River Dunes to ... Change of Plans

Thursday, May 21, 2015

What a day we had as we left the relative luxury and security of River Dunes! We debated about leaving but the forecast sounded doable and we wanted to get in a good position to cross the Albemarle Sound if the weather cooperated. It was choppy at about a mile out and a bit unsettling when a Grand Banks 42 that had gone out before we did suddenly stopped and seemed to be drifting in the water. When we finally contacted the captain by radio he said that he had lost his steering and was going to try to fix it. He waved us on and he had two other crew members with him so we kept going but the waves kept getting bigger.The Great Loop trip has been described as hours of boredom punctuated with moments of sheer terror. This was one of those moments when the “not fun” part extended out to hours. We were tossed as waves came over the bow and occasionally over the upper helm – John wisely decided to steer from the comfort of the lower helm. All we could do was hang on and watch as things that weren’t securely fastened went flying onto the floor. Our boat was groaning and working hard to keep us on course. Later we heard on the radio that the Grand Banks had called the Coast Guard who notified TowBoatUS and help was on their way.We then went through a narrow ICW channel where we were protected from the winds and the water was calm. This lasted for a seemingly short time and then we needed to cross the Pamlico Sound and enter the Pungo River. The waves weren’t quite as bad, thank goodness, but were still worse than either of us expected. The marina where we were tied up for the night was open to the river and the southeast wind was hammering us, so everyone was rocking and rolling. John estimated that there was 25 kts. of wind still right on our bow while we are tied up. Finally the line of thunderstorms moved through and the winds diminished after that.



Winds still coming at us in Dowry Creek Marina

Captain’s Log May 21, 2015

Departed: River Dunes Marina, Oriental NC, 6:15 a.m.

Engine hours: 5.7 hrs. – 704.2 total for trip
Actual hours: 5 hrs.  30 min.
Miles covered 46.28 - Total for trip: 4998
Arrived: Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC. 11:45 a.m.
Weather: Overcast, 72 degrees, wind east 10-15. Found sea state at the mouth of the Neuse River to be 2-3+ feet with an occasional 5 footer. Clouded over and wind was calm as we came through canal. But as we crossed the Pamlico River it picked up southeast 15 -20.  We departed early to beat the forecasted weather of T-storms and increasing wind. We did beat the T-storms but not the wind. Docking at Dowry Creek Marina went ok despite the high winds blowing us into the dock.

 Friday, May 22

OK, then. Remember those moments of sheer terror we had yesterday? Today was one of those days of hours of boredom. We started out well enough, the winds were dying down and we even were excited that we passed the 5000 mile mark soon after we departed. The celebration was short lived, however, when we heard a faint whine from the rear of the boat. Then it was a little louder. The captain tried varying the speed of the engines but the whine only went away when he stopped the port engine.

Over 5000 miles!

John's theory was that we may have strained the cutlass bearings and prop shafts the day before in the rough water. Now even in calm conditions the port engine wasn’t happy and was making complaining noises. We shut that engine down and were relying solely on the starboard engine. John called around and found a place that could fix it in the Norfolk area, still over 100 miles away! We were now on the Pungo/Alligator River canal and John decided to call Towboat US just to see what they would suggest and he was told that we had to keep going and get on Albemarle Sound in order to get towed to Norfolk. Otherwise they would tow us back to Belhaven on the Neuse River – we didn’t want to go back and see those waters again!



The Pungo canal water was very brown caused by the tannins
from decaying plant material

A bald eagle landed on the channel marker post right in front of us

So we pushed on down the Alligator River and into the Sound. The water on Albemarle was very tranquil and glassy! We had been warned about how rough it could be if the conditions were bad, but the winds died down to a light and variable breeze. What started as a normal 5 hour day to the Alligator River Marina grew into a 12 hour day. As we crossed the Sound were met by the tow boat driver, Eddie, and pulled another 25 miles to Coinjock Marina. It was getting dark by the time we got there and the mosquitoes were out in force – I didn’t even get off the boat.



Not really the view you want to see off your bow...

As we got closer to our destination of Coinjock, Eddie unhooked from the
bow then maneuvered his boat along side to take us to the wall to tie up

Captain’s Log May 22, 2015

Departed: Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC at8:20 am
Engine hours: 12.1 hrs /total on trip 716.3
Actual Hours: 12 hrs 10 minutes
Miles covered: 83.79 total for trip 5081, towed for 19 miles. 
Arrived: Coinjock, NC
Weather: Clear, cool- 65 degrees, wind NW 10-15, warmed to 75, wind died down to calm in pm.

