The plan was to anchor in the harbor right next to the Beaufort City Marina because, this trip we did not plan on going into town. The anchorage area there has been shortened due to the marina placing mooring balls (you are not allowed to anchor in a mooring field). So, along the way there were 5-6 different anchorages that we checked out as we were passing by in case we needed to backtrack. One of the anchorage spots is the South Beaufort Sandbar, where all the local boaters hang out, looked like a really fun time. There were already a couple of boats anchored in our spot so we decided to keep pressing forward and check out the anchorages on the other side of the Lady's Island Bridge.
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| South Beaufort Sandbar anchorage |
Side note, (in case we haven't already explained this): We find our anchorage spot by using the ICW & Atlantic Coast Mile by Mile and Planning Guide, ICW Cruising Guide, AquaMaps, and Navionics (boating app). Inside the app there are icons for different items such as anchors for anchorages, sail boat for marinas, gas pump for fuel, etc. When you click on the icon you receive additional information placed by other boaters including ratings and reviews. Just like trip advisor! We usually go for the 4 and 5 star anchorages. When looking for an anchorage we considered the depth, wind protection, holding (for the anchor), and scenery.
Off we go up Factory Creek (MM535.9), first anchorage several derelict boats and noise from the highway, keep on going. It was a pleasant ride up the creek passing nice homes and plenty of people kayaking. We find our spot, drop the anchor, and go and take a nap. What else do we have to do! It was pretty hot almost near 90, but we had a nice breeze blowing which made it comfortable to sit outside. While I was reading (Lee Childs' Killing Floor, the first Jack Reacher novel) and several small boats passed by I got a look of we don't usually see boats your size in this far. I watched kayaks, pontoon boats, and kids tubing it was a nice spot to be anchored.
Pulled the anchor up without any problems and began our Memorial Day journey. We had 2 areas in mind to head to and figure we would make a decision as we get closer. It was a an uneventful trip for the most part. There were 4 small pleasure boats that passed us at full speed, HOLD ON! In our travels these 4 boats managed to wake us 4 times, not fun.
We had discussed going further past the original 2 spots we had chosen but, the wind picked up and we decided in was time to call it a day. So we chose the 2nd anchorage on Tom Point Creek (MM495). As we are winding our way through the creek we passed a boat that was already anchored and they were fellow Loopers (flag flying for American Great Loop Cruisers Association, AGLCA). Ka' Why Knot continued on through the creek, even I was wondering where we were going. We drop the anchor and settle in for the evening. There were all forms of wildlife, dolphins, turtles, birds, even an eagle. Of course with it being Memorial Day we had to grill out. We had grilled chicken with veggies (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions), and a salad, yum.
We went to bed with the hatches and windows open, the best chance of precipitation was 20% at 4 a.m. I always get hot at night and I need to uncover my feet, so off come the covers and I feel something wet, still very groggy I move my leg over towards the hatch and yes it is raining. Rob get up it's raining. He closed the back hatch and I closed the front hatch and then we got the windows. Everything closed now and not too wet. Back to sleep.
Tuesday morning we awoke to rain and cloudy skies, but off we went. We passed the other anchored boat from yesterday, we got a wave and I think the look of what are you doing going out. There were very few boats out and we seen a couple of jet skiers. We were nice and cozy in our enclosed flybridge. We passed our friends from Jacksonville, James and Mel on Miracles right before Elliott Cut. Rob announced a "Securite" a radio call that issues, navigational warning, as we entered the very narrow channel.
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| Miracles - James and Mel |
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| Entrance northbound Elliott Cut |
Our plan was to cross the Ashley and Cooper Rivers (Charleston area) but, we were not sure how bad the crossing would be. When we got to the Ashley River it was a little choppy but not too bad so we continued on. We wandered across the Cooper River, waves a little bigger here, where several large ships were anchored in the Commercial Anchorage zone and a ship was making its way into Charleston, thankfully my Captain didn't try to outrun her.
