georgia in retrospect

In retrospect, we had many fewer challenges navigating Georgia than we had expected. 

I believe this is because significant dredging must have taken place since our voyage North last spring.  While we did see a few shallow spots (and had a few close passes with tugs and barges in shallow areas), they were very brief and generally occurred where rivers or inlets crossed the ICW. We did see a number of dredges either in the process of dredging or being moved from one site to another.  My guess is that this was economic stimulation money in action. 

The other thing I might have mentioned, was our close encounter with a nuclear submarine while going down the Cumberland Sound, near the St Mary's River.  Well, it was not really that close an encounter.  The Coast Guard intercepted us, made us head back up the sound and then wait about 1/2 mile away for 45 minutes or so while the sub docked.  Maybe its a good thing we were not flying a Canadian flag or they might have escorted us about 50 miles away.  We were tempted to take photos, but did not know what the reaction might be.  There are restrictions against getting too close to Naval installations.  Are there restrictions against photographing as well?  We thought our best bet was to remain inconspicuous and innocuous as well.