Lake Drummond

Monday May 25, Memorial Day
This morning we were under way by 7 AM. We have a long day ahead of us and depending on the current who knows how far we will get. We would like to get though the Pungo Canal but it is 24 miles long and now where to anchor within it. We arrived at the canal by 6 Pm, too late to go though. There are many tree stumps along the sides of the canal and a boat that went though after dark hit one last year and sank. We anchored off on the Pungo River a place we had not used before. We had good water depth and protection from the wind and waves. We will definitely use this one again.

Tuesday May 26
Again we were under way by 7 AM. We traveled the 24 miles of the canal along with several other sailboats and of course we were passed by many power boats. They were not necessarily traveling North back home for the Summer but were local boats cruising for the Summer. Many of them go to New England or the Chesapeake.

When we left the canal we then traveled up the Alligator River to the Alligator River Bridge. After going though the bridge opening we stopped at the Alligator River Marina and took on fuel. Larry felt that this fuel would last us til we got to Deltaville. After fueling we headed across the Albemarle Sound. The wind had begun to pick up and the fetch was growing on the sound. It was a little uncomfortable and got worse in the middle then eased up some on the other side. When we made our turn to go up the Pasquotank River the wind and waves were coming from behind us, this flattened out the boat and the rolling stopped. We had motor sailed across the sound but the waves were greater than the wind and the sails didn't help much. We arrived in Elizabeth City when the bridge came off restriction and we caught an opening shortly after 6 PM.
We transited though the bridge and continued on up the river to Goat Island, where we dropped our hook along with two other boats. It had been a long day, a little over 11 hours of travel. It felt good to stop for the evening and have dinner and a good nights sleep.
















Wednesday May 27
Last night we discussed taking our time this morning and catching the 11AM bridge and lock opening at South Mills. I knew we would be up early and said why not go for the 8 AM opening that would get us at the Visitors Center around 10AM. We had planned to spend the night at the center. Getting there early would give us more time to visit the new State Park Center on the West side of the canal. That is what we did and it was worth it. We spent several hours viewing the center and walking the new board walk. After which we borrowed the courtesy bikes at the Visitors Center and took a ride on the nature trail. Of course we got caught in the rain but it was only a shower. It was a very warm day so it felt good. Along the way the only nature we came across was one dead snake and one very long, very alive one. That was enough nature for me.

The picture is of the new pontoon foot bridge, which gives you access to the center on the West side. They have been working on it the last two trips though for us. One of the rangers told us it has already been struck by lightening twice and cost a small fortune to fix.

Thursday May 28

This morning we were the last ones to leave the dock at the center. We were in no hurry we were only going about five miles to the dock on the East side of the canal by the feeder ditch. When we arrived another boat was already tied up. When we ask how long they were going to be there they said a few hours and that it was OK to raft up to them. We did and then got into the dinghy for a ride up the feeder ditch to Lake Drummond.

The ride in the feeder ditch was quiet and very scenic. We had hoped to see some wild life but it didn't happen. The picture above is of the dam that controlls the water flow that feeds the canal. The boat house is for the lock tender that arrives by boat. We turned to the port ( left ) and followed the water way to the lift. Where we placed our dinghy on the rails and proceeded to move it across the land to the other side where we placed it in the water again.

This picture is of our dinghy as it took a ride on the rail car.

Our breath was taken away by the view that awaited us when we emerged out onto the lake. It was a perfect day not a breath of wind to disturb the water. You can see by the pictures the water acted as a mirror for the landscape and the sky. I took many pictures and it was hard to choose for the blog. They were all magnificent.

We rode along the shore being careful not to get too close as to snag on a stump. As you can see, some of the trees are growing out in the water. We arrived on the other side and came straight back in the middle of the lake. With nothing disturbing the water you could look out over the bow of the boat and almost think you were on a movie set. The landscape was a painted picture for the back drop and the dinghy was nothing but a prop with a recording for the sound of the engine. What an experience we were very glad we made the stop. We have passed by many times and we always say we need to stop. I'm so glad we did today.

