivered their signature Krispy Kreme donuts to the boat about 0700, we got underway. We passed under the Varnedoe Bridge at 0735, and progress was slow up the ICW due to many bends, shoaling, and uncertain deep water. We reached the Savannah River about 0815 to find two large ships meeting each other in a turn in the river right where we would enter and cross the river. Needless to say, we circled in the narrow channel waiting for them to pass. We wound our way up behind Daufuskie Landing and Daufuskie Island, seeing many beautiful homes. At 0945 we made the turn in Calibogue Sound across from Harbour Town and turned up behind Hilton Head Island. Again, beautiful homes were too numerous to count. By 1100 we were past Hilton Head and in the Chechessee River.

We Share ICW With All Types

Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head, SC

Ladys Island Swing Bridge, Beaufort, SC

We crossed Port Royal Sound, rounded Parris Island, and traveled up the Beaufort River past the Parris Island Marine Corps facility to the town of Beaufort, docking at their Downtown Marina about 1300. Fortunately there was a floating dock, as the tide change was about 8 feet! We checked in, borrowed the marina’s courtesy car, and were off to the grocery store—just in time! We then took a carriage ride of downtown Beaufort, and learned a great deal about the history of this area. The Clydesdale horse drawing our carriage was none other than the celebrity who was freed from the mud about 10 years ago, airlifted to the vet by helicopter, and subsequently featured on Animal Planet. Many Beaufort homes date from the 1700s, and we learned (by looking at the shape of the chimney) to tell

Parris Island Marine Corps Facility

Beaufort, SC Waterfront

which homes were 18^th century, which were 19^th century, and which were 20^th century. We walked a bit on our own, took some pictures, and stopped in at The Chocolate Tree store featured in the movie, Forrest Gump. We then cleaned up for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.