Myrtle Beach Yacht Club to Georgetown, SC

Today:      51 miles      8.2 hours            ICW St M “402.8”

Total:     578 miles    94.6 hours

     We once again woke to the sound of heavy rain on the cabin.  When we checked radar, there was only a tiny blue spot.  I have no idea where that heavy stuff came from.  Thankfully, it stopped after 15 minutes. 

Entry to the Myrtle Beach Harbor
with perfect lighting!

     As Pete walked Bailey, I went up to the cockpit to set up the electronics and caught a pretty sunrise sky.  As we were leaving the harbor from the marina, the light was perfect for the lighthouse that marks the entrance to the harbor.

We still have Spiders!

The Rock Pile at high tide ~

   

     The Barefoot Landing Bridge is an “open on request” bridge.  As we exited the Rock Pile, we called to request an opening.  The bridge tender asked if we could wait as there was a north bound boat approaching and would prefer to open for both boats.  We said “yes,” assuming that the boat near.  Instead, the boat was delayed in the marina and would not be available for a while, but there was another north bound sailboat about a mile away. So, we lost about 20 minutes waiting for the bridge, trying to be a nice guy.

     

     Once below that bridge, we began encountering a lot of debris.  A patio chair was floating upside down, mid channel.  There were also large logs and boards along with the smaller twigs and reeds.  It was hard to distinguish between them until we were close.  It made for a more intense ride for Pete as I couldn’t be another set of eyes. A migraine was developing. I needed to medicate and lie down.

     While passing through the area most affected by the flooding from Florence  we could see the high water marks on the homes. This area had 30+ inches of rain. Add to that, the waters from upstream throughout the area, funneled through this area.  It was reported that this area had 22 feet above flood stage! It was so sad to see the high-water marks on the homes as well as the destruction.

High water mark on the home

    We had the current with us for most of the day except from the Socastee area and south into the Waccamaw River for about an hour (7 miles or so).  Then we were cruisin’ in the high 8’s and low 9’s for the rest of the trip down the river.  Courtesy of the current gods, we probably shaved about 90 minutes off today’s journey!

Water mark on trees
 also denuded during Florence

On a happier note . . . We spotted turtles!!!

   

     Further down river, we came across 4 huge logs.  Who knows how many we didn’t see.  Thankfully, by that time my headache had receded, and I was able to help search for large debris in the water. We joined a couple of boats that were calling out the location of these logs.

Even Cypress trees are burned!

One of a number of large logs we spotted today!

    We had hoped to be at Harbor Walk in Georgetown, but they already were booked when we called yesterday.  So instead, we are docked at Georgetown Landing Marina.  It is the one with the very strong current and just a short distance (200 feet) from the end of the dock to the Route 17 Bridge.  It makes exiting from the inside of the dock very challenging . . . and guess where they put us. . . Yup! On the inside of the dock closest to that bridge.  Lesson learned! Next time make the reservation at Harbor Walk ASAP!!!

     Once docked, I met Mark.  He is single handing a 40’ Jenneau, SV RAG DOLL.  I really like that name. He prefers doing daily outside jumps.  We also ran into Larry from SV SANDY SEAS. He helped us leave Morehead City Yacht Marina, also in a challenging current.  He, too, will be doing an outside jump to Charleston in the morning.

          After dinner, we were discussing our strategies for Charleston.  We prefer to stay at St John’s Marina.  The staff is wonderful as are the facilities.  They also have a free loaner car and we need to do some provisioning.  I also need to see a vision center, where my glasses can be readjusted.  I think, because they are so cockeyed, I am straining my eyes, which probably created the migraine.  The problem is that the bridge schedules have changed.  The Ben Sawyer Bridge, just north of Charleston, is closed between 6:30 and 9 am and 3:30 until 7 pm.  So is the Wapoo. But where the Sawyer is on demand other times, Wapoo just went to only every hour on the half hour.  We could never make both bridges by 3:30 pm if we start out at first light.  Instead we will make reservations 1^st thing in the morning at Isle of Palms Marina.  Then we have freedom to pick and choose when we leave as it is only about 3 hours from Isle of Palms to St John’s. This way we are guaranteed to clear both bridges and dock long before nightfall.

     Once again, it is an early night as 5:30 will come awfully fast.  

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P