We arrived back at the boat around 1PM and both us and the boat we were rafted to set out to make the 3PM bridge opening at Deep Creek. We didn't go though the lock, we will do that at 8AM tomorrow morning. We both went to the Elizabeth Dock and tied up for the night.

Larry and I went for a walk to stretch our legs and see what the grocery store had to offer. We picked up a few things. When we got back to the boat we went over for a cocktail on our neighbors boat. We called it an early evening, tomorrow would be a long day.

Visiting In New Burn, NC

Wednesday May 20
We left very early around 6:45 AM for a very long day. We traveled up the Cape Fear River going into the wind and current, seeing only around 4 knots of speed. Some waves were breaking over our bow but not bad only around 1 to 2 footers. It was just a slow go of it. After a twelve hour day we dropped the hook in Mile Hammock Bay, in the middle of the navel base for some dinner and hopefully a good nights sleep. It wasn't long after we arrived that we saw the sunset in the picture.

Thursday May 21

We woke to another 6:45 exit out of the anchorage to make the bridge opening at 8 AM. These long days are starting to get to us. It will be good to call it quits in Deltaville.

Today we traveled though Beaufort, NC and on our way we passed by this big guy. He was hauling phosphates (chemicals) and had signage all over his barge with warnings. I didn't want to get too close and would not want to be crew aboard his ship.

We anchored in Cedar Creek for the night. There were a few other boats that seemed to be traveling for the Memorial holiday weekend. Most were out of New Burn, NC, our next stop.

Friday May 22

This morning we were in no great hurry but were up early as usual. Our days voyage was a short one from our last nights anchorage to New Burn, NC. We traveled up the Neuse River to the this quaint little town. Upon arrival we headed to the Skip Jack Marina for fuel. After fueling we headed to the anchorage between the two bridges. The main bridge is a lift bridge and has been under construction for a year and a half, so it is open permanently til construction is complete. We traveled though it and had to wait for the train bridge to open. This took 45 minutes. This bridge is normally open accept when a train is coming though. We seem to manage to always be at the train bridges when they are coming. As luck would have it there was a delay and we along with five other boats on the other side had to wait. The bridge tender finally opened to let us pass before the train arrived. It was kind of neat to watch the train pass when it did finally arrive.

When we got settled our friend Kathy met us at the boat ramp/dinghy dock to show us the town. She had just moved into a new apartment the weekend before, so we got to see her new home. We also met her friend Annie, they both moved here from Rochester, NY four years ago. Annie has a massage business at her house and stays very busy. Kathy works in a dentists office and also works part time for Food Lion. She worked part of today and has tomorrow off. In the evening the four of us went to dinner at a restaurant that has a fresh fish market next door. I don't need to tell you how fresh and good the fish was.

Saturday May 22

The picture is of the little ducks male and female that came to great us early this morning. I think they went to all the boats for handout. A while later they were joined by to more male ducks and the battle for the female began. Our little friend held his own and the other two left.

This morning Kathy met us at the dinghy dock around 10 AM. We were headed for Super Wal*Mart and Lowes for propane and groceries. When we returned Larry took our supplies out to the boat and Kathy and I set out for an adventure. Larry wasn't interested in shopping and going to lunch, besides he had some chores he wanted to get done.

When were returned late afternoon Larry brought Kathy and I out to the boat by dinghy. We had invited her and Annie for dinner. The picture is of Kathy when we arrived on the boat. We didn't know if Annie would be joining us or not. She did call and Larry went to shore to bring her out. I had cooked a roasting chicken on the grill. It was a beautiful evening and after dinner we visited until dark. We said our good byes and Larry took the girls back to shore. If the weather is still warm when we pass though in the Fall we will make a stop in New Burn, if not we'll do it in the Spring. It was great to see Kathy and meet Annie.

