Life and Island Times April 17 2016

With shipmates sailing the blue highways of the Midwest last week, W and Marlow decided to cruise the Atlantic coastal shores of Florida and Georgia. As they tacked northward back and forth across I95, US routes 1, 17 and A1A, they spotted curiosities aplenty before finally finding themselves falling in love with Georgia’s first city.

2004’s Hurricane Frances caused a boat to puncture the wall of the
Taylor Creek Marina on US Route A1A in Fort Pierce Florida (l). Yes, its memorial is still there (r).

A gasoline station owner paid good money for this professionally
painted sign just south of Savannah on Georgia route 204

They ended their northbound journey and stayed a while in Georgia’s first city. Savannah stories were plentiful, since they did not play tourist during their stay. W had lived there off and on from the late 90s through 2004, while Marlow had passed through the city many times starting in the 70s.

They acted like locals who had not been back home in a long time and wanted to catch up. What they found was sometimes stark, always interesting and tasty, oftentimes charming, and occasionally weird.

Savannah has always been a hidden gem to those who have visited it. With more than twenty distinctly manicured squares, it was founded in 1733. Its architecture has stayed intact as it was during the Civil War. The story goes that General William Tecumseh Sherman wanted to present President Lincoln with a Christmas present in December, 1864. Ergo, the city was spared the fate of Atlanta. Its real salvation is actually due to Chatham Artillery Punch, which was served copiously to Sherman’s officers and men by the graceful women of the town. Chatham Artillery Punch ingredients (25 servings):

• 2 ounces of green tea leaves
• 4 large lemons
• 1/2 pound turbinado or light brown sugar
• 1 quart dark rum
• 1 quart brandy
• 1 quart rye or bourbon whiskey
• 3 bottles champagne

Instructions:
• Soak the tea leaves 8 hours or overnight in a quart of cold water. Strain the liquid from the leaves into a large container that will hold all the spirits (use wooden, porcelain, or glass; do not use plastic or metal). Juice 3 lemons through a strainer into the tea and add the sugar, stirring until it is dissolved.

• Stir in the rum, brandy, and whiskey, cover, and let stand at room temperature for at least 8 hours or for up to a week. It’s pretty well indestructible at this point.

• When ready to serve the punch, thinly slice 1 lemon. To serve the punch, allow 6 cups of the base for every bottle of champagne. First pour the brew over an ice ring or large block of ice in a punch bowl. Add the sliced lemon and swirl in the champagne, being careful not to disturb its effervescence. Serve with caution.

Savannah’s historical genteelness can be mind-altering when coupled with its hard drinking urban edge. youthful vibe, foodie culture, outright southern weirdness and is inherent contractions. Hell, it’s even got a café – Papillote – that sells no-shit French macaroons and an American Legion Post, whose restaurant is one of the top 10 fine dining sites in the city.

To be continued.

Copyright © 2016 From My Isle Seat