Beaufort NC City Dock
Day 17, Mon. 10-20-08
Town Docks, Beaufort NC
MM - 203
We left Belhaven at about 7:00 AM and arrived at Beaufort around 4:00. It was quiet meandering trip with lots of current – unfortunately often times against us. We pulled in to the marina and promptly used the courtesy car to cruise the town and visit local ABC for reinforcements !
We had a great dinner at Clawson’s on the main drag, and really enjoyed Beaufort – it is a beautiful old town with gorgeous architecture.
Our trip was cold down – woke up to 41 outside with wind chill upper 30’s we are talking parka, gloves and hat weather ! I finally warmed up late AM.
Day 18, Tues. 10-21-08
Beach House Marina, Surf city NC
MM – 260
We left Beaufort around 8:00 AM. Windy today and again lots of current, spent early AM cruising at about 5 knots – slow !!!!
Had the pleasure of passing through Camp Lejuene lots of air crafts – planes, helicopters, bombings – and just when I got my hearing back from the jets in Norfolk.
Had an unplanned one hour detour up the New river (Read: wrong turn) but figured it out and righted ourselves. Got back on track, and arrived at Surf City around 4:45 PM. This is a really quaint beach town, with everything you want within walking distance. Best part, it is right at a swing bridge that opens on the hour so we will be able to plan our departure for the 7:00 AM opening tomorrow AM. We are off the beach tonight for dinner.
The weather forecast today was for 5-10 winds, it was blowing 15 to 20 with gusts to 25, another day of surprises. They are actually predicting higher winds increasing throughout the week – we will see !!
PS. Just back from dinner – perfect spot on the beach – Buddy’s. It is funny how things work out in life. If we had not made our detour today at the river, we would have by passed Beach House Marina and kept going. Luckily tonight was very special for us. We had the privilege of meeting four young men from the Marine Corps who just returned from Iraq and are at Camp LaJeune. We would like to acknowledge the service to our country of Fritz Kahler, Tikki Boyd, Theodore Behm, and William Walters from Unit E 310. May God Bless you all and we are sending you our sincere thanks and gratitude !!
Day 17, Mon. 10-20-08
Town Docks, Beaufort NC
MM - 203
We left Belhaven at about 7:00 AM and arrived at Beaufort around 4:00. It was quiet meandering trip with lots of current – unfortunately often times against us. We pulled in to the marina and promptly used the courtesy car to cruise the town and visit local ABC for reinforcements !
We had a great dinner at Clawson’s on the main drag, and really enjoyed Beaufort – it is a beautiful old town with gorgeous architecture.
Our trip was cold down – woke up to 41 outside with wind chill upper 30’s we are talking parka, gloves and hat weather ! I finally warmed up late AM.
Day 18, Tues. 10-21-08
Beach House Marina, Surf city NC
MM – 260
We left Beaufort around 8:00 AM. Windy today and again lots of current, spent early AM cruising at about 5 knots – slow !!!!
Had the pleasure of passing through Camp Lejuene lots of air crafts – planes, helicopters, bombings – and just when I got my hearing back from the jets in Norfolk.
Had an unplanned one hour detour up the New river (Read: wrong turn) but figured it out and righted ourselves. Got back on track, and arrived at Surf City around 4:45 PM. This is a really quaint beach town, with everything you want within walking distance. Best part, it is right at a swing bridge that opens on the hour so we will be able to plan our departure for the 7:00 AM opening tomorrow AM. We are off the beach tonight for dinner.
The weather forecast today was for 5-10 winds, it was blowing 15 to 20 with gusts to 25, another day of surprises. They are actually predicting higher winds increasing throughout the week – we will see !!
PS. Just back from dinner – perfect spot on the beach – Buddy’s. It is funny how things work out in life. If we had not made our detour today at the river, we would have by passed Beach House Marina and kept going. Luckily tonight was very special for us. We had the privilege of meeting four young men from the Marine Corps who just returned from Iraq and are at Camp LaJeune. We would like to acknowledge the service to our country of Fritz Kahler, Tikki Boyd, Theodore Behm, and William Walters from Unit E 310. May God Bless you all and we are sending you our sincere thanks and gratitude !!
