The Olde Pirates' House

Weather: Crikey… wake up temp is 50 degrees! It seems the further south we go, the cooler it gets… autumn can’t be catching us just yet, can it? The temp warmed up to the low 70’s… perfect for sightseeing, which is what we did under a sunny sky with light winds.

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Larry, Fran, Anna Marie and I met at the marina office at 0830 for the one block walk to the bus stop for the ride to downtown Savannah. Our other mates decided to stay in the marina to sleep in, browse the Isle and even go bicycle riding. They reported that they had a grand time.

The tourists (us) got the bus to Savannah and after a one hour ride (to go probably 10 miles) we decided to disembark. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a clue as to the appropriate “tourist” stop. Fran asked a fellow passenger and we followed his advice. There we stood as the bus pulled away, with no idea as to the direction of travel we should take to get to the historic (tourist) district.

After walking a few blocks, Anna Marie decided it was time to pull out the “tourist map.” That map might have been helpful when we were on the bus. Hey… no harm, no foul. We made our way to a sightseeing trolley stop to find the reported $10.00 fee was actually 20.00. What the heck, we’re only here for the day, what’s $20 per person ($40.00/couple if you’re keeping score).

Before boarding, we decided it would be appropriate to go to the Visitor’s Center. Off we went with map in hand (typical tourists?), in search of said center. Once there, we had the good fortune (thanks to Fran's find in the brochure rack) to get info on the $10.00 trolley. Yes, there still is a $10.00 tourist trolley in Savannah! The Blue “Oglethorpe” trolleys take their passengers on an uninterrupted ride throughout the one square mile historic district after which, passengers can board shuttle buses where they can get on and off throughout the day.

The tour was a great way for the uninitiated to get his/her bearings and hear stories concerning the historic buildings and people of Savannah.

HISTORY LESSON – HISTORY LESSON

We dined at the historic “Pirates’ House,” an honest to goodness pirate hangout claimed to be the “most historic spot in Georgia.” The “Herb House” located inside the Pirate House is said to be the oldest house in Georgia. It was erected in 1734.

The Old Pirates House first opened in 1753 as an Inn for Seafarers, and fast became a meeting point for bloodthirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Seamen drank and discoursed, sailor fashion, on the exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. Stories persist of a tunnel extending from the old rum cellar beneath the Captain’s Room that led to the river through which men were carried unconscious, to ships waiting in the harbor. Indeed, many a sailor drinking in carefree abandon awoke to find himself at sea on a strange ship bound for a port half way around the world.

In the classic Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Savannah is mentioned numerous times. Tis said, old Captain Flint, who originally buried the famous treasure on Treasure Island, died at the Pirates’ House in an upstairs room. In the story, his faithful mate, Billy Bones, was at his side when he breathed his last muttering; “Darby, bring aft the rum.” Even now, many guests and employees alike, swear that the ghost of Captain Flint haunts the historic tavern.

We returned to the marina via taxi. Larry borrowed the loaner again and we made our way to West Marine (forgot what I wanted when we were there yesterday – has that ever happened to you?) and WalMart then back to the marina for the daily gam. We leave tomorrow for points (anchorages) south!