Foggy Days at Sea

Bill at Sea Pines

We had a long day to get to Hilton Head, but treated ourselves to a night at Harbortown in Sea Pines. We tied up at the fuel dock, which was right in front of the bar, so we had live music!


In the Atlantic in the fog



The next morning we headed out early, and just as we cleared the inlet the fog rolled in, really thick. We were glad we had decided to go outside instead of the inside ICW route that day, because we were the only boat out there. Listening to the boats on the inside, it sounded very difficult, with narrow channels and other boats to contend with. Still, it was unnerving not to be able to see any markers, and we were relieved when it finally lifted so we could see  the way into an inlet to anchor for the night. 

Keeping a Lookout


Today, after a peasoup beginning, we continued south on the ICW past Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, St. Simon's Island and a whole lot of other pretty spots, and anchored in a fairly ugly place just south of Fernandino Beach (Amelia Island). The objective was to get close to Jacksonville so we have a short run tomorrow. Once in Jacksonville we'll take care of some boat things, then hop a plane Sunday to head home until after the new year. See you all soon!

Heading to Harbortown, Hilton Head Today

Carolina Beach, NC

Bald Head Island

Since our last transmittal we've covered a lot of ground. A couple days ago we decided to put the boat in Jacksonville, FL for a couple months and fly home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That means that after meandering down the ICW, now we have a deadline, and the miles are accumulating. Since the last update, we spent a lovely night anchored in Carolina Beach, followed by two days in Bald Head Island at their marina.
We had planned to stay only one day, but our overnight FedEx package took two days to get to the island, so we stayed. Had some great bike rides, two good lunches at MoJos, and good weather, with a full moon rising.

Minum Creek anchorage - all to ourselves!

From there, we spent one night at Barefoot Landing, then a gorgeous anchorage at Minum Creek (just south of Winyah Bay) and another lovely anchorage at Church Creek (south of Charleston).
Tonight we'll be in a marina again, at Sea Pines in Hilton Head. Should be in Jacksonville by Thursday if all goes according to plan.

Warmth At Last!

A peek at the ocean near Wrightsville Beach

We have had a nice run the last few days - Oriental to Morehead City, then last night we anchored just north of Surf City, NC. Tonight we will anchor at Carolina Beach, and then will stay at the Bald Head Island Marina Wednesday night. The temps have really warmed up, and we've had enough breeze most days to raise the jib to help us along. Still high seas on the outside, so we've stuck to the ditch (the Intracoastal Waterway).

Flooding in Oriental

Floating away......

We came into Oriental Wednesday night, and stayed at a Marina just north of town the first night. Then we got lucky - a spot on the free town dock, which is right across from "The Bean" (a great coffee house) and short walks / bike rides to everything. We've met up with Louise (Nock) and Ron Stevens each night, and will share a pizza later. Today, lots of rain and strong north winds have flooded the town. You'll see our boat docked right in front of the flooded main street - the photo taken from the porch of The Bean.
Oriental got hammered by Irene, and are still digging out - serious damage here. Fortunately Ron and Louise had minimal damage, because they got their cars to high ground, and moved all the furniture and tools up from their ground floor. Tomorrow our 48-hour free stay at the dock will be up, so we'll either head for Beaufort or anchor here for one more night until the winds subside. We've been eating good food (too much of it), and found some truly great buys at the Marine Consignment Shop (an autopilot and a single sideband radio and tuner) so Bill is happy. Our autopilot fell apart on the way to Oriental, so that was a great find. Our internet /phone access is spotty in this area, but we'll try to keep up to date!