On the channel to Beach House Marina
Arriving in Southport
Realaxing in Southport
Day 19, Wed. 10-22-08
Southport Marina, Southport, NC
MM 309
Let me start with a Public Health Warning: Drinking Jagermeister and Red bull will result in feeling terrible the next morning – enough said.
It was a bit too dark to head out in time to make the 7:00 AM bridge opening this AM in Surf City, so we headed out for the 8:00 AM opening. The day went without incident – although the Cape Fear River was windy, lots of current and lucky for us big boat traffic barges, ferries, tankers etc…. We arrived in Southport and after gassing up, were snug in our slip by 3:30 PM. We walked all through town. We had never heard of Southport before and have fallen in love with this town. All historic homes, many pilots who used to pilot ships up the Cape Fear River were based in Southport. It is a charming town and the locals are very friendly. Had a great meal on the water and watched the sun sink down with a spectacular ending.
We sold our sailboat yesterday, so now will be in the market for a boat for Cape Cod and plan to leave Sundance in Palm Coast.
One thing that has been extremely challenging this trip is the continuing saga of the small recreational fisherman who decide to fish in the middle of the channel and will not move ! If they only knew what little control we actually have of this boat, they would not only get out of the channels, but would give us about a ½ mile wide berth.
Southport Marina, Southport, NC
MM 309
Let me start with a Public Health Warning: Drinking Jagermeister and Red bull will result in feeling terrible the next morning – enough said.
It was a bit too dark to head out in time to make the 7:00 AM bridge opening this AM in Surf City, so we headed out for the 8:00 AM opening. The day went without incident – although the Cape Fear River was windy, lots of current and lucky for us big boat traffic barges, ferries, tankers etc…. We arrived in Southport and after gassing up, were snug in our slip by 3:30 PM. We walked all through town. We had never heard of Southport before and have fallen in love with this town. All historic homes, many pilots who used to pilot ships up the Cape Fear River were based in Southport. It is a charming town and the locals are very friendly. Had a great meal on the water and watched the sun sink down with a spectacular ending.
We sold our sailboat yesterday, so now will be in the market for a boat for Cape Cod and plan to leave Sundance in Palm Coast.
One thing that has been extremely challenging this trip is the continuing saga of the small recreational fisherman who decide to fish in the middle of the channel and will not move ! If they only knew what little control we actually have of this boat, they would not only get out of the channels, but would give us about a ½ mile wide berth.
Fishing boat maze in the middle of the channel
Day 20, Thurs. 10-22-09
MM 357
Grand Dunes Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC
Okay – so it may be true, and I probably should not have been complaining so much about the recreational fishing boats, but today was an all time Karma kick back because-they were actually anchored in the channel. I have posted the pic as proof because even I can’t make this stuff up. Note, the red marker should be on our starboard side, and all of the boats are to the left of the markers –we had to pass the red markers on our port with our depth finders wildly beeping and Jon shouting out a variety of vernaculars (or at least words I did not recognize) – hopefully only heard by me – however, I do not think they heard the vernaculars but I am sure Jon’s steady blasting of our boat’s horn got their attention because once again, many waves that we were number one.
We had a bit of a traffic jam waiting for one of the swing bridges to open, which was actually a floating pontoon bridge and only opened on the hour, and then a very narrow pass through MM 350 to 353, rocks immediately outside of the marked channel, and not even enough room for two way traffic.
We arrived at our marina early today – 2:00 PM, and relaxed and enjoyed the resort setting. We met a man who lives ½ a mile away from us on the Cape and we had many mutual acquaintances – again – small world.
The weather is supposed to get rainy, windy and cold – do I sound like a broken record or what – trip tomorrow will be determined by the weather.
