Early November: We pulled into Brunswick, GA, and docked at the local marina. We tried the local specialty, Brunswick Stew. It’s an acquired taste, and we haven’t acquired it.

Next, we anchored off Cumberland Island, a Park Service-administered wildlife refuge with wild horses, lots of isolated beach, and the remains of a mansion from when this island was owned by the Carnegie family. JFK Jr. was married here. After hiking a few miles among the Jurassic Park-like Cumberland Island and touring the ruins of the mansion, we hauled anchor and went down to Fernandina Beach, where the fuel was reportedly the cheapest in the southern ICW. We added 200+ gallons, for the slightly roughly 500 miles we’ve gone since we started. Then we continued to Fort George River, where we dropped the anchor near the Kingsley Plantation, another 1800s place now run by the Park Service. Oh yeah, the cheap fuel? It would have been, except for 7% “impact fee” and 6% taxes added on top by Florida…

Sandy the boat-dog was alert to prevent attacks from dolphins.  Ever since he was splashed by dolphins when we first encountered them, Sandy goes completely nuts when he sees or hears the ever-present dolphins.

Thanksgiving: We spent Thanksgiving with 128 other cruising boaters in a giant pot-luck dinner in Vero Beach. The turkey was purchased, and everything else came from the galleys of all these boats. Lots of great food!

Christmas: We rented a car and drove to North Carolina to spend Christmas with family. A great visit, but 700 miles each way made for a long drive for such a short trip!