Consistency can become boring: March was cold and windy just like January and February; however, the difference was a huge torrential rain storm. Every day Jim checked the forecast and each day he would read wind with gusts. Once, we felt comfortable that the wind could be handled, we headed north with stops in Vero Beach, Merritt Island (two days due to wind), Daytona Beach, St. Augustine (three days due to wind), Fernandina Beach, and Jekyll Island.

On our seventh visit, we would tour the Jekyll Island Club & Museum, a National Historic Landmark District, which is called the gateway to the Gilded Era. This island was the winter home to the Macys, Goulds, Goodyears, Astors, Rockefellers, Pulitzers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts. Supposedly when all were in residence, one-sixth of the world's wealth was accounted for!!!

We toured the Mistletoe Cottage, about 9000 square feet, which was filled with an exhibit of Fiore Sculptures. Our next stop was the 12,000 square foot cottage, Indian Mound, owned by William and Almira Rockefeller. By the way, these cottages did not have full-service kitchens as the members were supposed to dine in the Clubhouse, pictured above. The cottages did contain warming stoves used when the food was brought from the Club to the cottage for dining. Yes, it was a different life....

We stayed at Jekyll for two extra days -- strong west wind with gusts and strong NE/E winds with gusts. We were also calculating the tides in lower Georgia, and it appeared that it was to our advantage to wait.

This picture of our stern wake was enthalling as we had at least 100 seagulls following us. It isn't easy to see the one diving in the water; however, it may be easier to view by clicking to enlarge it.

We stopped in Kilkenny and then Beaufort, SC where Peyton, Jim's son-in-law, joined us for drinks on Palmetto Moon and pizza at The Upper Crust.

On March 31, we cruised from Lady's Island Marina in Beaufort to Isle of Palms Marina just north of Charleston in 8 hours and 40 minutes with 9 passengers! Peyton convinced his son, Louis, and his seven friends to spend the day slowly cruising up the ICW. Here they are on the aft deck with Charleston Harbor in the background. Everyone had a great time.