MM 357
Grand Dunes Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC
Okay – so it may be true, and I probably should not have been complaining so much about the recreational fishing boats, but today was an all time Karma kick back because-they were actually anchored in the channel. I have posted the pic as proof because even I can’t make this stuff up. Note, the red marker should be on our starboard side, and all of the boats are to the left of the markers –we had to pass the red markers on our port with our depth finders wildly beeping and Jon shouting out a variety of vernaculars (or at least words I did not recognize) – hopefully only heard by me – however, I do not think they heard the vernaculars but I am sure Jon’s steady blasting of our boat’s horn got their attention because once again, many waves that we were number one.
We had a bit of a traffic jam waiting for one of the swing bridges to open, which was actually a floating pontoon bridge and only opened on the hour, and then a very narrow pass through MM 350 to 353, rocks immediately outside of the marked channel, and not even enough room for two way traffic.
We arrived at our marina early today – 2:00 PM, and relaxed and enjoyed the resort setting. We met a man who lives ½ a mile away from us on the Cape and we had many mutual acquaintances – again – small world.
The weather is supposed to get rainy, windy and cold – do I sound like a broken record or what – trip tomorrow will be determined by the weather.
More gnats in the channel
Morning meeting on the fishing docks
Clammers at low tide in the ICW
Radioing for a bridge opening
Swamp/marsh
Relaxing in Georgetown
Georgetown dock
Day 21, Fri. 10-24-08
The Boat Shed Marina, Georgetown, SC
MM 403
Bad weather forecasted for today so we left at first light at 7:00 AM. It was a very pretty ride through heavily woody and winding areas, and then opening to a swampy area followed by a marsh area. It was drizzly with winds definitely building. We had a great current and wind behind us and were travelling at about 8 knots which is very fast for us. We arrived at the marina at about 12:30 PM.
Georgetown is another beautiful and historic little town with a great boardwalk on the waterfront, and lots of shops and restaurants. We had lunch in town, walked around. We bought a couple of pounds of jumbo shrimp from a fish market on the pier where the shrimp boats dock. Made it back to the boat just before the pouring rain and heavy winds started. Gusts up to 35 right now. We will either head back to town tonight for dinner weather permitting, or just relax and eat on the boat. Planning on heading to Charlestown tomorrow.
Day 22, Sat. 10-25-08
Ashley Marina, Charleston, SC
MM 468
The bad news it is rained a torrential gusty downpour for 14 straight hours. The good news is we were able to find the source of our leaks – every single one of them. We were up a good part of the night replacing towels, and plugging drips. It was one of those nights where you kept asking yourself, and I am doing this trip because ?!........
We left Georgetown at 7:30 AM, and en route to Charleston I spent the morning dragging all of our wet bed linens, towels, pillows and hanging them up in the main salon to get them somewhat dried off, with hopes tonight we will be a bit drier.
We had talked about going out at Charleston and doing a 30 hour straight run home, but the weather is too iffy, so we will continue to chug it out down the ICW. We have to be in Orlando Mon PM, 11-3-08, for an early flight out Tues. AM for the Dominican Republic – so we are pressed for time and can not afford any more delays.
It was a peaceful relaxing trip, and we arrived in Charleston at about 3:30. Our only deterrent was trying to enter the marina because of a pirate ship that was built in Maine, and sailed down to permanently berthed at a museum in Charleston, and then getting through a fleet of kids racing 420’s.
We did lot of laundry, had pizza delivered to the boat and then called it an early night at 8:30 PM.
The Boat Shed Marina, Georgetown, SC
MM 403
Bad weather forecasted for today so we left at first light at 7:00 AM. It was a very pretty ride through heavily woody and winding areas, and then opening to a swampy area followed by a marsh area. It was drizzly with winds definitely building. We had a great current and wind behind us and were travelling at about 8 knots which is very fast for us. We arrived at the marina at about 12:30 PM.
Georgetown is another beautiful and historic little town with a great boardwalk on the waterfront, and lots of shops and restaurants. We had lunch in town, walked around. We bought a couple of pounds of jumbo shrimp from a fish market on the pier where the shrimp boats dock. Made it back to the boat just before the pouring rain and heavy winds started. Gusts up to 35 right now. We will either head back to town tonight for dinner weather permitting, or just relax and eat on the boat. Planning on heading to Charlestown tomorrow.
