Molly’s Great American Loop

We’re Betty & James, along with Luna cat and Moki dog we are cruising America’s Great Loop aboard our boat the Molly Brown. She is a 24’ C-Dory TomCat. We expect it will take us 8 or so months to complete 😀. Read more

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Day 21
Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 12:30 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Pine Harbor 31.564463, -81.36089531°33’52” N 81°21’39” W
2
Belle Bluff
March 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Tied up at Belle Bluff Island Club. Nice owner and very dog and cat friendly. We’re definitely off the looper trail now but still generally headed in the right direction!! Dinette down for a lounge day with Benny Goodman on Pandora 🎺🎶🎷Read more
TravelerPandora is a great traveling companion
3/31/24Reply
Traveler Nice docks! Do they have power on the docks? Doesn’t look like it from their website pictures.
4/1/24Reply
TravelerThey do! Added last year.
4/2/24Reply
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Day 22
Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:43 PM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Middle Ground 31.694937, -81.15346531°41’42” N 81°9’12” W
St Catherine’s Island
April 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Short travel day today, logging 24 miles to the north end of St Catherine’s Island (which has quite a history). Georgia has stunning beaches with most being undeveloped and very clean! We arrived shortly after lunch to find about 20 boats at the beach but by the time I closed my laptop for the day the last boater was leaving. That said every rose has its thorns and the flies and no-see-ems are ferocious! Thank goodness for air conditioning!!
Secchi .9 in 4.3mRead more
Travelerlooks like a nice beach, make sure your in before dark
4/1/24Reply
TravelerThe witching hours were 5-7. After the winds picked up and the bugs laid low. Good nights sleep with the windows open.
4/2/24Reply
TravelerTell James he needs to update the VHF to one with AIS
4/1/24Reply
TravelerHe says he has a birthday coming up 😉 lol
4/2/24Reply
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Day 23
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 6:54 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
United States Genesis Point 31.879204, -81.19646531°52’45” N 81°11’47” W
Ft McAllister
April 2, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
I had a rough day today. These pressure systems tend to reek havoc on me. We are at anchor near Ft McAllister where Moki and I took our walks but I wasn’t up for visiting the fort. Tomorrow we’re headed to Savannah.Read more
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Day 24
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 5:49 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
United States Burnside Island 31.928512, -81.08627231°55’43” N 81°5’11” W
Savannah
April 3, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
We arrived on the dock of fellow 24’ TomCat owners Jeff and Cindy at the southern end of Savannah near Skidway Island just in time for a band of heavy rain. Grocery shopping done while I worker 🐝’d it in the in the boat. I’m off the next two days and looking forward to a long weekend.Read more
TravelerFellow C-Brats are the absolute best!
4/4/24Reply
TravelerYes! And visiting is so much fun!
4/4/24Reply
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Day 25
Thursday, April 4, 2024
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Burnside Island 31.9284, -81.08612831°55’42” N 81°5’10” W
2 2
Jeff & Cindy day 2
April 4, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
We departed from Jeff and Cindy’s this morning after 2 nights on their dock. Super hosts!! Really enjoyed our stay! Moki and their pup Olive made great playmates and got a good romp around the yard before we left. Generally headed to downtown Savannah today. But who knows where we’ll end up.Read more
Two of a kind right there! Does look like fun! [Sarah]
4/5/24Reply
TravelerThey were very well matched
4/5/24Reply
For some reason, I thought you would be out to sea more - it looks like you are doing a lot of inland waterways - is that normal for loopers? [Sarah]
4/5/24Reply
TravelerYes. The loop is pretty much all inland waterways…. If you want it to be. Doesn’t have to. Much more to see inside though.
4/5/24Reply
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Day 26
Friday, April 5, 2024 at 1:45 PM
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Robert M Hitch Village / Fred Wessels Homes 32.078606, -81.07365432°4’43” N 81°4’25” W
1 2 3
Downtown Savannah
April 5, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
We are at the Savannah Recreational Dock tied up for the night. Between Spring Break and a half marathon tomorrow it’s busier than normal and then of course it’s Friday. But we have a front row seat. Guy playing guitar and singing outside boat. And he’s really good!! Nice couple on a sail boat from Ontario docked behind us.Read more
Traveler Glad you got a spot on the dock. There was very little public docking when we last tried to go there.
4/6/24Reply
TravelerIt was very rough though. Only two other boats stayed the night.
4/6/24Reply
One of my favorite places 💕 - glad you’re enjoying it [Irene]
4/6/24Reply
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Day 27
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 12:44 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Barataria Creek 32.174287, -80.82301332°10’27” N 80°49’23” W
Welcome to South Carolina!