Departed Dowry Creek and after about an hour the port cutlass bearing began to squeal.  After a bit we shut down the port engine and proceeded on one engine. As we got into the Alligator River we were able to contact TowBoatUS and asked if our insurance would cover this and give us a tow.  They said yes and we proceeded to cross the Albemarle Sound to meet them on the other side.  The winds were calm and it was perfect conditions to cross the Sound. We got towed to Coinjock for the night and the tow would meet us the next morning and continue the tow to the Atlantic Yacht Basin where we could get pulled for repairs. It was a long day for us.   

Saturday, May 23, 2015

The tow boat was there at 7:30 a.m. as promised and expertly moved us out from the wall where we were tucked in between two bigger boats. We were in the channel for a little while and then we were out on the Currituck Sound where the waves were a bit rough and we were bounced around with no way to control the boat – reminded me of a Nantucket sleigh ride in which the harpooned whale pulls the fishing ship along.



Steady as she goes - we were really rolling here!

 Captain’s Log May 23, 2015

Departed: Departed Coinjock Marina, NC at 0740 am under tow.
Engine hours: 0 hrs. – 698.5 hrs total for trip
Actual hours: 6 hrs 20 min.
Miles covered 38 Total for trip: 5119
Arrived: Atlantic Yacht Basin Marina, Chesapeake, VA at 2:00 pm.
Wx: Clear, cool 65 degrees, Wind NW 10-15. Skies stayed clear and temps rose to above 75 degrees. Wind stayed same. We were towed the entire way, I had both props tied off so they would not spin. Wind made crossing the Currituck Sound a little rough 2-3 footers on the beam and occasional 4. But as we proceeded north up the river the waves decreased as the river narrowed down to a channel and eventually the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.

May 24 - indefinite

It was Memorial Day weekend so the shipyard was only open to pump fuel. This gave us time to get settled, clean the boat, explore the great Farm Fresh Market nearby and get ready for a visit from a former classmate that we were supposed to meet in Elizabeth City until our plans suddenly changed. She and her husband drove all the way over here to Great Bridge and we had a wonderful time catching up.

Tied up on the long wall at Atlantic Yacht Basin - view taken from our
stern - we were just outside the fueling area

John worked hard to give the boat a good cleaning -
the drawbridge over Battlefield Blvd. is just to our west

We hadn't seen each other for over 40 years - so good to reminisce
with former school mate, Nancy Magro Gile



Our "photo shoot" was fun - can you tell Nancy is Italian??

As of this writing we don't know when we will be pulled out or how extensive the repairs will be. I will post once we are underway again. Meanwhile, I am thankful for so many things - sunny days, calm winds, modern communication, loving family and supportive friends - among many others.

 

Southport to Swan Point, Beaufort and Oriental

Sunday, May 17, 2015

The evening before we left Southport we went to a weather briefing by a very knowledgeable forecaster. Not only did he give a good explanation of the fronts and winds, he also gave us a comprehensive compilation of the shallow waters due to shoaling on the ICW to watch out for as we moved north.

The Harbor Host, Robert Creech, lives on the waterway with his trawler
docked out front. "If you are lucky enough to live on the water..."

We left early to catch the rising tide as we went up the Cape Fear River for a few miles before getting back on the Intra-coastal. We had the shoaling spots on our chart and had no problems.

This house was a bright spot on the end of a point of land

Our destination was the Swan Point Marina which had a wicked current as we came in, but Tina Turner, the owner, and yes that is her name, was there to catch our lines so we were fine.

Docks and buildings were a little rustic, but the staff was very helpful

Sign for Speckle Trout Charters

Our friends Mark and Becky drove over from Wilmington where they were getting ready to store their boat for the summer. We Looper friends stick together and it wasn't the first time they drove some distance to see us. We will certainly miss them as we continue our travels! After a dinner at a local restaurant, The Riverview, we said our goodbyes and hope to see them next winter when they plan to take their boat back down to Florida.
Captain's Log, May 17, 2015

Departed: Southport Marina, Southport, NC 6:08 a.m.
Engine hours: 7.6 hrs. – 688.7 total for trip
Actual hours: 7 hrs.  27 min.
Miles covered 62.43 - Total for trip: 4871 Arrived: Swan Point Marina, Snead's Ferry, NC 1:35 p.m.
Weather: Clear, calm winds, temp high 60s. Gradual warming with clear skies. Wind picked up from Southeast 15-20.
Departed early to take advantage of incoming tide on Cape Fear River and we planned to go a long way.  Plan worked well. Traveled alone today and bridge timing went well.  Overall a good day.