Sunday May 23

This morning we traveled the short distance on the Neuse River to Blackbeard Sailing Club. We are going to visit George and Carol the couple in the picture. We met them in Marathon at Boot Key Harbor City Marina. They were on the mooring ball next to us. They, also like us are former Lake Ontario Sailors. They belonged to Putneyville Yacht Club.

When we arrived at the sailing club we were greeted by several of it's members, George being one of them. When we got our lines secured, George gave us a tour of the grounds and club house. It reminded me a lot of the club we were members of on Lake Ontario, Brockport Yacht Club. The people were friendly and the club house had a great view of the water with a big deck.

George and Carol invited us to their house for the evening for dinner. George came to get us in his car around 4:30. They live in a gated community but it is very rural with lots of trees and space between the houses. In fact you don't really see the neighbor houses when you look out the windows. It was a beautiful setting with all the wooded areas. We had a lovely dinner and great visit. They don't plan to cruise South next year so we hope to stop on the way down or back to see them again.

Friday May 15

We made it passed Georgetown, the current was carrying us along at a good speed. We dropped the hook in Thoroughfare Creek and the picture is of the bluff on shore. This creek gets it's name from all the small boat traffic that come though from the creek up stream and the river down stream. When we arrived two small boats we at shore having some libations with another man. The two with the boats left and the other man stayed. We don't know where he was living because there were no houses that we could see from the water. It was very quiet and dark that night. Kinda made it eerie wondering where that man went. All in all it was a good anchorage.

A friend of ours said when he anchors there he swims to shore and takes a picture of his boat from on top of the bluff. There was no way we were going in that water, when we were in route today we saw a large gator in the river. Larry thought it was a log until it started to move and upon further inspection with the binoculars, he was big.

Saturday May 16

We woke very early and were underway by 7 AM this morning. The tide was against us all day today on our ride to Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach, S Carolina. It made for a slow go compared to yesterday.

You can see from the picture the low hanging clouds on the water. It continued to rain in spurts on us all day. In between the rains the sun would show it's face for a while but then the clouds would move in again. We got to Barefoot Landing Resort and Marina early afternoon, fueled up and took a dock. This area is known as the ditch and has very little to offer in the way of anchoring. We have been to this marina in the past and like it here. We have access to the pool and hot tub which make it worth the stay. While we were at the pool our friend Norman came up, he and Nancy had just arrived. We were just wondering about them and where they were a few days ago and here they are. It seems to work that way. That evening we got together with them on our boat for cocktails. They plan to go to Southport tomorrow and take a dock because of the predicted bad weather to come. We are not sure what we will do. We Plan to make that decision tomorrow underway.

I took this shot underway to Barefoot Landing. It is a bridge that is under construction a few miles south of Barefoot Landing. If you look real close you can see one option to keeping your boat from being waked by the passing boats. Just below the bridge at the end of the crane cable is a small powerboat suspended in mid air. I guess there is a first for every thing, I not seen this technique before.

Sunday May 17

We left the dock this morning just before 7 Am along with our friends Norm and Nancy on S/V True Loev and three other sailing vessels from across at another marina. We had a swing bridge first thing and we all went through together. I was the lucky one to be doing the driving though the area known as the rock pile. It is a strip of the ICW that is not only narrow but has rock under the water on both sides. The first time down through this area it was at high tide and we couldn't see the rocks and what the fuss was all about. The next time thorough was at low tide and we could see what the fuss was all about and it was pretty scary. We now have been though several times and we stay alert and in the center. That way we stay out of harms way.

While we were under way it was evident that the weather prediction was going to come true. We called ahead via cellular phone and made a reservation for the marina in Southport. Normally we go to the South Harbor Marina but it is too far from the town and if we are going to get stuck here for a few days we want to be able to go for a walk and see things. We arrived mid afternoon and tied to the dock just before the winds go too strong.

Our friends were surprised and glad to see us. We also found another couple we met in Marathon at the docks. They had been here for three days already.

