How Low Does It Go?

Bailey and the sunrise
over the ocean

SV SEABIRD at sunrise

     We left the mooring field by 7:45, waving good-by to the other 3 boats.  PEKABU will be heading down to Myrtle Beach, while the other 3 boats are doing a short day to Kings Plantation.


  Passing through Snow’s Cut was at low tide.  As we passed under the bridge, Pete checked the day boards. There was a foot difference between the eastern and western boards.  That meant we were actually traveling up hill on the water! Pete guestimates that there was a 3-foot height difference between the east and west end of the Cut. We saw birds sitting on some of the rock shelf showing in the Cut. 

Snow's Cut

Snow's Cut unmarked rocky ledge

     We spent the morning dealing with ever changing currents and speeds. The further south the more damage to docks we see. We passed a number of sunken boats, some old and some new.
    

Matthew's calling cards

    

     Pete and his partner, George, decided to handle the important stuff this morning, but take time to chill after yesterday's craziness.  Pete considers his chillin’ is helm time.   He enjoys his time at the helm. With the way today played out, as much as I enjoy my helm time, I was ok with not being at the wheel.
 

just north of  Lockwoods Folly

Mud Flats

    Today, we hit all the trouble spots at low tide!!!
     We approached Lockwoods Folly Inlet around 11:30. It was remarkable to see just how low, low tide can be!  Pilings totally out of the water, floating docks sitting on the mud, and plenty of mud and sand flats. We even saw the top of crab post that usually sit in 10+ feet of water.  We joined a fleet of fisherman in small boats in the inlet.  The new markers were very close together and wound around a bit, but taking it slow, we had deep water all the way through.

Hard aground in Shallots Inlet

    For the rest of the day, we seemed to time our travels perfectly with all the low tides.  As we entered the Shallotte Inlet, TowBoat US was trying to assist one of the two 40+boats hard aground. He instructed Pete on how to stay in the channel and pass him. Unfortunately, we ran hard aground and were momentarily unable to power off.  TowBoat offered to help if Pete set up a bridal for the bow.  As Pete went forward, his weight helped the boat to tip forward, relieving some of the pressure on the rudder.  He stayed forward as I increased forward speed and passing small boats created waves.  Once floating again, directions were given again and we made it through the inlet.  As it was almost low, the tide would not be up high enough for another few hours to float those bigger boats off.

            Low tide stayed with us even as we went through the notorious Rock Pile in Myrtle Beach. The rocks were showing in all their glory.  I managed to get some pretty good documentation.

1st golf course 

Passing Mile # 310

        

Fishing fleet

The Rock Pile

The Rock Pile

       

Scuff marks from Matthew

    We stopped at The Landing Marina, on the western side, for the night in Myrtle Beach.  We topped off the fuel, then went and enjoyed dinner up at the bar.  Pete has been suffering hamburger withdrawal.

   Once back, we discussed again our options for heading to Charlestown.   Our concern is McClellanville. The mean low water in spots has been reported at 4 foot.  We love traveling that area, but is it doable? On our way to Georgetown tomorrow, we continue our research and decide.

     First thing in the morning and last thing at night, I have to remove Bailey’s “peasant cap,” give a really long ear rub, and apply the Neosporin to her ears, before putting the “cap” back in place. We're finally winning the battle of the ears. The sores are healing and redness is gone. Now, we are waiting for the swelling of the cartilage to subside. She'll be wearing the “No Flap Ear Wrap” (the cap) until it does so that she doesn't reinjure the ears...and we have to start the process all over.

Myrtle Beach sunset on the ICW

     Another day of clear skies, gentle breezes and temp in the 70s. No complaints here!
Well, perhaps the fresh air poisoning again.  Good night!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~      K & P