Monday, May 18

We were hemmed in by a boat that came in after we did so we didn't get off as early as we would have liked but it didn't seem to matter as the day progressed.  The sun was warm and we passed through some areas with lots of homes and docks as well as some undeveloped areas as we had a very straight shot up the coast passing through Bogue Sound, following the channel very carefully because the area is very shallow.
After a little confusion with lots of channel markers we found our spot in Beaufort. Unlike it's South Carolina namesake, this city is pronounced  as Bow-fort. The best way I can remember this is that north in North Carolina has only the letter "o" and no "u" as in south so we only pronounce the "o" sound in Beaufort. It is a wonderful place and we enjoyed walking around and visiting the Maritime Museum. We saw a well done film about the nautical history of the area featuring the pirate Blackbeard, a fearsome character. 

Field of flowers in front of house along the waterfront in Beaufort -
I think they are California poppies

Beaufort boardwalk

Captain’s Log May 18, 2015

Departed: Swan Point Marina, Snead’s Ferry, NC at 7:35 am
Engine hours: 5.5 hrs /total on trip 694.2
Actual Hours: 5 hrs 30 minutes
Miles covered: 46.01 total for trip 4917
Arrived: Beaufort Docks, Beaufort, NC
Weather: Clear, 73 degrees, calm, humid.  Warmed to 80. Wind picked up to Southeast 15-20. Departed early to hit the 8:30 opening at Onslow Bridge and pass through Camp Lejeune range. This went well, lots of shallow places crossing Bogue Inlet, but we had no problems. Cruise went well. Beaufort looks like a good town.

Tuesday - Wednesday, May 19 - 20, 2015

Again, there were lots of big boats around us and the current was strong in the Beaufort Marina which was right on a busy waterway. We had to wait until after 8 a.m anyway because the swing bridge on the route to the ICW didn't open until 8:30. With help from the dockmaster we got off just fine and were back on course in good time.

We were on a narrow channel most of the way until we entered the wide Neuse River. We passed the town of Oriental and went a little farther to a highly recommended newly developed community called River Dunes. It was a great place with wide floating docks in a very protected basin. We stayed for a day so John could work on his battery charger and I did the laundry. We borrowed the courtesy car and drove into Oriental, did some errands and then drove back to enjoy the pool and spa at River Dunes - very relaxing and everything was first class!

Arts and crafts co-op in Oriental

 

Couldn't resist stopping by the bean for some ice cream

Captain’s Log May 19, 2015

Departed: Departed Beaufort Docks Marina, Beaufort, NC at 8:15 am.
Engine hours: 4.3 hrs. – 698.5 hrs total for trip
Actual hours: 4 hrs.
Miles covered 34.16 Total for trip: 4951
Arrived: River Dunes Marina, Oriental NC at 12:15 pm.
Wx: Clear, 75 degrees, muggy. Wind SW 10. Skies stayed clear and temps rose to above 80 degrees. Wind stayed same. After arrival at destination several T-storms came though as forecasted. Due to wind and current on departure we got the dock hands at Beaufort to assist us on our departure. We successfully backed out of our slip and used a lot of power and avoided hitting any other boats. For the rest of the trip we had a tide pushing us along, very nice, although we delayed 15 minutes waiting for the bridge to open so the actual en route was less than 4 hours. Nice cruise.
 

 

Golden Days on the ICW

Thursday - Friday, May 14 & 15, 2015

Leaving Osprey Marina we continued north along the Waccamaw River which is fresh water. It has a very brown color that we have learned is from the tannins in the water and not from dirt or pollution. The water is actually very clean but it does give most boats the brown stain on the bow that is referred to the ICW smile or moustache.

Fruitcakes, center, leading the way out of Osprey Marina

 

Kathy getting comfortable on the upper helm

Fruitcakes ahead - Julie taking pictures

 The day was unremarkable except for grand homes that replaced the wooded growth as we got closer to Myrtle Beach. The last few miles were in the Rock Pile, a 2 mile section of channel that has been carved out of rock. It is very narrow, but deep, and bordered with threatening looking rocks. Before entering, Fruitcakes went on the radio to check to see if any boat traffic was coming the other way. Fortunately, no commercial vessels were approaching so we breezed through.