Day 22, Sat. 10-25-08
Ashley Marina, Charleston, SC
MM 468
The bad news it is rained a torrential gusty downpour for 14 straight hours. The good news is we were able to find the source of our leaks – every single one of them. We were up a good part of the night replacing towels, and plugging drips. It was one of those nights where you kept asking yourself, and I am doing this trip because ?!........
We left Georgetown at 7:30 AM, and en route to Charleston I spent the morning dragging all of our wet bed linens, towels, pillows and hanging them up in the main salon to get them somewhat dried off, with hopes tonight we will be a bit drier.
We had talked about going out at Charleston and doing a 30 hour straight run home, but the weather is too iffy, so we will continue to chug it out down the ICW. We have to be in Orlando Mon PM, 11-3-08, for an early flight out Tues. AM for the Dominican Republic – so we are pressed for time and can not afford any more delays.
It was a peaceful relaxing trip, and we arrived in Charleston at about 3:30. Our only deterrent was trying to enter the marina because of a pirate ship that was built in Maine, and sailed down to permanently berthed at a museum in Charleston, and then getting through a fleet of kids racing 420’s.
We did lot of laundry, had pizza delivered to the boat and then called it an early night at 8:30 PM.
Houseboat cruising/relaxing
Trying to dry out our overnight soaking
Bald Eagle
Approaching Charleston
Dodging the pirate ship and the 420's
Why we are doing this trip
Day 22, Sun. 10-26-08
Downtown Marina, Beaufort, SC
MM 535
Today was like a trip just drifting down a lazy river with lots of bends and nature to be observed. We both got a good night’s sleep last PM, and woke this AM well rested. We made great time thanks to a steady current, and left Charleston at 7:00 AM and arrived the marina at 3:00 PM.
We walked down by the river front and then through town which is beautiful. The southern waterfront towns are all amazing with their large waterfront homes, gardens, and tree lined streets. Because it is a Sunday, all of the shops were closed but the window shopping was also enjoyable. We ate dinner at a waterfront pub with another couple from the marina. I had my first fried dill pickle – yummy, of course I have never met a food I didn’t like so…... We got back to the boat around 8:00 PM, and bedtime followed shortly after.
Downtown Marina, Beaufort, SC
MM 535
Today was like a trip just drifting down a lazy river with lots of bends and nature to be observed. We both got a good night’s sleep last PM, and woke this AM well rested. We made great time thanks to a steady current, and left Charleston at 7:00 AM and arrived the marina at 3:00 PM.
We walked down by the river front and then through town which is beautiful. The southern waterfront towns are all amazing with their large waterfront homes, gardens, and tree lined streets. Because it is a Sunday, all of the shops were closed but the window shopping was also enjoyable. We ate dinner at a waterfront pub with another couple from the marina. I had my first fried dill pickle – yummy, of course I have never met a food I didn’t like so…... We got back to the boat around 8:00 PM, and bedtime followed shortly after.
Halloween prepping in Beaufort, SC
Great 22 footer built by a couple we had dinner with
Day 23, Mon, 10-27-08
Thunderbolt Marina, Thunderbolt GA
MM 583
We left SC about 7:00 AM and arrived in Thunderbolt about 2:30 PM. It was a very windy route and at times we were actually bending back toward the north. There was a very strong current at the marina as well as high wind, so we were glad to get docked. We met a couple we had had radio contact with from Diamond Girl and fellow MTOA members. We had cocktails on their boat, then had a great dinner at Tubby’s. We are now 220 miles from home – if things go well, we should arrive in Palm Coast on Fri., in time to celebrate Halloween with our neighbors !
Day 24, Tues. 10-28-08
Kilkenny Creek Marina, Richmond Hill, GA
MM 613
We woke up this AM and were able to see our breathe in our bunk it was so cold, but the newspaper and Krispy Kreme doughnuts had been delivered to our boat – so it was great way to start the day ! We had a short day today because it was too far to our next stop which is MM 684. We passed through Hell’s gate which we had been warned about, but it was fine. We had a strong current today and arrived at the marina at 12:00. It has remained windy and cold, only 59 out, and it is supposed to dip into the 30’s tonight.