When we were finished checking in we went for a walk into town to check it out. It was still warm but down by the river the wind was strong and much cooler. We walked back and just in time for the skies to open up and down pour. It was quite a wet night and continued to rain all night.

Monday May 18

We slept in this morning later than we normally do. I think it was because it was so dark out side and still drizzling. I cooked us breakfast and we just hung out on the boat until late in the afternoon. We had talked about taking a cab to the super Wal*Mart but just couldn't get up the ambition to go. Finally late in the afternoon our friends Norm and Nancy ask us if we wanted to walk into town with them. We took a walk but not much was happening due to the weather. We walked to the health food store and then to a cafe for a cup of java. We returned to the boat and stayed there for the rest of the evening.

Tuesday May 19

This morning we got up and made plans with both sets of friends to share a cab to Wal*Mart around 10:30 AM. This got us moving. We needed a boost, the weather is still not good and the gale force winds warning is still in effect. A good day to stay put. When we returned form Wal*Mart we had lunch and I gave Larry a trim on his beard and mustache. Norm came over to ask if we would like to get together for a pot luck dinner at his boat. We accepted and will see them tonight.

I wish the wind would stop howling, I'm getting tired of listening to it. The prediction is for it to lessen but still 15 to 20 in the morning. We plan to leave early unless something is to change.

Wednesday May 13
Today was a good day to stay put. The picture is of the ocean and the gray sky. We enjoyed our day visiting with Phil. Dianne was at her daughter's house but we got to visit some when she came home.

They were kind to us and let us use their washer and dryer. I desperately needed to do laundry. It was coming out of the wet locker at me. Phil, Larry and I took a break in between loads and went to lunch and for a drive to see the area. They live in a gated community on a golf course. The Isle of Palms is an island just North of Charleston and on the East side of the ICW. It's very peaceful here at the dock and protected.

Thursday May 14

We made the decision last night to stay another day. We still had some work to do on the boat even with all the cleaning and laundry we did yesterday. The weather was still threatening thunderstorms this morning and though the afternoon. We felt it was a good choice on our part.

When I got up this morning I baked a banana bread and Phil and Dianne came over for coffee. We had a good visit, but a short one, they had things to do as they are getting ready to cruise on their boat next week. They may even catch up with us before we get to the Chesapeake. If not we will see them in Deltaville.

Phil needed to go to Wal*Mart and we tagged along. I got to ride with the cute little gal you see in the picture. Her name is Sailor and she will be going with Phil and Dainne on their cruise.

Tomorrow morning we plan to get a early start before the wind begins to blow. We should make it to Georgetown, SC, where we will anchor for the night.

Still In Charleston!

Monday, May 11

Today we just hung out and read until late in the afternoon. The sun was shinning but thunderstorms were predicted. After lunch we took the dinghy and went to shore. We took the short walk to the health food store. The sky was cloudy when we left and it looked like we were going to get wet again but by the time we walked back the sun was out again. When we returned to the boat the air temperature took a quick dive and we didn't last long in the cockpit.















Tuesday, May 12

We woke to a chilly 55 degrees this morning, we ate breakfast and began to raise our anchors. We don't as rule put down two anchors so we had to coordinate our efforts in raising them. I had to dive slowly in forward while Larry by hand bought up the first anchor and by winch let out the second anchor. The first anchor was the one we were being held by, the current was still on the incoming tide. When he got the first one up we move back by way of the current to the other anchor. It was gentle enough that he brought up the second one while we were moving back to it. All in all it went quite well but Larry had a back ache from the strain of lifting the anchor by hand. On our thirty foot Hunter the anchor windless was called Larry. I guess he is out of practice.

We arrived at the boat yard to have our mast stepped around 10AM. You can see by the picture it is being rigged by the crew in the parking lot. Larry and I mounted our new mast head light. It went smooth lets hope it works when they are all down.

We're getting there! The crane has the mast on the boat and the crew is attaching the stays.

We were hoping to make the bridge before it goes on restriction but it is now 3 PM and they are still tuning the rig.

