While uploading the site last week, Mary and Bob from First Light called to say they were in Wrightsville Beach. We dashed off to meet them while it was still light, and went to Bluewater Restaurant by the drawbridge for drinks and appetizer. We're enjoying our time with them.
Up early on Sunday, we hauled the dinghy and motor and left Wrightsville Beach for the 72-mile run to Barefoot Landing, also known as Credit Card Landing. On the Cape Fear River, we had the current with us and were doing 10.5 kts. Bob timed the bridges perfectly, beating the race against time (or we would have had to wait an hour for the next opening). So far we have been lucky and timed the bridges perfectly.
We use a Verizon aircard in the laptop for internet access; Verizon does not have coverage in NC, so connection had been spotty for 3 weeks. On Sunday, as we crossed the state line, Maggie ran down below every few minutes to check on our connection. She was thrilled to get back online.
Going through Lockwood's Folly was a challenge! Hundreds of fishing boats filled the channel; so packed were the boats that we couldn't see the bouy markers.
One of the bridges we timed perfectly was the last remaining pontoon bridge in the US, which literally disconnects from the highway, floats to the side, and then it's motored back into position and locked in place. It was unique and worth seeing.
There's a 500' free dock at Barefoot Landing, where you're encouraged to stay and spend your money at the shops and restaurants. We did just that. On Monday, we were joined again by Mary and Bob, who rafted with us. We took advantage of happy hour, and then were loose enough to go shopping. We had loads of fun!
We said farewell to Bob and Mary, who want to make a fast trip to Florida, where they are staying for the winter. We'll miss them.
After a great breakfast at House of Blues (you've got to see one of these places!), we got underway at 9:00a. Jim Arnold had told us that the prettiest place along the ICW is Prince Creek. We took the detour, and meandered our way through. Absolutely beautiful - many turtles, a couple of alligator, butterflies, wild flowers, moss draping from the trees. It was worth the side trip.
The current was with us all
day, making 8+kts on the 60-mile stretch, and we arrived at Minim Creek about
4:30, in time to watch a gorgeous sunset and for Bob to set
up the grill.
Too bad he got eaten alive by the noseeums. We were greeted by the catamaran we rafted with at Barefoot Landing, Wind of Willows , singlehanded by a 60-something spry captain heading to the Bahamas; he's made the trip many times and we're sure we'll see him along the way. Bob checked the anchor during the night and spotted an alligator swimming nearby; Maggie and Rosie stayed down below.
We weighed anchor early Wednesday. White Marlin, a big powerboat, hailed us as he passed - he lives in Mumford Cove (near Mystic) during the summer and takes the boat to Stuart, FL for the winter; we might see him there! Small world.
Bob wanted to check out the bottom, so we anchored early in the afternoon to enjoy a quiet spot. The water was too dark for Bob to see anything but he did manage to change the anode. Later in the afternoon, we looked up and First Light was anchoring next to us. What fun to see them again! During the night, we listened to the crackling sound of the critters eating the algae off the bottom of the boat. Since it was too dark for Bob to clean the bottom, he hoped these little critters were cleaning it up for him.
On Thursday, we left early to catch the tides, current, and bridges for early entry into Charleston; we wanted to make the full use of a day's dockage at the marina. Leaving the anchorage, we were greeted to this beautiful morning by dolphin swimming nearby.
We're seeing
dolphin, eagles, alligators, turtles, birds and butterflies. All so spectacular.
We arrived Charleston about 10:00a; we had heard that it can be difficult to dock here due to the strong currents and vast tidal changes. We got to the dock and needed to turn around to get to our slip; it was a tight spot and Bob's heart is still pounding from the experience! After getting our laundry done, we headed into town. We loved Charleston, and took a carriage ride to learn a little of its history, and see the wonderful architecture.
Waiting for the marina's shuttle into town, we chatted with Tom & Suzie from Priscilla , who are also heading to the Bahamas in time for Christmas. They're staying at the marina for a month, and going outside for their passage. That means they're not doing the ICW and going into the open ocean. We were also joined again by Bob and Mary, who swear they are not following us!, and the six of us had dinner at Fish, a restaurant you must try if you get to Charleston. It's a great city and we will certainly visit again.
We scurried off the dock at 9;15 Saturday morning, to hit the tides and current right again; Bob cranked up the engine just in time for the 9:30 bridge opening, passing Bob and Mary on First Light along the way. We took it easy on this 50-mile windy stretch, and stayed with them all day. At about 5:00 we arrived at an anchorage in Wimbee Creek just north of Beaufort SC - the dolphins guided us in to the right spot.
Watching a spectacular sunset was a fitting ending to this wonderful week!
We'll be in Savannah this week to greet Larry Bogart, who's coming in on Wednesday to celebrate Bob's big birthday.