Blog of Events & Happenings

We heard reports of the coming east coast storm and watched closely as its path and strength were forecast. Luckily, we were on the far SE portion of the disturbance and only received rain and mild winds the night of 1 Dec and moderate rain while traveling to Beaufort this morning. It was our first dreary and rainy day … cold as well. Only a few boats on the waterway. Leaving Steamboat Creek at 7:30 AM, we made the 47-mile trip to Beaufort by just after noon and moored at Ladies Island Marina, another favorite of ours.

Our trip today illustrates how the ICW is interconnected by man-made cuts to natural waterways. We left Steamboat Creek to join the Dawho River, then Watts Cut (man-made) to the South Edisto River, then the 1/4 mile Fenwick Cut (man-made) to the Ashepoo River, then the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff (man-made) to the Coosaw River, and finally Brickyard Creek into Beaufort. Referring to the ICW as “the Ditch” is such a misnomer. It’s a wonderful collection of rivers, sounds, creeks and, yes, a few man-made connecting canals … most often paralleling the ocean’s coastline and skirting more small towns than large cities.

Had a great dinner at Dockside Dec 2nd, our second favorite restaurant with the same name. We’re spending two days here to replenish food and wine and then move just 2 miles on the other side of town to the city marina in downtown Beaufort for a day of sightseeing and relaxing in that Landmark Historic district. We’re enjoying the slower routine of this year’s travel. On the 3rd we used the courtesy car to shop along with other boaters Peter and Edie. He keeps his boat at Capital Yacht Club or in Key West and knows Peggy Saylor. A small world. After the shopping spree Carey and I dined at the local dive bar, Fillin! Station, that came highly recommended by the marina owner. Loved it!

The first two pictures show BenjOllie at her slip at Ladies Island Marina and the looks of a marina that has an 8-foot range of tide at its lowest level. The next one is a selfie of us at the dive bar. The next picture shows how the ICW wanders through the US east coast from Charleston to Hell’s Gate in Georga.

Had to wait for mid tide at Isle of Palm (11 AM) before starting the trip to our next stop, Steamboat Creek anchorage, 40 miles south of Charleston due to shallow water around the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Finishing a book while enjoying the sunrise and coffee made for a fine morning. Weather was grand today, better than last night’s 40-degrees. We don’t like running a generator while anchored and sleeping so we enjoyed snuggling under plenty of blankets last evening, another fine activity. Warm weather today helped us enjoy the 35 minute ride through Charleston Harbor and following travels down Stono River. The country south of Charleston is beautiful, and we once we safely anchored we enjoyed a stunning sunset in Steamboat Creek. We stayed a second day, relaxing and enjoying the low country view. See pictures below.

Our stay in Georgetown was relaxing, pleasant, and a good spot to wash down the boat. Plus, it’s one of the best stops on the waterway. Revisiting our favorite restaurant, reading a good book, making new boating friends (majority from the Chesapeake area, particularly Annapolis!) and celebrating Thanksgiving made for a great visit. But, ready to move on, we headed out on Saturday, the 29th, on to the Price Creek anchorage, 16 miles north of Charleston. Passing through Winyah Bay, steaming on numerous rivers and creeks (North Santee, South Santee, Harbor, Fourmile), and a host of connecting canals we reached our anchorage in a short 46 mile trek at a 9 to 10 mph pace … not unlike 95 at rush hour! See pictures below. On laptop hover over picture and click CTRL twice to enlarge.

Headed to Georgetown. Forecasters promise 70 degrees and possible high winds later on. The ICW south of Myrtle Beach continues to explode with high end developments along the waterway. Stopped at Osprey Marina for fuel ($3.12/gal for diesel), then continued down the scenic Waccamaw River towards one of our favorite towns … Georgetown, SC. We’re laying over here for a week to enjoy Thanksgiving at a great Southern restaurant, wander the historic town, frequent Carey’s favorite chocolatier, and clean the travel grimae from the boat! We’ll also plan our next stops including the Charleston area, two days in beautiful Beaufort, SC (entire downtown in a national historic landmark, plus great restaurants), and Savannah. Still deciding on next stops as warmer weather just increased our options. Lots of excellent anchorages along the way, including Ceumberland Island.

Not too many daily updates this week

See a few pictures below.

After a restful night at Bridge Tender Marina in Wrightsville, we were underway toward Myrtle Beach— one day out from our Thanksgiving week stop in Georgetown, SC. The cruise down the waterway was smooth and pleasant, even as we passed through two familiar trouble spots: Lockwood’s Folly and Shallotte Inlet. Crossing at low tide could have been tricky, but Bob423’s waterway tracks guided us through with ease.
We settled into our new high-top chairs at the salon helm, enjoying the fine weather and the quiet chance to talk about life and the wider world. It was one of those simple, memorable days on the water.
We covered the 70-mile run to Barefoot Marina in seven and a half hours, arriving ready to relax. The evening was spent with a comforting bowl of soup, cheese, and a good bottle of wine—a perfect end to the day. Now, with the boat secure and spirits high, we’re ready for a sound night’s sleep before tomorrow’s 50-mile run to Georgetown. See some pictures along the way. Hover over and push Ctrl twice to enlarge any picture.

However, we did talk about the excessive no-wake zones we had not anticipated and were pleased we made up the time to arrive at Barefoot Marina on time — before sunset at 5 PM. I almost became a nervous Nelly worrying about speeding up 1 mph while also worrying about a no wake speed zone we had to adhere to. That worry and concern for planning the day does make up a lot of what we like about traveling on the water, not to get somewhere, but enjoy our surroundings on the water while managing how to travel through the area — the trip, not the destination.