April 6, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
Windy windy 🌬️ today. We found a nice anchorage west of Hilton Head and spent the entire day here. Tomorrow we are headed to Beaufort.
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Day 28
Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 11:48 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
United States Elliott House Museum 32.431576, -80.67381332°25’54” N 80°40’26” W
1
Beaufort SC
April 7, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
Spent the day tied up at the Beaufort city dock. Really pretty city that I apparently enjoyed too much to take pictures 🤷🏼‍♀️. Had a nice lunch and learned more about the Alex Murdaugh murders and embezzlement then we really cared to know from not one but two boaters who docked by us. Guess it’s a big deal here. Even the dock is tied to the murders. At anchor for the night near a boat ramp out of the wind for the obligatory morning pup stop. Headed to a beach tomorrow.Read more
Traveler Wow! That is superb !
6/28/24Reply
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Day 29
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 7:50 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Whitehall Point 32.420658, -80.66159732°25’14” N 80°39’42” W
It’s going to be a good day!! 🍀🍀
April 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
👍 You are lucky🍀 [Jeanmi]
4/9/24Reply
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Day 29
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:07 PM
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Combahee Bank 32.475536, -80.41928932°28’32” N 80°25’9” W
Otter Island
April 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
So apparently my 4 leaf clover was only lucky for me. James and Moki did a tuck and roll in the kayak today going to the beach. Wicked current against the wind! Moki didn’t panic- swam back to the kayak and then enjoyed a romp onshore. Poor James went in wearing boots. Fortunately only 7 foot of water.Read more
Poor James - I’m sure Moki loved the opportunity to get wet lol [Irene]
4/8/24Reply
TravelerThey both handled it well. Moki’s been a real trooper on this trip. Luna too.
4/9/24Reply
TravelerJames, I think I remember you saying you could never flip that Bote.
4/8/24Reply
TravelerHe says ‘well not in Florida’ current here is crazy! 9' tide yesterday
4/9/24Reply
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Day 29
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 3:52 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Long Creek 32.602933, -80.2944232°36’11” N 80°17’40” W
Steamboat Creek
April 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
We are anchored up for the night in Steamboat Creek, a stones throw from a county boat ramp. Very remote dirt road with a beautiful oak canopy (no pic take my word). This is a great anchorage out of the wind and current complete with a little creek to paddle for fun.Read more
TravelerBeautiful weather!
4/8/24Reply
TravelerYes! I think we’ve only run the air 3 nights.
4/9/24Reply
TravelerThose critters have morphed into true cruisers. At some point they may want their own boat. Or mutiny to take yours. Be careful.
4/8/24Reply
TravelerThey are definitely the co-captains. We are their servants.
4/9/24Reply
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Day 30
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 12:14 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Albemarle Point 32.770653, -79.9563332°46’14” N 79°57’23” W
Charleston
April 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
We made it to Charleston today. Did a quick stop at Brittlebank Park which has a small day dock. Apparently Mr Brittlebank donated $ to his three favorite cities to establish parks baring his name. Not really on any happening parts of the city but it was good respite for our weary pup. While I walked the dog James overheard a young boy talk to his mom in French. They were from Paris which means James got to practice his Parlez-vous français. We are now a stones throw upstream at Higgins fishing pier which has a small dock and connecting bike trail. A bit further from downtown. At high tide we can see a 17th century replica sailing ship down one of two skinny tidal creeks by us.Read more
TravelerNice!
4/10/24Reply
TravelerYou are posting some beautiful sunset pictures.
4/13/24Reply
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Day 31
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 4:18 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Jeremy Creek 33.083225, -79.46275333°4’60” N 79°27’46” W
1
McClellanville
April 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
We are docked at Leland Oil Company for the next day or two while we wait on the weather. This is a small working marina and as far as I can tell only three of us are transient. A sailboat headed to Beaufort and loopers Jeffery and Gaye from TX are in front of us. Otherwise we are surrounded by shrimp boats. There are two seafood markets nearby. We will check them out tomorrow weather permitting. Moki and I did a long walk around town and this is a really beautiful little place. We visited Deerhead oak which is one of SC’s oldest trees. Only one restaurant within walking distance but it closes at 2:30 on Wednesdays. It has some homemade pies that I may have to explore tomorrow. Fresh seafood 🍤 and pie 🥧 🙌🙌Read more
TravelerLooks like my kind of place. Awesome 👏
4/10/24Reply
👍😍 [Jmi&Dom]
4/23/24Reply
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Day 32
Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 10:54 AM
🌧 70 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Jeremy Creek 33.08326, -79.46276133°4’60” N 79°27’46” W
Good day to NOT be on the hook!
