The Bitter End

Time for Fun and When to Run

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill

Summer squalls can come on fast! Photo by J. Gary Hill

Summer has come in with a vengeance it seems, with days hitting 100 degrees, higher heat indexes, humidity you can swim in, and frequent afternoon storms. Just another day here in the south, right? Although those things might seem like nothing to worry about, they each pose certain inherent risks.

With temperatures that are three degrees hotter than “OH MY GOD,” being on the water adds another problem. Well, a couple actually. The first is staying hydrated. I know you all groaned with that one, but really folks, even though it may feel like you’re drinking enough water while boating, chances are you aren’t. I won’t preach on this one, but carry and drink plenty of water.

Another thing I see in the charter business is people with infants who get almost to the finish line and fumble the ball. Yes, you put on the sunscreen. Good! However, please read the directions for reapplying, as many of them vary. Even with a high SPF number they have different intervals for re-slathering.

Remember that infant’s heads are disproportionate to their bodies so protecting their heads is vital. In open sun, a hat is a great idea. If you have a long day on the water planned, a couple bottles of Pedialyte, or other electrolytes, will help throughout the day. Finding shade whenever possible isn’t a bad thing either. Planning a couple of stops at various marinas while out and about is a great break for the little ones, and the big kids as well.

The next thing is knowing the weather for the day. I can’t go on enough about that. There are tons of weather apps for both androids and iPhones, as well as tide charts and GPS programs. We have a set of tools available to us that no mariner before us has ever had, yet every weekend I see people caught in storms or bad wind conditions that were avoidable. That brings me to knowing when to run. If you’re parked on a nice little sandbar enjoying some Bob Marley and see thunderheads building, do you choose to ignore them? I’ve been there myself a few times.

For those of you who’ve seen the movie Captain Ron, you may recall what he says (a quote I love), “It’s just a squall, they come on ya’ fast and leave ya’ fast.”

I found myself in one of those just yesterday and I chose to bring our party back early. These late afternoon thunderstorms pack a lot of energy, not to mention winds that can gust to 30-plus miles per hour.

Never take a chance when you have others on the boat with you. One reason is safety, of course. But another reason is the risk of scaring someone, possibly to the point where they’ll never feel comfortable on a boat again.

The sermon is now over, please resume your regularly scheduled boating activities. Have fun and be safe out there!

As always, I’ll see you on the water.

525 E. Anderson

DOWNTOWN This is the one for you. Whether you are attending SCAD and want to have plenty of room for you and your roommates, or you want a great home within walking distance of all the wonderful things to do downtown. First floor has LR, DR, updated kitchen, 1/2 bath and a huge storage laundry room. Second floor has a trunk room, two front bedrooms and a hall bath and a great new master en suite with large closet. Not to be outdone, the outside has a wonderful patio, fenced yard, off street parking and more storage space. Hardwood floors. Lots of natural light. Potentially great income producer. $369,900

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364 Shady Oak Circle RICHMOND HILL

This beautiful three BR/2B home is located on a lagoon. It has a wonderful open floorplan open to DR and kitchen. Wood burning fireplace and soaring ceilings. Stainless appliances. The master bedroom is huge with plenty of room for extra sitting area. Large walk in closet. Sprinkler system and tons of storage. The amenities are easily accessible. Walking trails, community pool and playground. Everything your family could desire in the Main Street subdivision of Richmond Hill. The schools are just down the road. $189,900

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29 Wild Thistle Lane

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78 Shipwatch Road DUTCH ISLAND

This wonderful 5 BD, 3.5 BA family home is ready for you. From the open floorplan with lots of entertaining areas to the back deck overlooking the tidal lagoon, everyone has a space. This is a true 5 BR home with 3.5 baths. Split floorplan and master is on the first floor along with two other bedrooms. Living Room with FP and builtins and Dining Room welcome you as you enter. The family room and kitchen are open to each other and the back deck. Oversized two car garage is deep enough for storage and cabinets. This community is so perfect for your family. Lots of amenities. Gated community but close to all shopping and schools. Don’t miss the crab trap right out your back door. $499,000