It's 4 PM and the main sail is on and we are pushing off the dock. The wind has picked up and the chop is building in the harbor and we have a two hour wait for the bridge. We rode around in the harbor for a period of time then entered the ICW again and waited near the bridge. It was 6 Pm when we went though the bridge opening. We had about another hour of travel to get to Isle of Palms were we had a dock for the night, thanks to our friends Phil and Dianne. We were pretty tired by the time we arrived but glad to get tied up, have a shower, some dinner and go to bed early.

Mother's Day In Charleston, SC

This morning we got an early start to the city. We docked the dinghy at the city marina and walked one block to meet the DASH Bus. We rode the bus around the city to the visitors center. From there we walked to the Fort Sumter Monument, where we boarded the ferry to Fort Sumter. In the picture of the fort you can see the ferry in the back ground. The entire trip lasted about two and one half hours. The ride out and back and the talk at the fort totaled about two hours. We would have liked more time to walk around the fort. They now allow you to take your personal boat out to the fort. We may anchor out and dinghy in for a longer stay next time.

The day started out sunny and quite warm but as you can see by the picture it got very over cast and threatening of thunderstorms. Before we left it started to sprinkle and just after we departed the boat at the mainland the skies opened up and down poured.

This was a shot across the inside of the complex. The original fort had two more stories but were fired upon during the Civil War and turned into rubble in the center and then eventually removed. I can't fathom living on the fort during the Civil War or any other time. The soldiers were isolated and captive for months while being fired upon. If your interested in more on the fort go to www.nps.gov/fosu

After the rain let up we walked to the Market area again and found a place to have lunch. We didn't stay in the city as long as on Friday. Of course the rain began to fall again on our dinghy ride back. We were pretty soaked by the time we arrived at the boat. It was just like taking a trip on the cycle we always get wet on the return trip. In fact we saw a large group of cycles while we were eating lunch. Bet they got pretty wet too.

We Look Funny!

We didn't get up early this morning and this could become a habit if we stay much longer. Larry went to shore to get some water and dump the garbage, I stayed behind on the boat. I have felt under the weather with my allergies today and just wanted to lay low, so I did. I have developed laryngitis and would like it to go away for tomorrow.

Larry did a few jobs he wanted to get done. He cleaned the anchor well because we have both anchors down and the well was empty. Good time to do it. I get after him for not sitting and relaxing so he would do a job and then sit and read for a while then do another job. He cleaned the water line on the boat and the bottom of the dinghy. Cleaning the dinghy meant getting in the water. Not me, the water isn't very clean it looks muddy but we have seen people swimming in it.

You can see by the picture what I mean we look funny. We have had several inquiries about our missing mast by boats that are passing by .

Well this has me caught up on my blogging til tomorrow. Let see if I can keep up for a while.

Sweltering Day In Charleston!

This morning we decided to go into the city of Charleston. We left relativity early, the temperatures are to reach 85 to 90 degrees. We took the dinghy to the city marina, paid for a day pass and set out on foot for the visitors center. The day had already reached high temps and as you can see the dog in the fountain new how to get cool. If I though I could get away with it I would have joined him.

After checking out the visitors center we walked across the street to the museum. We always manage to spend many hours no matter what museum we go into. This one was no different, it was late in the afternoon when we emerged to the sidewalk again. While we were in the museum a group of about 75 school kids converged on us. It felt like an invasion, no more quiet museum. They seemed to be enjoying themselves and left just before us.

Charleston has many beautiful gardens like this one tucked away off the street. If you do nothing else the architecture and the landscaping are worth the trip into the city.

After the museum we walked to the market and found Bubba Gump's Restaurant and had a late lunch. By this time my feet were about walked out and we looked for the Dash Bus. We didn't ride it a long way but it cut out some of the walk back to the marina.

We got back to the boat just before 7 PM. We had been gone longer than we had planned but time passes when you are having fun. We relaxed and read until the sun set then retreated below decks for and early evening.