Before the Ben Sawyer Memorial Bridge (MM462.3) we passed our first sign letting us know what the regulations were for bridge openings during a hurricane. A reminder of the reason for moving north and having to be above Hatteras by June 1st.  |
| Bridge and Hurricane Regulations |
We really needed a pump out because we did not pump out in Savannah and when we stopped at Hilton Island Marina their pump out was not working. So we stop at Isle of Palms Marina (MM456.8) to empty the holding tank. It was pretty windy, but we had no problem tying up, this time the lines were ready. All finished, we have a plan to get off the dock, and we pull away. WAIT! Forgot to tip the kid and the pump out was free. Captain wants to go back. He decided to back up and I can throw the money, I'm pretty sure it's going in the water. We back up close enough for the kid to reach a net out to me, he was very thankful.
Our anchorage for the evening was Dewees Creek (MM453). As we entered the creek we passed an anchored sailboat, the guy was out in the dinghy trying to find a spot for Rover to do his business. One of the reasons we have no pets. We then passed an anchored trawler before finding our spot.
Wednesday, May 27th, we woke to rain, very gray skies and wind. We turned on the local news to get an update of incoming Tropical Storm Bertha -- not looking good. The storm is heading our way, not just heading our way, but the eye of the storm is going right over where we are anchored. We decided to stay in place until the storm blows through as did the other 2 boats that were in the area. The winds were gusting 50 mph, and due to the narrow creek and amount of chain we had out, the wind shifted 180 degrees and the boat was [gently] blown into the side of the creek. After the winds died down Rob used the anchor windlass to pull us off the bank and we were good to go. Meanwhile, during the storm, I stayed inside defrosting the freezer and prepping dinner.
Yes to defrost the freezer out comes the hair dryer, doesn't everyone do this? It was the perfect time since there was very little food. The job goes pretty quickly, wipe her down and put everything back in. I also prepped my dinner for the evening, Chunky Chicken, Potato, Cabbage and Tomato Soup, check out the On Board recipes blog. I've been trying to update as I make meals on board.
The winds died down and the other 2 boats were on the move, so were we. Of course, the rain starts as we are pulling up the anchor, but it was a light rain. Also, there was a dark cloud that we were worried about. It was very foggy and the windows had rain on them so we could barely see. I had a small window opened so I could let the captain know if there was anything out there. It ended up being a really nice day to be on the water.
We anchored in Minim Creek all by ourselves. Later in the evening Rob was outside and I hear sh** so of course I open the door and he looks worried. We anchored in between some crab pots and one of them was right next to the boat. He thinks we are dragging the anchor, how else could we now be that close to the crab pot. I was thinking differently because our surroundings were still the same. Got the boat hook and snagged the buoy we pulled on the line it was very loose and long. We determined we were not moving but the buoy was because the current changed direction We made sure we paid attention in the morning so it wouldn't be tangled with the anchor chain. It is amazing the current that runs through these rivers.
Pull up the anchor no problem with the crab pot. Thursday was a short ride to Georgetown (MM406). Drop the anchor in the basin and dinghy ashore, we were getting seafood from Independent Seafood. We walked around town a little before going to Independent Seafood, we purchased a nice piece of grouper and a dozen of shrimp. Next stop Indigo Bakery for after dinner dessert. Back to the boat to store our goodies. As we approach the boat a snake is swimming away, ewww.
We went back out to enjoy a cocktail and wings at Buzz's Roost. We had hot and Parmesan garlic with blue cheese (chunks of blue cheese). We passed turtles and signs for beware of Alligators, still haven't seen one. Back to boat for a nice relaxing evening and dinner. Our dinner was half the grouper (other half in recently cleaned out freezer) over sauteed spinach with tomatoes. Dessert was a lemon and banana cupcake, which each had 1/2 of one.
Someone slept in Friday morning and we did not get an early start. Anchor came up pretty clean. Thanks to Andy Polk's uncle we made a stop at Osprey Marina (MM373) to get fuel, only $1.54 a gallon for diesel with BoatUS discount. The channel in and out is pretty tight, but we managed it.
After Osprey, our final stop in South Carolina was North Myrtle Beach. We stopped at Barefoot Marina (MM353). We had to book our stay through Dockwa which wasn't a big deal, but prefer to go directly through the marina. Pulled right up to the north end of the middle dock where the dock hand was waiting for us. We went out for dinner at Marina Bar & Grill, food was good and prices were great. We decided we would stop here again on our travels.
Calm morning, no problem getting off the dock. Surprisingly not many boats out yet this morning. We passed The Big M Casino boats out of Fort Myers.
We have now crossed into North Carolina!
