Local Color on the ICW

The pictures here were taken as we left the Vernon River in the fog. The dolphin, of which there are thousands in the ICW, acted as though he was trying to lead us out of the fog (didn't work). The two working trawlers (Po Boy Too and Dammit) were anchored in the Vernon River; they are truly working boats and obviously the owners don't worry about appearance. Most working trawlers don't look any better.

The fog was the worst we have seen in years and it wouldn't go away. We waited until 1100 to get underway, ran into it again just sort of Hell's Gate (appropriately named, one of the worst spots on the ICW), waited again, and then ran into zero visibility in St Catherines Sound. Finally gave up and anchored in Walburg Creek about 1500. A grand total of 23 miles. Hopefully, St Simoms tomorrow.

On to St Simons

As usual plans have changed. Artie is not going to Atanta on a buying trip so we are leaving Beaufort, SC this morning and moving on south. Depending on the tide/distance equation we will reach St Simons late Sunday or early monday morning. A cold front has moved in making it impractical to go outside.

One More Day in Charleston

We decided to spend one more day in Charleston since Artie will not be back to St Simons until Tuesday. Had a delightful dinner last night with Harry and Sandi Mohlmann. The tide should right tomorrow to allow us to get to Beaufort without stopping early because of low water in sections of the ICW.

Off Shore at last Minute

We motored from Cedar Creek to Mile Hammock Sunday. Beautiful Weather. We left after waiting for the for to lift Monday morning. Our intent was to spend the night in Southport and move down the ICW to Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Charleston etc. As we got the Southport entrance onto the ICW we decided to turn left instead and go outside overnight to Charleston leaving from Cape Fear. The weather was good but there was an irritating swell. Thank goodness for stabilizers. The cats got sick and Dixie didn't feel great but the trip was OK, with no boat problems. We'll be at Ashley Marina for a couple of nighs and then move on. The weather forecast is not very good for offshore passage so probably will have to play the tide on the ICW.

Mile Hammock Bay

Here we are anchored in the Marine base at Camp Lejune. A beautiful day. All is well. Off to Southport tomorrow.

Underway at last!

With ice on the dock and still freezing we loaded the final things on the boat, kidnapped the cats and got underway, all the way down to the fuel dock at Northwest Creek Marina. Sounded like as ice cutter as we sheared through the surface ice on the creek.Took over an hour to take on 200 gal of diesel and spend $680 on fuel. Off again to anchorage in Cedar Creek just off Adams Creek. Moving on finally. Off to Mile Hammock at Camp Lejune tomorrow.

Plans written in sand at low tide

We planned on leaving on Monday, Dec 31,2007, but the weather gods once again make that impractical. Low temps and high winds. Probably will not get away now until Friday, January 4, 2008.