Charleston, SC

Charleston
Saturday, November 16 - Sunday, November 17 - Boats started leaving Carolina Beach as the wind had calmed down considerably, from 30 knot gusts yesterday to 17 knots. We pulled anchor around noon and headed out with Honu for an overnight sail to Charleston. We had to go under a fixed bridge at Snow Cut, which was tight, and as we did a large 3 engine power boat came ripping past us as we were going under the bridge! Kevin called him on the VHF but he obviously did not have his radio on. He then picked up more speed and completely waked Honu, coming very close to them. Kevin reported the boat to the coast guard. A little later another boat contacted us to say the same guy blew past him at 40 knots! Some people. We sailed with wind power only from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The remainder of the night was calm and the moon was bright making for good visibility. We entered the Charleston area by mid morning on Sunday and found a spot to anchor that was not close to other boats. The current is strong here and that causes a lot of swinging, sometimes not in the same direction.
The rest of the day was spent recuperating from the long night with little sleep.

Monday, November 18 - We went to the Dinghy Dock at the Safe Harbor Marina, Kevin got gas at the nearby gas station while I walked Pepper and looked for the Marina office. The sign says it’s $5/day for dinghys to dock and the last time we were here we could not find the office and never paid. We wanted to be legit this time and I finally asked someone in one of the yacht broker offices. The office was on the other side of the marina at the end of a dock, we never would have found it if I hadn’t asked! In the afternoon I started cleaning one of the brass light fixtures that was badly tarnished since we purchased the boat. I’m trying to keep the boat as clean as possible as well as improve it.

Tuesday, September 19 - Tony and Teresa, previous owners of Southern Cross, came to visit us, they motored over to our boat from their house on their Boston Whaler. It was fun to catch up with them. For dinner we went to the restaurant Lowland with Ken and Kristi. A very nice restaurant in downtown Charleston. Kevin and Ken chatted while Kristi and I talked about stuff, she was interested in hearing about our adventures. Great food, company and conversation the whole day. So much I forgot to take any pictures!!

Wednesday, November 20 Friday , November 22 - We would preferred to have left Charleston on Wednesday but the weather offshore was not favorable with high seas and wind. Charleston anchorage is next to a lot of marsh land that emits a foul odor, and there is a sewer treatment plant on the other side of harbor. We’re not sure which cause a foul odor on the boat, but it’s not pleasant. The wind Wednesday night was incredibly strong, to the point where I could feel the boat healing during gusts and watch the clothes hanging on the door hook swing away from the door. I have to admit it was unsettling and difficult to sleep. Thursday and Friday were not much better. The nights were calmer but the temperatures dropped to the low 40’s at night and low 60’s during the day. The wind was forecasted at 15 mph with gusts of 30 mph, but on the water it felt closer to the 30 mph. The boat was constantly rocking and the howling of the wind was ceaseless. On Friday I was so cold I wore 2 sweaters, 2 pairs of socks and gloves, sitting under a blanket- while in the cabin of the boat! I was not a happy cruiser.Leia mais