Ledges along the Rock Pile - the South Carolina
version of the Canadian Shield

Andy and Julie are ready to celebrate and fly the Gold Looper burgee!

Julie is holding a sign that says, "Boating with friends, priceless!"

This was one of the most memorable days on our whole trip. After over a year of traveling, our friends on Fruitcakes pulled into their home port at their condo complex in Little River as we followed along. It was so exciting to be there when they were greeted by family and friends - and... they had found an empty slip for us to stay in, too! Later we went out to dinner at the Crab Catcher to celebrate and they even loaned us a car so we could see the area and get some groceries.
The next day we drove to the beach for a nice walk but we didn't spend too much time in Myrtle Beach because we had already been there by car and it was biker week - the traffic was intense. It seemed even worse after being on the calm waterway and seeing only a few other boats as we traveled. That evening the condo social group put on a great party and pot luck for Andy and Julie. Other Looper friends who had gone on ahead or already completed their trip drove down from Southport and Wilmington to help celebrate. 

John, Roger, Jane, Julie, Kathy, Mark and another Mark, Loopers all!

We were pleased to be joined by Patsy Conrad, far left, who had completed the
loop several years ago with her husband, Tom. The couples, from left to right:
John & Kathy, Mark & Becky, Roger & Mary, Andy & Julie, Mark & Jane

Captain’s Log May 14, 2015

Departed: Osprey Marina, Socastee, SC (just south of Myrtle Beach ) 9:00 a.m.
Engine hours: 4.0 hrs. – 676.5 total for trip
Actual hours: 3 hrs.  35 min.
Miles covered 29.23 - Total for trip: 4773
Arrived: Mariners Point Condos and Marina, Little River, SC 12:35 p.m.
Weather: Cool, NE wind 10-15 kts, partly cloudy.  
Traveled with Fruitcakes on their final leg of the Great Loop trip. Followed them thru the “Rock Pile” then into their Condo/Marina complex. They let us tie up in an empty slip for two nights.

Saturday, May 16

We were on our own as we left Little River but it was a picture perfect day on very easy waterways. We got a nice push from the high tide at the start and our speed averaged out to be about 8 mph. About a half an hour after departure we crossed the line into North Carolina. Woot, woot – another state!We arrived in Southport just before noon. The harbor host, Robert Creech, brought us some packages that John had asked to be delivered to his home. A harbor host is someone who has completed the great loop and who resides in the local town and is willing to help travelers who arrive in their area. Robert was very friendly and able to answer any questions that we had. We stopped by later in the afternoon to sit on his front porch which overlooks the water - and his own boat - to chat with him and his wife, Kay. It was another good day on the loop!

Captain’s Log May 16, 2015

Departed: Mariners Landing condos/marina, Little River, SC at 06:35 am
Engine hours: 4.6 hrs /total on trip 681.1
Actual Hours: 4 hrs 35 minutes
Miles covered: 35.70 total for trip 4809
Arrived: Southport Marina, Southport, NC
Weather: Clear – 69 degrees – calm – warmed up to 75 degrees, winds SE 5-10  

 

Charleston to Osprey Marina

Monday, May 11, 2015

Finally, tropical storm Ana had moved on to the north and we were out of the high winds that followed her. We waited until mid-morning to leave so we would have plenty of water underneath us while we went through a few shallow places on the ICW. We had heard about a barge and a sailboat that were grounded along the way but by the time we went through they had risen and were long gone.

We had a great time while we were waiting in Charleston and here are a few photos that I didn’t get into the last blog.

Angel Oak

Glenn and Brenda picked six of us up on Saturday and took us touring. We drove through the Battery and then onto the campus of the military college, The Citadel. It was graduation day so we saw lots of cars, but the ceremony was being held inside so we didn't see many cadets marching around. The buildings were impressive castle-like structures.

We then drove out to John's Island to see the Angel Oak which is estimated to be 400-500 years old with a trunk measuring 28 feet in circumference. It's canopy is huge, and produces shade which covers over 17,000 sq. feet. It was very impressive to walk around. From the photos you can see that the sun came out and our time waiting for the storm to move out of the area wasn't a complete washout.

