Monday, April 24
We had moved from Beaufort, SC the day before to a lovely anchorage at MM 509. 3rd day without any repairs. Is this what cruising is supposed to be all about?
We purchased fuel south (MM 473) of Charleston, SC: 181 gallons. We are averaging 1.82 gallons per hour, including periodic use of the generator. Our average speed is 7.5 miles per hour, so that translates to 4.12 miles per gallon.
Rusty contacted the Coast Guard to report a log sitting in the middle of the channel. We provided the coordinates and they later announced it as a warning to mariners.
We anchored out at MM 455. It was a bit tight and we worried about swinging and hitting shore when the tide changed. Fortunately Gigi kept Rusty up and he was able to do anchor watch.
Tuesday, April 25
We were ready to spend a night at a marina for a number of reasons. The weather started to turn and it was the first time we travelled while it was raining. We stayed up on the flybridge, zipped up the windows and it was just fine. After a few hours the winds picked up and the water got choppy so we phoned ahead to the Harborwalk Marina for space.
Georgetown, SC is one of those towns where I thought we were going to retire. It actually has a functioning main street with stores that are useful for everyday living. A steel factory, salt plant, and paper mill provide the economic base for the town. Historically rice was the main crop and there is an informative rice museum in town.
Two other Monk36 (Punches and Prime Time) docked at the same Marina.
Wednesday, April 26
Gigi had her best grooming at a local pet store in Georgetown, at 2/3 of the Naples price. While she was being groomed, Rusty and I visited the rice museum and had lunch at Thomas Cafe, where all the locals go. Rusty had shrimp and grits and they were excellent, as was my fried shrimp. The weather was not getting better so we stayed another night, relaxing in the afternoon and taking leisurely walks when the weather permitted.
Thursday, April 27
Weather was still not letting up so we stayed for a third night. Georgetown is so delightful that it was not a tough decision. We found a place for Gigi to board when we are in Canada next week.
Friday, April 29
We did a long day today - 60 miles - and anchored outside Calabash, NC MM342. Calabash is a small fishing community that now has a thriving boat/fishing charter industry. That evening a few local boaters approached our boat and we exchanged pleasantries and found out information on visiting the town.
Saturday, April 30
We took the dinghy and went into town about 7 am. We couldn't believe our eyes. There was a deli serving breakfast and they had a side courtyard where we could bring Gigi. Although the food was just average it was a nice change from eating onboard.
Another long day. We motored past Southport but will try and visit next time. It was the first time we encountered some large vessels putting out some serious wake. We got as far to the right of the channel as we could. Even so, it was rocky when they passed.
Wrightsville (MM 283) has an anchorage and free dinghy dock within a few hundred feet of each other. Nice set up. Rusty reserved a NY Times for Sunday. Wrightsville is a beach community that has yet to see a revival. The beach is within walking distance of the dinghy dock so for beach lovers, it is a nice stop.
Sunday, May 1
A pleasant run to MM244 Mile Hammock Bay, part of the restricted area at Camp Lejeune. The anchorage is open to anyone but there are no landing privileges for non-military folks.
Monday, May 2
The harbor host for Swansboro had made arrangements for us to dock at Gottshalk Marina located on Camp Lejeune, the Marine military base. Tom met us and helped with the docking even getting other boaters to give us a hand. Rusty had to back into a finger pier and that was a first. He did it like a pro. Rusty got a replacement military ID. I did laundry at the complimentary laundramat at the marina. We went out to dinner with Tom and his wife Melesia to a Mongolian stir-fry. Excellent!
The marina setting is beautiful and peaceful except for the odd mortar and artillery firing.
Tuesday, May 3
Today was spent cleaning up the boat and getting ready for our trip to Canada. We rented a car from Enterprise on base. In retrospect we should have gone with another company but it was the easiest and only game in town. No unlimited miles if travelling outside the Carolina's. Throughout the trip it has been difficult to get things arranged for our departure to Canada. We did not know where we would be when the time came so booking flights was out of the question. Internet access has been spotty so doing the usual exhaustive research was also out of the question. Nevertheless the final plans did come together and we were grateful to be able to breathe before we head to Canada.
Wednesday, May 4 - Wednesday, May 11
Trip to Canada for son Jason's and daughter-in-law Shayna's wedding. Absolutely beautiful ceremony. So happy for both of them.
Good to get "home" and visit with family. I miss them.
We made the decision to attend the Monk36 Rendezvous to be held in Deltaville, VA June 7-9. We plan to head to Washington DC at a leisurely pace and then head back to Deltaville.
No comments:
Post a Comment