Hilton Head

We arrived in Hilton Head just after noon on Tuesday. Saw Joe guiding a tour as we came into Broad Creek, following the narrow passage up until we saw Encore V at dock at the Palmetto Marina. We were too tall to go under the bridge and anchor, so we dropped the hook between some derelict boats, 500ft from the docks.
We dropped the dinghy and went to the dock to drop off our 9.9, 4-stroke Yamaha, to get it fixed. Then to visit Joe and Michelle Ricciardi (on Encore V, a Burgur 80 yacht) and pick up our packages… including a wedding invitation from Ashlynn and Hugo.
The following day I started to call around and deal with my I-94, B2 Visa status for being in the USA. Some of the Boarder Protection folks I spoke with had never even heard of the 30-day rule for Canadians who do not have an I-94. I ended up writing a long email with all the “evidence” about my departure last November (which wasn’t recorded) and entrance into Key West. We then headed to a nice dinner at the Olive & Fig with Michelle and Joe, a great Mediterranean restaurant!
Thursday was spent talking with, mainly listening while US border protection agents bullied, yelled, threatened to fine or revoke Nexus or send me back to Canada…. Contradicting each other and giving us false information. I could hear the potential voice of my dad echoing in the background as I endured several hours of frustration… “they are all morons!” Finally, we resubmitted the Roam request and poof, my I-94 and B2 Visa was granted. I am legal till Nov 26th. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to mark my departure by boat, so I will likely have to deal with this issue again in the future.
That night, I got sick… perhaps the stress, but it lasted for over a week (diarrhea) so it must have been the flu.
On Friday we were supposed to go into the docks but I was too sick and slept most of the day. On Saturday we moved to the face dock and Brian only wanted to stay a night as he feels the dock ($150+ per night) is a waste of money. I wanted to be close to our friends. The anchor was stuck, so we chain braked and drug it, dislodging it, but the weight of the anchor was too much for me to release the chain brake…. The current was really strong (up to 4knots in the channel), and we were sliding towards the dock, so we docked (with Joe’s help) and then both he and Brian were able to lift the chain to take pressure off the brake and release it.
We went to Sushi with Joe and Michelle (and their friend Bill and Eileen), then to a bar that featured a band called Rock Candy (80’s heavy metal). I had my ear buds but it was loud and not the type of music Brian or I would normally listen to!
Sunday I went to church with the two couples and enjoyed the fellowship of being around others. The music was great and the message was on the book of James. We went out to the International Restaurant afterwards and I had GF pancakes with crispy bacon (a treat).
We ended up staying at the dock until Thursday at noon, and I was grateful! Still feeling under the weather, but energy had returned!
I did LOTS of provisioning and used the oven on Encore V for most of it: Hawaiian, Turkey Taco, Boursin cheese & tomato casseroles, chilli, sausage biscuits, banana muffins and zucchini muffins. I shouldn’t have to cook on passages between here and Maine or NS.
We did two grocery shops, Aldi and Kroger, visited West Marine looking for a shackle and a dynema sleeve for the outhaul and a bookstore. Michelle was kind enough to drive us around!
Sadly, Joe had to leave midweek to go to Atlanta as he is back with Delta, so his time in a training position.
Brian found the happy hour oyster place at the Black Marlin (just beside the Marina), and we made several visits! I didn’t eat any as my belly was still troublesome.
Michelle and I went thrift shopping and it was lots of fun! I bought 6 pair of shorts, a linen beige dress, scarf and necklace (potential Mother of the bride outfit), and went to G-free Spot for some delicious GF treats!! On Wednesday night we went to Mellow Mushroom, a pizza and burger place and I had GF pizza. They had trivia night and we started playing, with no intention of staying. We did ok on the first two rounds (the table beside helping us), the third we got all correct and the forth (music and TV), none of them. However, we still ended up in a tie breaker, so with neither Michelle or Brian willing, I took the final question… and we WON! A $25 gift certificate.
On Thursday, with all the meals packed into the fridge and nicely showered, I went to visit with Michelle and her mom Suzanne, before heading to the fuel dock and leaving town.
Unfortunately, we were not even out of Broad Creek when we had issues, the epoxied coolant cap gave way and started sputtering. We anchored, fixed the problem by putting the newer one back on, and continued.
Once out and on course, Michelle called to say I left my LOVE bag/ purse on there boat (it had my AirPods). She will ship it to Brian’s daughter, Marley in NYC.Read more