We saw another bald eagle today – that makes three on this trip. The dolphins were also playing again today, and it is entertaining watching them swim about. There were lots of twists and turns, shallow areas due to shoaling. The captain got us to our port once again safe and sound although he was not to happy to learn that I had “forgotten” to take all of the fenders off of the boat when we left this AM – what can I say – it was really cold out and I thought I might get away with it…….
We are the only boat here. The marina is a mile and a half down a creek, and it feels like a throw back to old Georgia. The marina is set on the grounds of an old plantation, with the main house and servants houses right on the river – it is beautiful with all of the old giant oaks and hanging Spanish moss. We walked around for a while, then ate lunch on the boat.
We plan to eat dinner on the boat as well because there is no other option other than pizza place 12 miles away. Even I won’t walk 12 miles for a pizza. It looks like a movie a night then early to bed as we hope to knock off about 70 miles tomorrow.
Thunderbolt Marina, Thunderbolt GA
MM 583
We left SC about 7:00 AM and arrived in Thunderbolt about 2:30 PM. It was a very windy route and at times we were actually bending back toward the north. There was a very strong current at the marina as well as high wind, so we were glad to get docked. We met a couple we had had radio contact with from Diamond Girl and fellow MTOA members. We had cocktails on their boat, then had a great dinner at Tubby’s. We are now 220 miles from home – if things go well, we should arrive in Palm Coast on Fri., in time to celebrate Halloween with our neighbors !
Day 24, Tues. 10-28-08
Kilkenny Creek Marina, Richmond Hill, GA
MM 613
We woke up this AM and were able to see our breathe in our bunk it was so cold, but the newspaper and Krispy Kreme doughnuts had been delivered to our boat – so it was great way to start the day ! We had a short day today because it was too far to our next stop which is MM 684. We passed through Hell’s gate which we had been warned about, but it was fine. We had a strong current today and arrived at the marina at 12:00. It has remained windy and cold, only 59 out, and it is supposed to dip into the 30’s tonight.
We saw another bald eagle today – that makes three on this trip. The dolphins were also playing again today, and it is entertaining watching them swim about. There were lots of twists and turns, shallow areas due to shoaling. The captain got us to our port once again safe and sound although he was not to happy to learn that I had “forgotten” to take all of the fenders off of the boat when we left this AM – what can I say – it was really cold out and I thought I might get away with it…….
We are the only boat here. The marina is a mile and a half down a creek, and it feels like a throw back to old Georgia. The marina is set on the grounds of an old plantation, with the main house and servants houses right on the river – it is beautiful with all of the old giant oaks and hanging Spanish moss. We walked around for a while, then ate lunch on the boat.
We plan to eat dinner on the boat as well because there is no other option other than pizza place 12 miles away. Even I won’t walk 12 miles for a pizza. It looks like a movie a night then early to bed as we hope to knock off about 70 miles tomorrow.
A real poop deck
Gloves and ski sweater weather
Our dock at Kilkenny Marina
Day 25, Wed. 10-29-08
Jekyll Island Marina, GA
MM 684
We left at barely sun up at 7:00 AM, did not see another boat for several hours – very peaceful.
I feel like I should not have complained about how cold it was yesterday, today our bunk was in the low 40’s when we woke up and it was only 34 outside – now I am talking cold …….
It was a trip today through lots of tidal ranges – allot of the same- but also interesting at the same time. Seagulls who must mistake us for a fishing boat followed us for miles – I almost felt guilty about not throwing something out to them after all of the energy they expended following us.
We had a day where Jon had to really pay attention to the navigation, but the only real difficult part was just north of our marina which we hit at low tide with visible mud flats on both sides, and a very narrow channel. We slowed way down and just took our time. We arrived at 4:00 PM, and someone at the marina told us the pass we just made was rated the tenth worse pass there is due to the low water.
A sense of accomplishment followed by a great dinner at the marina restaurant which was a low country boil of shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes – the southern version of a New England Lobster Bake, with shrimp substituting for the lobster.