April 11, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
Rain is about over but it is windy windy! Much more so than a video can capture. Power knocked out at the marina. We are safe and dry but both Moki is very uneasy. Smart dog! On a good note the UV index for today is very low 😂. And all the laundry is done.Read more
TravelerSunny skies are on the way!
4/11/24Reply
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Day 33
Friday, April 12, 2024 at 2:24 PM
☀️ 72 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Charleston County Public Library McClellanville Branch 33.089081, -79.46196733°5’21” N 79°27’43” W
McClellanville day 3
April 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Enjoyed another down day today and will leave tomorrow after we visit the local farmers market. Hoping for some fresh veggies and eggs. Two boats left this morning and have been replaced with two more, both loopers. When we arrived on Wednesday I saw a round marker that said Neptune on it while walking Moki. Later saw a poster for the Pinckney Street solar system outside the Arts Council, (1” = 100k miles). There are 10 markers and I’ve found 9. The sun and most of the planets are around the city’s museum but I’ve also stumbled upon Saturn and Uranus. I have one more chance tomorrow to find Kuiper Belt (#10). We’ve enjoyed this stop. Maybe the only downtown left that has no leash laws. We met several dogs just running around on our walks. Everyone seems to know who they are and all are generally friendly. Got a chance to talk with lots of locals. Everyone has been super nice. Today’s secchi at the dock was .8 in 1.4 M at 16:30.Read more
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Day 34
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 9:52 AM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Jeremy Creek 33.083211, -79.46272233°4’60” N 79°27’46” W
2
Morning haul in McClellanville
April 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Farmers Market followed by Seafood Market and we are off and running again. Plan to be on the hook tonight.
Traveler What time is dinner? 😁 looks like a nice fest tonight!
4/13/24Reply
TravelerOnly a handful of tables but we bought something at every one. 7pm don’t be ⏰ late. 😀
4/13/24Reply
We visited McClellanville in our little motorhome some years ago. Like you, we were impressed by its charm and friendliness. Btw, we bought a bunch of shrimp at the same seafood market in your photos :) [Richard and Gwen]
4/18/24Reply
TravelerWe are finding so many unexpected jewels this trip. McClellanville was definitely one!!
4/19/24Reply
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Day 34
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 3:17 PM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
United States Cooter Creek 33.516983, -79.14414233°31’1” N 79°8’39” W
Sandy Island Beach
April 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Today was a 41 mile day that went by quick. We landed at the local hangout around 2pm… a nice bluff comprised of soft sand just off the ICW. Moki got a romp with a young GSP and Luna got a stroll in the woods. Met some very nice locals who invited us to their place for barbecue. Life is good 😊.Read more
TravelerPeople are so much more friendly to boating people than in Florida.
4/14/24Reply
TravelerDefinitely a different vibe
4/14/24Reply
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Day 35
Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 9:10 AM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 49 ft
United States Brookgreen Creek 33.516095, -79.12528333°30’58” N 79°7’31” W
School Bus Boat
April 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
TravelerHope you don't mind. I downloaded your picture of the school bus boat to share on my facebook for fellow school bus drivers! :-)
4/17/24Reply
TravelerDon’t mind at all ☺️. Happy sharing!!
4/17/24Reply
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Day 35
Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 12:10 PM
☀️ 75 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
United States Old Mill Lake 33.719056, -79.04803733°43’9” N 79°2’53” W
First 1000
April 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
BAM 💥
TravelerAlmost time for the 100hr engine service. 50 hours running time so far right?
4/14/24Reply
TravelerRunning synthetic and doing it every 200 hours. Too long of a trip to do every 100. checked today and we haven't burned any oil. And it still looks good.
4/14/24Reply
TravelerPerfect.
4/14/24Reply
My daughter lives in Wilmington. If you run into her give her a hug for me. Looks like you guys are having a great trip! [Jim Mills]
4/14/24Reply
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Day 35
Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 1:55 PM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Cox Ferry Lake 33.791931, -79.04972833°47’31” N 79°2’59” W
2
Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area
April 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Original plan was to leave early and get thru the 50 miles of canal around Myrtle Beach but then I saw this rec area which looked interesting up the Waccamaw River. What a find! We are tucked into a little bay with access to shore and several miles of beautiful trails. Much better way to spend our Sunday. Celebrated our first 1k miles with fondue on the back deck. Tomorrow we’re headed into Conway for a visit and then will do the canal (aka ditch) slog while I’m working…. Probably Tuesday. If winds weren’t from the south we’d contemplate going outside. The Waccamaw River btw is really pretty. FWS Refuge all the way and reminds both of us of the St John’s River with cypress swamp lining the river and lots of smaller creeks and oxbows.Read more
Traveler That’s pretty cool
4/15/24Reply
TravelerThe fondue pot may be the only thing onboard that doesn’t have to do double duty.
