Pulling up anchor, we headed out of Big Tom Creek where we stayed overnight and headed north again. Passing Ossabaw Island, we crossed the Ogeechee River, having to really slow down to go through Hells Gate channel as the waters were shallow.
We then crossed the Vernon River and entered the Skidaway River to wind between Skidaway Island and Isle of Hope. Now we are back in civilization with homes and docks all along the waterway. Our destination tonight is a marina in Isle of Hope.
Isle of Hope is an island community southeast of Savannah. Isle of Hope began as a summer retreat for the people of Savannah. They came here to escape yellow fever outbreaks. Many of the antebellum cottages are still on the island.
The area is also known for the Wormsloe Plantation. Built in 1737 by Noble Jones family, the plantation grew cotton and indigo. The family was one of the 41 original families who first came to Georgia colony in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and survived the arduous first years in the American wilderness.
All that remains of the plantation is oak lined roads, ruins of the original fortified 5 room tabby house and the cemetery. FYI. Houses in the 1700’s in coastal Georgia were on the frontier and were “fortified”with bastions to fend off any enemy that approached.
As we approached our marina at Isle of Hope we passed Moon River, the river that inspired Henry Mancini to write the well known theme from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
After settling into the marina, we fueled up, did the wash and borrowed the loaner car to visit the nearby Wormsloe Plantation and to go to the grocery store.
The pic below is Bill pulling our boat into our slip. So strong!
This evening, we visited with my cousin, Jerolyn, showing her the boat and sharing our adventure. Had a lovely dinner with her. Always fun to see my relatives. Will need to visit more often!!