Amazing Sunset!

Last night the sky and water were a blaze when the sun set. We don't expect such beauty from the sun when it sets over land but sometimes we get surprised.

Today we relaxed from the hectic day we had yesterday. We took our time and in the afternoon we went to shore at the boat ramp and walked to the health food store. It was an amazing store, it would be nice to have one in every port we travel to. They had brands I had not heard of, they even made Larry happy with their selection of beer.

During our walk I was able to see and identify the sweet sent we have been smelling while traveling. It's Jasmine, it has been in full bloom and is working on my allergies. It smells good but every yard seems to have it for a hedge and it is almost over powering.

It was good to take a break today and I think we will have a few more. We didn't hear from Tom today so it looks like we won't be getting our mast back tomorrow. We just have to sit back and enjoy Charleston. I won't complain.

Stepping Our Mast!

This morning we didn't have to leave at the crack of dawn. We would be catching the 9 AM opening of the bridge and only had a few miles to travel. Before we left though, we had to remove the jib sail. We didn't take it down when we removed the main, it was our safety net in case of engine trouble. You never know and we have had to use it before for that exact reason. We got it down and were under way. The tide was going out which meant we had a good ride to the Charleston Harbor but when we made the turn to go up river to the boat yard it meant a slow go. The tide and wind were opposing, which meant lots of waves. Fortunately for us the waves were with us and we surfed all the way up river, considering we were only doing 4 knots.

We arrived at the boat yard and Tom and the crew were waiting for us. They did the prep while they were waiting for the crane. The crane was stepping a mast on another boat. The picture shows Tom up the mast fastening the strap from the crane to the mast.

This picture shows the mast being lifted off the boat and moved up to the parking lot. Where they removed the rigging and put it on a trailer for transport to the Seldon factory. We don't know for sure when we will see the new one back. Until then we plan to anchor out just South of the bridge we came under this morning. The only difference we don't need to wait for and opening. Not having a mast has certain advantages.

Playing Catch Up!

Monday April 27



We arrived in New Smyrna Beach around 1 PM took a dock in the city marina. Aunt Dot and her friend Don arrived at 2 PM. They were kind to us and drove us to the grocery store to get some provisions. After which we went to dinner for the Early Bird Special at the Riverview Restaurant and Marina, it over looks the ICW. We have on past visits taken a dock there. The weather was beautiful and we ate at a table outside on the deck. It was great to see Dot and to catch up on news and to meet her friend Don. They are planning a trip up North next month. They will take Don's pickup truck and pull his motorcycle in a trailer. They have been doing a lot of cycling here in Florida and are looking forward to the same up North. We suggested on their return in October that they stop in Deltaville to visit us and the four of us can take a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains by cycle. We'll look forward to our next visit together.

Tuesday April 28

We planned another short day today, we will be going to Daytona. There is no need to leave early so I did the laundry and Larry gave the boat a much needed wash. We finished our tasks and left the dock around 11 AM. We arrived at Daytona were we took on fuel at Halifax Harbor Marina. After we crossed the ICW and dropped the anchor in shallow water in front of this beautiful house. We had a quiet night and relaxed in the cockpit and watched as the sun went down.

Wednesday April 29

We lifted our anchor early this morning to catch the bridge opening before they closed for heavy morning traffic. We traveled a long distance today to get to St Augustine. Our relaxing short days are over we are now on a push to get to Charleston. We plan a day of R&R in Beaufort, SC for provisions and site seeing, other than that we are on the move.

When we arrived in St Augustine our plan was to anchor just South of the bridge. After going a ground while entering the anchorage we changed our minds and back tracked to anchor where we were in the Fall. We prefer to anchor North of the bridge but passage though the bridge is restricted to before 7 AM and after 9 PM. We arrived around 5 PM.

