We leave Hilton Head around 9 AM with our destination this day of Dataw Island. It is approximately 45 miles. We will head through the ICW. Not only have we never been to Dataw Island, we have NEVER heard of it! It’s only a one night stay, so whatever it’s like, we will manage.
We pass under the bridge which takes you onto the island. At 9:30 am on a Saturday, not during busy season, the traffic looks great. We will meander through the ICW, taking our time and enjoying the sights.
We arrive to Dataw Marina around noon, the tide is flowing, but the dock hands are very helpful and grab the lines. We head to the fuel dock first and fill up with diesel. Diesel here is $5.55. Captain Tom actually listened to me when I told him NOT to fill up at Hilton Head, which like everything else there, is overpriced at $6.99. When you are talking about 325 gallons, that’s quite a difference. So I have the luxury of repeating, “I told you so.”!
As we are only here for one afternoon and evening, we use the free bikes at the marina to explore all Datwa Island has to offer. The bikes are not in the best shape, but once we fill up the tires with air we are good to go!
We bike around the island and all I can say is WOW! I am in love with this island and would move here in a heartbeat! Who would have thought??? You just never know.
It is amazing the changes in tides. Lately all marinas have floating docks. The docks go up and down with the tides and no need to adjust your lines. It would be a nightmare to be on a fixed dock.
We end our day with a fantastic meal at Morgan River Grill, one of the few places to eat on the island. While we have dinner, we are able to do a load of laundry, which is attached to the restaurant. Although the laundry room could use some improvements, the wash was $1.50 and the dryer was free plus we found 75 cents. After the fuel bill, we need all the help we can get!
It was a surprising and fun trip! I may just be back to Datwa as an owner!!