WHITEMARSH ISLAND

The Marshes subdivision This 3BD 3BA is a wonderful place to call home. Large open rooms with two bedrooms on the first floor, great room and family room off of kitchen. Add a screened porch and deck to enhance the amazing marsh views. The second floor has a large bonus room, third bedroom and a bath. Lots of amenities to include a community pool, community dock, and common areas. $359,000

BURNSIDE ISLAND

This wonderful 3BD 2.5BA deepwater front home has been totally renovated to the highest finishes. Very open floorplan. Perfect for entertaining. Want to fish or boat? Just a few steps to your private dock with lots of dockage space. Huge outdoor space for both private and large parties. Master closet to beat all closets. Upper deck off of third bedroom/ bonus. Burnside Island is just 20 minutes from downtown and is one of the few places that you are welcome to use your golf cart. Views from most all windows. $595,000

6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222

Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927

lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com

WILMINGTON ISLAND

This wonderful four BR/3B home is waiting for your family. It is close to all schools and shopping. Two master suites on the first floor and both are overlooking a private backyard and screened porch. Hardwood floors throughout the home. Newer HVAC systems and water heater. Sprinkler system was added for a lush yard. Additional lot located on the marsh for additional privacy and extra space. Have any children that like to build forts? This yard gives you plenty of room to do that. Convenient access to the beach or Historic District. Wonderful quiet Harbour Creek neighborhood. $489,000

BURNSIDE ISLAND

OMG!! 4BRs, 3BAs. That is all you can say about these views over the marsh and Vernon River. The sunsets alone are breathtaking. This traditional Low Country home is located on 2.8 acres and has views out of every window. Inground pool and screened porch overlooking the view as well. This estate is perfect for the discerning owner with privacy and lots of potential for gardens or a family compound. Burnside Island is a unique island with single family homes and lots of walking, riding, etc. Golf cart approved island. Owner may apply for membership in the Burnside Island Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway. $749,900 REDUCED

217 Calley Road

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281 Shipyard

MIDTOWN

Wow!! No lots like this in Parkside. 4 total lots with amazing outdoor space. This charming bungalow will draw you in and make you want to settle in for life. Two bedrooms and bath down and a fantastic master suite and sitting area with bath on second floor. Hardwood floors and contemporary kitchen. There are two outdoor screened areas. Detached single car garage with lots of extra storage. Parkside is such a welcoming community with lots of friendly neighbors. Walk to Daffin Park for the dog park, watching games or enjoy the Banana games and fireworks. Ready for you now. $355,000

1205 E. 51st Street

ISLE OF HOPE

This wonderful 2 BD 2.5 BA home was originally the location of a dairy farm. Two buildings for living. One two story with a wonderful master suite upstairs with new bath and large closet. Separate “bunkhouse” has full bath, bedroom, kitchen and living area. They are joined by a cozy courtyard and expansive deck perfect for back yard enthusiasts. Large detached workshop and several outdoor storage buildings. Welcome to Isle of Hope! Walk everywhere. To the marina, to the community pool, along Bluff Drive with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The community is one the few golf cart approved areas. This special historic home is for the lover of beautiful and unique properties. Perfect for second residence or investment. $375,000 REDUCED

Located in a Scenic Historic District; Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Best of Savannah, Georgia!

Complimentary Loaner Cars

Drive in minutes to local restaurants, grocery stores, West Marine, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Dockside Amenities

• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-fi • 30 - 50 - 100 amp electrical service • 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks • 600 feet of deep water face docks • Gas and diesel facilities • Pump-out station

Marina Amenities

• Complimentary loaner cars & bicycles • Ship’s store and laundry facilities • 2,000 sq. ft. overwater pavilion • Private restrooms and showers • Seasonal swimming pool