Mark, John and Glenn

 

Mary and Brenda

Mary and Roger on a joggling board

A joggling board is a Charleston tradition which is simply a flexible board strung between two rocking wooden stands. They grace many porches and yards and are most often painted Charleston green - an almost black shade. Some lore holds that they were often used by courting couples because as they sat and rocked the board would joggle them closer and closer together. 

Captain’s Log May 11, 2015

Departed: Charleston Maritime Ctr, Charleston, SC 10:30 a.m.
Engine hours: 4.7 hrs. – 663.1 total for trip
Actual hours: 4.5 hrs
Miles covered 37.84 - Total for trip: 4684
Arrived: Leland Marina, McClellanville, SC  at 3 p.m.
Partly cloudy, 73 degrees, wind SW at 5, very muggy. Gradually got warmer as day went on, Lots of thunderstorm activity west of us. We left late in order to travel through a shallow section of the ICW at high tide.  Plan worked well.  Traveled with Fruitcakes and Mara Beel.

Tuesday, May 12

Our visit to McClellanville was short and sweet. We were greatly outnumbered by the number of shrimp boats there. The marina loaned us a vehicle and three of us first mates went on a foray to the local seafood shop where we bought several pounds of fresh shrimp. Our docktails consisted of a delicious boiled shrimp and pasta Alfredo dinner. We were much too busy eating to take any pictures!

Captain’s Log May 12, 2013

Departed: Leland Marine, SC at 7:25 a.m.
Engine hours: 4.1 hrs /total on trip 667.2
Actual Hours: 3 hrs 55 minutes
Miles covered: 27.66 total for trip 4712
Arrived: Georgetown Harbor Walk Marina, Georgetown, SC 11:20 a.m.
Left Leland 2 hours prior to low tide due to shallow exit from Marina. Nice morning, winds calm skies clear. Traveled with Mara Beel and Fruitcakes  

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

When we left Georgetown we went up the Waccamaw River which is one of the rare times we have been on fresh water while on the ICW. It is a pristine, mostly undeveloped area for the most part with only a few small marinas. The water was deep and smooth, the winds were not an issue and the only negative was that we were going against a current for most of the trip. Today was truly pleasure boating!

At our destination we followed a very narrow channel in of the already narrowing river. This was a very cozy marina in a protected area. Lots of snowbirds leave their boats here for the summer. 

Turtles on a log - not to be confused with ants on a log

M/V Fruitcakes leading the way up the Waccamaw River

 Captain’s Log May 13, 2015

Departed: Departed Georgetown Harbor Walk Marina, Georgetown SC, at 8:00 am.
Engine hours: 5.3 hrs. – 672.5 hrs total for trip
Actual hours: 5 hr.
Miles covered 32.38 Total for trip: 4744
Arrived: Osprey Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC at 1 pm.
Wx: Cool, high broken clouds, northwest wind. Cold front had just gone through. Temp warmed, skies cleared and wind calmed by arrival at destination. Traveled with Fruitcakes, very scenic and nice cruising up the Waccamaw River

 

John's Island to Charleston

Sunday & Monday, May 3 & 4 

Those early morning starts were getting to be a habit because we were off before sunrise on Sunday to leave Port Royal. Again, the Captains wanted to be in a couple of shallow channels when it would be close to high tide and as a result an early start was needed.  However getting to our destination by afternoon is quite nice. 

Sunrise as we are leaving Port Royal

Early morning sun on a house at The Point in Beaufort, SC

When we got to our destination, St. Johns Island Yacht Club, we were met by our Gold Looper friends, Glenn and Brenda, who were very generous in offering their car if we needed it. They also drove us over to our other Gold Looper friends, Burke and Stel, where we had been invited for a low country shrimp boil. Just as a reminder: a Looper gets to fly a gold burgee after they have completed their great circle trip. We are still flying our white burgee because we have a little way to go until we get back to the Champlain Canal.

John and a friend of a friend at the shrimp boil on Johns Island

 

Kathy and Becky on a patio swing at Glenn and Brenda's house

We spent two nights at St John's Yacht Club and went to Glenn and Brenda’s home the second evening for a cookout. We are being treated like royalty by our Looper friends!