4/15/24Reply
TravelerI'm glad you explored the Waccamaw. It reminded us of the St. Johns also. We trailered around that 50 mile canal.
4/15/24Reply
TravelerFun side trip. Glad we did too.
4/15/24Reply
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Day 36
Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:46 AM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
United States Indian Creek Lake 33.789678, -79.05563333°47’23” N 79°3’20” W
2
Cox Ferry Lake the morning
April 15, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
One of my favorite parts of this trip is exploring first thing in the morning. James and Luna found a little kayak tunnel that we all checked out. Short but worth the visit. This morning’s Secchi .6 in 3.3m.Read more
Traveler What a great cat❤️
4/16/24Reply
TravelerShe’s the coolest cat I know!
4/16/24Reply
TravelerThat’s an awesome paddling spot
4/16/24Reply
TravelerSmall but lots of fun. Trails there were awesome too.
4/16/24Reply
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Day 36
Monday, April 15, 2024 at 1:10 PM
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Kingston Lake 33.834737, -79.04603633°50’5” N 79°2’46” W
2
Conway, SC
April 15, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
We made a quick stop in Conway to fuel up and walk around while tied up at one of the City’s day docks. They have a really pretty Riverwalk and downtown. We enjoyed lunch at Chantis restaurant where we talked with a nice couple visiting from Myrtle Beach. They also had a pup so like us were sitting outside. After lunch while Moki and I explored town, Luna and James explored the Willow tree near the boat. We are now at anchor off the river with easy access to a small high ground area for this evening’s pup stop. I have an important meeting in the morning so we will be hanging here until that’s over…. It’s quiet with a clear view of the sky for Starlink. 18 miles traveled today. High temp today was 87. We turned the air on for the first time since leaving Florida.Read more
Traveler What a pretty place
4/16/24Reply
TravelerAbsolutely gorgeous! So glad we made it a side trip.
4/16/24Reply
TravelerYour inspiration is tempting. Taking notes.
4/16/24Reply
TravelerDefinitely one for the notes 📝
4/16/24Reply
TravelerThat’s an absolutely idealistic little town! You’ve uncovered a lot of gems so far.
6/28/24Reply
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Day 37
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 1:46 PM
☁️ 79 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Airport Lagoon 33.826122, -78.70986233°49’34” N 78°42’36” W
1 1 1
Welcome to North Carolina!
April 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
We did the long slow slug thru the Myrtle Beach ditch today and came to rest just inside NC at Bird Island Beach. It’s so pretty we plan to stay all day tomorrow so James can scrub the boat hull while I work. Secchi at anchor 5pm is .7 in 2.2m.Read more
Looks like a great anchorage. How are the insects? [Tom Schulke]
4/16/24Reply
TravelerNo bugs! But there were 4 mosquitos left over from the Waccamaw. James got them before he went to bed.
4/17/24Reply
Traveler 💕
6/28/24Reply
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Day 38
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:27 AM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: Sea level
United States Little River Inlet 33.858017, -78.54319833°51’29” N 78°32’36” W
1
1 2 1
Bird Island Beach day 2
April 17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Pretty sunrise this morning! We are day 2 at Bird Island Beach. Boat hull is scrubbed and Moki and I had a nice lunchtime walk on the beach. Beatiful beach with few people compared to Florida’s always packed beaches. They have a nature trail that we took which had interpretive signage. Also visited the Kindred Spirit mailbox, a spiritual refuge for those who might need it, started 40 or so years ago. Molly Brown traveled less than one mile beach to beach to beach today. No bugs!!Read more
Traveler Well deserved beer!
4/18/24Reply
Traveler Y’all are looking great!
4/18/24Reply
Traveler😃
4/18/24Reply
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Day 39
Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 7:54 PM
🌙 70 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States South Harbour Village Marina 33.925194, -78.05939533°55’31” N 78°3’34” W
Dutchman Creek Park
April 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 70 °F
We traveled 40 miles today and have come to rest at a nice County Park with a boat ramp, a playground, bathrooms and a really nice sized open space with clumps of pines for shade, picnic tables and benches, and natural sandy beaches. Planned to stay near the inlet but it was very rough. This is nice! I had a very busy day of meetings and trainings so pictures are slim. Off tomorrow and looking forward to a long weekend.Read more
TravelerBoy, am I jealous! We're expecting snow flurries tonight!
4/18/24Reply
TravelerWe are going to get some rain with temps in the 60s Sunday and Monday but I don’t think snow is on our horizon. Temps have been nice but lots of wind this trip.
4/19/24Reply
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