Hard to believe only one night left on the boat, probably in Jacksonville. Despite the unusual high winds day after day, cold temps., and the first trip for the Admiral, all is well………..
Jekyll Island Marina, GA
MM 684
We left at barely sun up at 7:00 AM, did not see another boat for several hours – very peaceful.
I feel like I should not have complained about how cold it was yesterday, today our bunk was in the low 40’s when we woke up and it was only 34 outside – now I am talking cold …….
It was a trip today through lots of tidal ranges – allot of the same- but also interesting at the same time. Seagulls who must mistake us for a fishing boat followed us for miles – I almost felt guilty about not throwing something out to them after all of the energy they expended following us.
We had a day where Jon had to really pay attention to the navigation, but the only real difficult part was just north of our marina which we hit at low tide with visible mud flats on both sides, and a very narrow channel. We slowed way down and just took our time. We arrived at 4:00 PM, and someone at the marina told us the pass we just made was rated the tenth worse pass there is due to the low water.
A sense of accomplishment followed by a great dinner at the marina restaurant which was a low country boil of shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes – the southern version of a New England Lobster Bake, with shrimp substituting for the lobster.
Hard to believe only one night left on the boat, probably in Jacksonville. Despite the unusual high winds day after day, cold temps., and the first trip for the Admiral, all is well………..
Already underway at sunrise
Railroad bridge to ?
Day 26, Thurs. 10-30-08
Beach Marina, Jacksonville FL.
MM 747
Off this AM at our usual 7:00 AM, still a bit dark, but the sunrise shortly followed.
Exited Georgia, crossed the St. John River, and headed down the Pablo Creek. Our guide book told us that at the Atlantic Bridge, with a new moon and ebb tide, the current could be against us at up to 6 knots, well since we only go 7 knots – we were a bit concerned. I called several area marinas to try to find out what the current would be, they did not know, but one marina told it was not windy – very helpful info.
I decided to call the local Coast Guard to see if they could advise us on how we could ascertain the info. and somehow ended up talking to the a Coast Guard cutter headed up toward Baltimore. They were kind enough to direct me where I could get my info, and we learned that the current would only be 4 knots. Thank you Coast Guard – I wonder if they knew our Coast Guard friends from our NYC boarding ??!! Jon ended up red lining us through the bridge, and we dropped to 3.8 – a bit scary as we fishtailed against all of the current, but we have lived to tell yet another tale.
We arrived at the Beach Marine Marina at 3:00 PM. Great dinner at the Boat House, $3.00 dozen delish raw oysters, we had plate fulls of empty oyster shells and a fabulous dinner.
We plan to be in Palm Coast tomorrow, I may just sleep on the boat anyway – a bed that it is not rocking all night can’t be as relaxing !
Passing by St. Augustine
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Already decked out Halloween - Happy Halloween !
Day 27, Fri. 10-31-08
Sundance’s home, Palm Coast
MM 802
Happy Halloween ! We are home in Palm Coast. We left Jacksonville at 7:00 AM, and arrived home at 2:30 PM. We were greeted by our friend Harold who brought Sundance up to the Cape with Jon in the spring.
It was fun seeing territory we knew well by car, by water, especially St. Augustine.
Yes, after one month of extreme togetherness, we are still married, in fact, planning our next trip for early 2009.
Thank you to everyone who followed our adventure, we appreciate your support, and special thanks to everyone who signed our guest book.
Until next time, Cheers !!!..............
Sundance’s home, Palm Coast
MM 802
Happy Halloween ! We are home in Palm Coast. We left Jacksonville at 7:00 AM, and arrived home at 2:30 PM. We were greeted by our friend Harold who brought Sundance up to the Cape with Jon in the spring.
It was fun seeing territory we knew well by car, by water, especially St. Augustine.
Yes, after one month of extreme togetherness, we are still married, in fact, planning our next trip for early 2009.
Thank you to everyone who followed our adventure, we appreciate your support, and special thanks to everyone who signed our guest book.
Until next time, Cheers !!!..............