Day 115 touring downtown Savannah

We had reserved the Isle of Hope Marina loaner car for the day to tour downtown (historic) Savannah. However, before we left the marina, we had to move Lucky Us to a new dock. We had to back out of the same narrow channel between 2 large boats that we had entered two days before. The Admiral had all our our fenders hanging off both sides. I guess that it pays to be prepared (or lucky) because we made it out without touching either of the boats. 

Just to be sure, there was a marina employee on each of the boats to push us off if needed, and fortunately all they had to do was watch. We then drove downtown to the Visitor's Center to start our self guided tour. They had a very nice history museum where the Admiral got to "visit" with Forrest Gump. One of the other displays included this steam locomotive. This picture is for Grandson Will, and I will spare you the other train pictures by e-mailing them specially to him.

Ship building played an important role in early Savannah, including the Civil War ironclad Savannah. The ironclads were not very seaworthy so the Savannah spent most of her time anchored in the river as a floating fort to protect the harbor.

After the museum, we boarded a free bus that makes a circuitous journey around and through the historic downtown area. We got off on the waterfront downtown and lunch at thee River House as we watched tugs and one barge move around. The site for the town was chosen for the high (30+ feet) bluff along the edge of the river.

The waterfront is lined with restored, historic warehouses like this one. The lower floors of the warehouses are full of restaurants and bars. The ground level on the water side is about 10 feet above mean high tide. The floor of the third level is about at the top of the bluff, and there are stores and offices that face downtown (the other side). The car on the very left is coming down the slope from the top of the bluff

. The higher elevation of the town helps protect it from storm surges of 22 feet or more during hurricanes. This interesting fountain pays tribute to the importance of the port of Savannah. The wheel on the paddle wheeler even turns. The Savannah River is in the background. When we leave Savannah in 2 days (Day117) we plan a little detour to come up river to see the city from the water.

After lunch, we walked up the bluff and went about 3 blocks to the City Market area. It is a very pretty park like area with lots of art stores and restaurants

The last picture is of my favorite flower seller (aka Admiral Terry).

We did some shopping on the way back to the marina. As we were eating dinner on board Lucky Us, a severe thunderstorm passed through the marina. It turns out that a 78 foot motor yacht suffered what was probably a near hit. We learned this morning that it damaged some (all?) of the electronic gear. A near hit is where the lightning hits the water near a boat, but part of the electricity travels over and through the boat. In a direct hit the lightning can burn a hole right through a boat (worst case scenario).

Well, tomorrow is a day of relaxing aboard Lucky Us, but by now, you know that will evolve into lots of little jobs...