This morning we waited until low tide to exit our Cumberland Island anchorage. We headed south to intercept the ICW at the St. Mary's River, and then continued in a northerly direction, being careful to change from red on right to green to stbd as we turned out of the river into the ICW.
Three sailboats were right in front of us, and we waited until we had all passed the south end of the Brickhill River to pass them.
We turned into the Brickhill River from the north end (we had been told the southern end is shoaled at low tide) and proceeded to Plum Orchard, where we anchored slightly to the south. We took the RIB into the floating dock, and walked to the mansion to be a part of the 1300 tour. We learned that if you sign up at SeaCamp, you can ride a van shuttle to Plum Orchard, then on to the Settlement. We had asked the NPS employees at SeaCamp several times, and they never told us about the shuttle, or where we could sign up. We had asked about how to see Plum Orchard, and were given times, but no other information. I can understand the private boaters' dismay over the NPS being partial to those arriving by concession boat.
After going miles out of the way, to enter Brickhill River from the north, we arrived at Plum Orchard in time for the 1300 mansion tour. A group from Greyfield arrived by truck to go through the mansion with us. The tour was led by a wonderful VIP (Volunteer In Park) who was interested in the history and the presentation. She didn't care that the Greyfield group didn't want to go through the basement, she sent them on their way, then her husband (another VIP) continued with a great tour for two!
The mansion and the grounds are beautiful. It is hard for me to imagine an island with electricity and lights before electricity had come to the mainland.
After touring the mansion, we returned to the MERCY, hauled anchor, and proceeded up the Brickhill River, exploring the entrance of Mumford Creek, and continuing northward to anchor in a wide spot of Brickhill River, where we could hide from as many horseflies as possible in the light breeze. We anchored in 17' at high tide at N30 553.332' W 081 27.102'
Tours are on the hour, 9-11 and 12-4 Thurs-Mon
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