The bridge in St. Augustine has been under construction since before our first trip South. The city is all about architecture and the bridge is being restored. They first built a new bridge beside the old one. This took time, then they started renovations on the old one, which is taking the most time. In the past we have had restrictions but nothing this limited. They have a barge blocking the passage during the day while they install the counter weights. We do not know how long this will take. The progress is now visible to those of us who know nothing about bridge building, let alone renovation.

Thursday April 30

This morning as you can see by the picture we were up real early. We needed to get to the bridge before 7 AM and we were a few miles South of it. We got our hook up and traveled to the bridge in plenty of time. We had another long day as we traveled to Fernandina Beach to take on fuel at the marina. While we were getting fuel I noticed a boat that looked familiar. When I saw the owners I recognized them from a previous visit to No Name Harbor. It never ceases to amaze me how we meet up again on this journey of ours. There is so much water and so many places but we manage to meet up again and again.

After taking on fuel we traveled the 5 miles to Cumberland Island in Georgia to anchor for the night. After we crossed the channel and started up the ICW to Cumberland we were hailed by a Coast Guard Cutter. The Coast Guard was warning us of an escort that was in progress and to stay out of the channel as far as possible. She also said to be aware that some ships require 300 yards of clearance. When we saw that they were escorting a submarine we figured that that was one of the ships that needed 300 yards. There were four very large ship doing the escort and a few small ships. In the photo you can see the two main ships and the sub. We were surprised that they gave no prior warning on the VHF. They generally give one in advance to their departure. I will say it is very impressive and a bit intimidating, we feel so small compared to them.

After our bit of excitement we arrived at Cumberland Island and set our hook for a good nights sleep. There were about six sailboats, including us and no power boats in the anchorage.

Friday May 1

This morning we were the first ones to leave the anchorage. I'm sure your not surprised, me neither. Now that we are in Georgia navigating can get tricky. Georgia has little to no funding for dredging the ICW. The Army Corp of Engineers actually closed the ICW in this state but there was such an uproar that they opened it again. Hence why passing by this cruise ship was tense.

The winds were predicted to increase and come out of the Southwest and by the time we got to where we wanted to anchor it was a choppy mess. We entered Dublin Creek and set the anchor twice but we were not comfortable with being there. We lifted up the anchor and traveled another couple of miles to New Tea Kettle Creek. The wind was still blowing but the creek was narrow and windy which made for no chop. Three other boats were already there with anchors set. Two of the boats, one of which we new from Deltaville, were rafted together. We had been communicating with True Luev on the VHF while traveling but had not met up together. After Larry and I got anchored and settled we dinghied over to visit for cocktails. We didn't stay long we were both tired and needed to eat dinner. Tomorrow would be another long day.

Saturday May 2

We again were the first to leave the anchorage. We were sure our friends would catch up to us and possibly pass us. They caught up but never managed to pass us. They planned to go as far as the Isle of Hope Marina for the night and we were anchoring in the Herb River in Thunderbolt, Ga. We arrived in good time and traveled up the river to a some what wide spot and dropped the hook. On the way in we passed another boat doing the same. After we set our hook the same boat we passed came up where we were he tried multiple times to set his hook, then gave up and left. This didn't help our confidence even though we knew we were set. The frequent tidal changes can left ones anchor and reset it. At least we hope it resets. When you get up into these narrow, some what shallow rivers, the current tends to be less. There is always many things to take into consideration and I don't feel any of us are expert at the task no matter how many anchorings we have under our belt. Mother Nature makes sure we stay on our toes inflicting enough fear just so we don't become cocky.

Being Saturday there was considerable amount of small boat traffic, which calmed down by late evening. The Herb River was a very pleasant anchorage, I'm sure we will come again.

Sunday May 3

We had another long day to Beaufort, SC. We again got an early start. After traveling the distance to Beaufort, we needed fuel again. Instead of going to the City Marina in Beaufort we stopped in route at Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal. The wind was blowing and creating quite a chop on the river. This made for a lees than easy landing on the fuel dock. I'm glad Larry was driving. The dock hand was helpful and seemed to know what she was doing. That always helps in these conditions. After we were fueled and took on water, Larry had me drive so he could help push us away from the dock. His arm strength is greater than mine and the wind had us pinned to the dock. We got off without an issue but I was a little bit nervous, even though Larry has me drive and dock about as much as he does. We both feel it is important in the case that I have no choice in the matter.

