Blue Heaven Rendezvous #4
Calabash to Charleston
Monday, Nov. 3 - Dreary would be the term to use to describe the type of day to which we awoke. We were the last two boats to leave the anchorage around 8am. E
arlier we had heard chatter on the radio that two boats was having difficulty getting out, running aground. Low tide was at 5:15am, so leaving later was probably better. We had several bridges to go through which were "on request" (rather than on demand) openings. We learned from other cruisers you need to be polite to the bridge tenders. This stretch of the ICW is definitely a motor day, allowing me to get some rug hooking done while Al steers, along with our autopilot, we affectionately named Delbert. We went 43 mi. past Myrtle Beach and the famous Rock Pile, with no problems and anchored in Thoroughfare Creek. This was one of the prettiest anchorages we have been in. Other boats knew of it also, with about eight others sharing this spot.
Calabash to Charleston
Monday, Nov. 3 - Dreary would be the term to use to describe the type of day to which we awoke. We were the last two boats to leave the anchorage around 8am. E
arlier we had heard chatter on the radio that two boats was having difficulty getting out, running aground. Low tide was at 5:15am, so leaving later was probably better. We had several bridges to go through which were "on request" (rather than on demand) openings. We learned from other cruisers you need to be polite to the bridge tenders. This stretch of the ICW is definitely a motor day, allowing me to get some rug hooking done while Al steers, along with our autopilot, we affectionately named Delbert. We went 43 mi. past Myrtle Beach and the famous Rock Pile, with no problems and anchored in Thoroughfare Creek. This was one of the prettiest anchorages we have been in. Other boats knew of it also, with about eight others sharing this spot.
Al decided he wanted to explore further up the creek so he readied the dinghy and picked up fellow cruising buddies, Jim and Jeannie. We were hoping to spot more wild life but were not too successful. We did find an almost hidden inlet that took you back to an aging planned canal community. It must not have been too successful, because there were not a lot of homes back there.
With daylight savings ended, we had to get back to the boat, because now it is dark by 5:30pm. It may get dark earlier, but we still get some gorgeous sunsets. We had a very peaceful night with some light rain.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 Election Day - A cloudy day was predicted, and a cloudy day it was. Larry the Liar was right for once! We had discussed going into Georgetown for a few hours but Al thought it best to get down as far as possible in the waterway, so the next day we could get into Charleston at a reasonable hour. One thing we definitely learned about is “slow passes.” That is when a boat (usual a large power boat, sport fisherman or yacht) is overtaking you. The slower craft slows down and the faster craft slow down, so as not to throw you a large wake. Some captains are better at it than others! We had quite a few of these today while we traveled down the Wacamaw River, Winyah Bay, Esterville Minim Canal, Four River Creek Canal, the ICW past McClellansville and finally into Awendaw Creek (where do they get these names?). It was just Estelle and Blue Heaven in this anchorage for a quiet night.
Wednesday, Nov.5 – Up at 6:30am so that I could get in my small weight exercises (Strong Women by Dr. Miriam Nelson) while we were still on the anchor. We left at 7:45am under cloudy skies again to head south motoring down the ICW. Yesterday and today are supposed to be some of the most boring part of the waterway according to our cruising buddies the Leas. I would agree. Friends back home always ask, "What do you do all day?" I know Jim and Jeannie do crosswords and sodukos or read. I tend to do my rug hooking, scrapbooking or writing in my journal. When it is super flat as it has been the last two days, I have done things such as change the sheets, answer emails, download photos from camera or work on the blog. I do take over steering the boat when Al needs a break. Al likes to do the navigating and steering. When I ask to do it for awhile he sits looking totally bored, so I feel sorry for him and just let him do it.
We arrived in Charleston after passing Isle of Palm which by the way has no palm trees. Although earlier in the day we did see our first palm tree so we know we are getting further south! Into Charleston City Marina we came with a bang! We did not do too well on our first attempt at docking due to the current, so we had to go back out and try again. The second time we were successful for which I was glad because there was an audience on the dock which usually makes me extremely nervous. Once tied up, we fueled up. Ouch, what a painful process when you are taking on 60 gal. at $2.99. However, it is better than over $3 which is what we had seen before we left.
Wednesday, Nov.5 – Up at 6:30am so that I could get in my small weight exercises (Strong Women by Dr. Miriam Nelson) while we were still on the anchor. We left at 7:45am under cloudy skies again to head south motoring down the ICW. Yesterday and today are supposed to be some of the most boring part of the waterway according to our cruising buddies the Leas. I would agree. Friends back home always ask, "What do you do all day?" I know Jim and Jeannie do crosswords and sodukos or read. I tend to do my rug hooking, scrapbooking or writing in my journal. When it is super flat as it has been the last two days, I have done things such as change the sheets, answer emails, download photos from camera or work on the blog. I do take over steering the boat when Al needs a break. Al likes to do the navigating and steering. When I ask to do it for awhile he sits looking totally bored, so I feel sorry for him and just let him do it.
We arrived in Charleston after passing Isle of Palm which by the way has no palm trees. Although earlier in the day we did see our first palm tree so we know we are getting further south! Into Charleston City Marina we came with a bang! We did not do too well on our first attempt at docking due to the current, so we had to go back out and try again. The second time we were successful for which I was glad because there was an audience on the dock which usually makes me extremely nervous. Once tied up, we fueled up. Ouch, what a painful process when you are taking on 60 gal. at $2.99. However, it is better than over $3 which is what we had seen before we left.
It's time to relax. We plan on staying two or three days.
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