Captain’s Log May 3, 2015

Departed: Port Royal Landing, SC  6:25 a.m.
Engine hours: 8.4 hrs. – 657.1 total for trip
Actual hours: 8 hrs
Miles covered 66.05 - Total for trip: 4638
Arrived: St John’s Yacht Marina, John’s Island, SC 2:25 p.m.
Very nice early departure. Skies clear and winds calm. Cool temps but gradually warmed up. Wind picked up a bit as we arrived at destination. Traveled with Fruitcakes and Mara Beel.

Tuesday, May 5 to ??? To be determined due to tropical storm Ana
It was a very short ride up the channel and into Charleston where we had reservation at the Charleston Maritime Center. The wind had started to blow and there was a bit of a current, but the marina staff was very professional in handling our lines and got us secured in no time.
Everyone was watching the weather to see what the tropical depression developing off the coast of Florida was going to do and where it would go because it would influence our weather for the next few days. Meanwhile, in spite of the high winds it was sunny and warm and the next day we took a carriage ride through the historic section of Charleston.

John and Mark met "Bones" who managed one of the carriage barns



Sometimes the alleyways were the prettiest spots

A backyard garden

An elegant entry - many homes are raised in case of flooding
and they have these round wrought iron vents underneath

Just a sample of the many window boxes

We have had only one really rainy day so far but the tropical low developed into a named storm, Ana, and it is headed in the same direction that we are so we may have to extend our stay through the weekend. This is not a bad place to be and we are with friends on two other Looper boats, Becky and Mark on Mara Beel and Roger and Mary on TA TA .
Meanwhile our docking spot is not that protected from wind and waves so things were a bit noisy on the boat. John deployed our homemade Mainship anti-slapping kit (MASK) - a series of swim noodles strung on a floating rope. The rope is tied to the bow and stern allowing the noodles to run along the side of the boat. Then the rope is tightened which snugs the noodles into the chine on the boat eliminating the water slap. We also lowered the Bimini to protect it in case the winds come up.

John prepared the boat for high winds with some swim noodles

 Captain’ Log May 5, 2013

Departed: St John’s Yacht Marina, SC at 8:45 am
Engine hours: 1.3 hrs /total on trip 658.4
Actual Hours: 1 hr 15 minutes
Miles covered: 8.2 total for trip 4646
Arrived: Charleston Maritime Center, SC
Very short cruise to move to CHS. Weather good and tides were correct for departure and arrival.  No issues. Short and sweet. We left alone due to our slip at destination available while Mara Beel had to delay an hour for theirs.   

Port Royal Landing, S. Carolina

Thursday – Saturday, April 30 – May 2, 2015

We left this morning at first light to take advantage of high tide going out of the channel from the marina. It was a bit chilly, we are going north after all, but the sun warmed things up by mid-day. After getting such an early start we traveled for almost 8 hours but still arrived by in Port Royal in mid-afternoon so it didn’t seem like such a long day.Sweetwater left the next morning and we said our good byes to Pam & Tim, but we stayed for the “buy two nights get one free” deal. The marina has a loner vehicle and we made good use of it on both days. We visited Beaufort and nearby Parris Island and took lots of photos!

Jasmine is in full bloom and it's scent
fills the air!

 

Many porch ceilings are painted blue in Beaufort

Visitors on the carriage tour - we were hoofing it

Gate to a grand house

Low clearance for John and Mark

Gargoyle at the top of steps going nowhere

Magnolias are also in bloom

Parris Island - Semper Fi - we visited the Marine Museum there

Kathy and Becky relaxing at lunch - Port Royal Landing

We are delighted to be traveling for the moment with Mark and Becky on Mara Beel. We are a fearsome foursome! Fellow loopers on Fruitcakes arrived at the marina this afternoon and all three boats will move on to Charleston tomorrow.

Captain’s Log April 30, 2015

Departed: Delegal Creek Marina, Skidaway Island, GA 6:30 a.m.
Engine hours: 7.8 hrs. – 648.7 total for trip
Actual hours: 7 hrs 45 mins
Miles covered 62.83 - Total for trip: 4572
Arrived: Port Royal Landing Marina, Port Royal, SC 2:15 p.m.
Left early in the am to catch high tide to depart marina and pass through Fields Cut a couple of hours prior to low tide – our timing was good and the early departure also got us into Port Royal at a good hour to pump out, refuel and tie the boat up.  We crossed 2 sounds with quite nice sea conditions. Weather was clear and cool in the am and winds were calm.  Temperature gradually increased to near normal temps by late afternoon and winds picked up to 10-15 from the northwest. Cruised with Mara Beel, and Sweetwater