After fueling, we proceeded to Beaufort. Our plan was to anchor just South of the marina. When we arrived we could see the fetch on the water in the anchorage was building with the winds 15 to 20 knots out of the South. There are several boats owned by the locals on private mooring balls that take up much of the anchoring space, making it difficult to find a spot with enough space to allow for swing room. Added to this many of the transient boats put out two anchors, with the current and tidal change it is almost impossible to guess where their anchors are set. After driving around for a while we chose a spot and set our anchor. Even after shutting off the engine it still was noisy with the wind and waves. We decided it would not be as pleasant a stay as we anticipated and we were staying for two nights. We lifted the hook and waited for the next bridge opening for the Ladies Island Bridge. Just passing though the bridge lent it's self to peace and quiet. Just North of the bridge we took a left and headed up Factory Creek. Past the Ladies Island Marina we set our hook. The tide was on the verge of changing so we sat to watch how the boat would respond. The creek in narrow with deep water in the center but shallows out at about 15 feet in from the marsh.

Several small power boats were enjoying the beautiful day, one anchored and everybody took a swim. Larry decided he wanted to take a swim also. About that time the tide changed and we swung to close the shore for our comfort. As the tide was going out we knew if we didn't reanchor we would be a ground and out of the water. Not Good! We started the engine and moved more to the center of the creek. In the fall when we anchored we needed to be closer to the shore. This time not giving thought to the wind direction being different we did the same. This is what I mean about no matter how much you anchor you'll never be an expert. Once we moved all was good and we enjoyed our evening.

Monday May 4

Try as we may we could not sleep in. This is what happens to us when we get in travel mode. Leaving early gets us in at our anchorage with time to enjoy the evening. Today though we are not traveling but need to get some provisions at the grocery store. You probably wonder why we shop so frequently. We have a very small refrigerator and can only hold small amounts of food. I don't mind because this keeps us from having spoilage due to the heat.

It was close to 10 AM when we dinghied to shore at Ladies Island boat launch for a walk to the grocery store. We were back to the boat in time for the tide change, which made Larry happy. After putting things away and lunch we headed back out in the dinghy to go the main land and the city of Beaufort. This was a bit longer of a ride than in the morning but not as long a ride in Marathon to Castaway's. The water was calm and the winds were light but the tide was against us. It was an easy ride to the dinghy dock, we tied up and walked into town. Larry and I have been into all the shops numerous times but we never tire of Beaufort. The people are friendly and the towns shops are great for browsing.

We stopped at Panini's for an early dinner and then the city marina for a shower. The ride back was a little rough the fetch had grown with the increase in wind speed. Once again as soon as we went under the bridge the water was calm and the waves gone. When we returned we enjoyed the early evening sitting in the cockpit but retreated to below decks as the temperature dropped due to the threat of impending thunderstorms.

Tuesday May 5

This morning we again left by 7 AM. We have a long trip to Charleston, SC. We plan to stop and anchor about 5 miles South of Charleston. We won't make it in time to catch the bridge opening before it goes on restriction and closes from 4 to 6 PM. We'll wait and go in the morning when it comes off of restriction at 9 AM.

We got to our anchorage around 4 PM and dropped the hook just in time for the rain to come. The tide was coming in and was strong enough to keep the wind from pushing us so we stayed in line with the current until slack tide. There was plenty of water around us so there was no worry of coming too close to the docks on shore when we swung.

When we shopped in Beaufort, I purchased a whole chicken at the store. For dinner I prepared it and wrapped it in aluminum foil and cooked it on the grill. When I do this we have several meals that are easy. We had a good dinner tonight of roast chicken, fresh green beans, rice and gravy. We watched a little TV and went to bed.