Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Osprey Point to Georgetown, SC ( 3 Day Stay)

Today:           29.7 miles           5.6 hours             ICW ST Mile: 402.9
Total:           529.8 miles        83.55 hours

     Pete took photos while he walked Bailey. It was clear, still, with temps in low 60’s, and very high humidity.  Waited for fuel dock at 9 and were underway by 9:35.
     It was relatively quiet with the small boats on Sunday. We saw only about 10 and they gave us a wide berth.
     The Waccamaw River is one of our favorite rides. It beautiful, tree-lined banks extend into the water. What was very noteworthy was that there was very little green to be seen. Most of the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Very few osprey nests can be seen. Usually, we have seen 50 or more on our journey, but today we only found 8. And there was a distinct darker coloring on the lower 6-7 feet on the entire forest. This is probably due to flooding caused by the hurricanes and tropical storms during the summer.
     There are many more ancient trees on the northern end, that have witnessed much in their lifetimes. What is so unbelievable is the hollowed-out tree or just a partial piece of the tree wall can still support life.
     Temps climbed to the mid-70s and the wind’s freshened by midafternoon as the river widened. There are still lots of the flotation plants, but not as healthy as they are in the spring. We caught sight of a few turtles taking advantage of the sun. The large schooner that normally sits at anchor is now docked at the marina.
      An anomaly we encountered for the first time yesterday, repeated a number of times while we were underway. The engine almost dies. Pete throttled back and I switched the Raycor filters. He was then able to throttle back up to cruising speed. The dirty filter in the closed position, was changed (it had some debris but not that much) while we’re ran on the clean one. It might be the fuel injector or the filter on the engine. It’s a mystery. Pete reduced power so we could limp into Georgetown. We docked around 3. After the bill settled and Bailey walked, Pete went down below to check engine. He changed out the filter on the engine itself. Bailey was being supportive, but was also in the safest spot to put the removed filter and diesel. Well, you know what happened next. . .The container was knocked over and fuel was now sinking into the bilge and under the flooring. The next hour plus was spent cleaning up that mess. After all that - the engine still wouldn’t turn over. So, here’s the good and bad news. . . Pete has the part on board, but now for the bad: we need to find a mechanic who will come sooner than later! The mechanics recommended by the dockmaster one doesn’t answer his phone and v-mail isn’t set up while the other’s voice mail is full!
     In between all this aggravation, Pete is also dealing with mega email problems. He has been trying to resolve them since Thursday. He cannot send or receive on his work email.
     After dinner, we escaped into another episode of Discovery.

Monday, 10/25/21 ~ Georgetown ~ Day 2
 
     Well, the rains came during the night as predicted. Unfortunately, yesterday, when I was prepping lines for docking, I checked our window that leaked. I wanted to re-tape it once docked. By the time I cleaned up the cockpit, Pete had removed the stairs and was involved. I just figured I would wait until he was done then do the re-taping. Of course, I got involved and promptly forgot. We’ll, it did leak. Now I am waiting until it dries out so I can repair it.
     I walked up to the bathhouse and grabbed mechanics’ cards so we can call. The first was very nice, but is currently in the mountains with family. He texted the name of someone else. Pete contacted him and since he is in Myrtle Beach today, he will be here in the morning. Fingers and toes are crossed!
     The windows are done. Dockage here for the next 2 nights are made and paid, reservations at Isle of Palms and St John’s have been moved and confirmed, and weather reviewed. Right now, Sunday night looks promising for our jump around Georgia.
     Bill & Mary arrived around 3. Once they were all secure, Mary and I walked over to Independent Seafood for some great shrimp and salmon. We are going to eat very well! However, not tonight. We walked over to Root for dinner with Mary and Bill. Root was closed on Mondays as was The Big Tuna.  Instead, we went to The River Room Restaurant. We had a great time and excellent food.  From Black Bean Soup, to salads, Pecan Coated Goat and Strawberry Salad, Flounder, to McCllenville Crab Bite,  all were delicious!
     

Tuesday, 10/26/21 Georgetown ~ Day 3

     Pete had a rough night. His allergy to soap flared up last night causing him to be super uncomfortable. He was awake from about midnight on till about 5 this morning, took some Benadryl, use CBD cream as his hands simultaneously itched, swelled, and hurt. Finally, it was the ice in water it worked as he soaked his hands. I dozed while keeping my ear tuned should he need something.
     This morning he took the dog for a walk while I emptied out the back cabin. The mechanic showed around 10 and, surprise, surprise, He was done at 10:20! It wasn’t the fuel injector that was a problem. It was a broken wire. Apparently, the reason she’s been running rough on start up for so long was because of the wire. Now she runs great. YES!!!
     I did laundry and did some reading while waiting, then headed back for lunch. Pete had a busy afternoon with work.
     I tried making dinner reservations for 4 at The Fat Hen, for once we get to Charleston. Mary and Bill plan on joining us to celebrate Pete’s birthday. The phone number was out of service!?! Checking Google revealed that the owners/chef retired in April and sold to another restaurant in Charleston. We didn’t realize that they were closing when we stopped there with Ann & Howie last trip down. Instead, we will meet Mary & Bill at Fleet Landing in Charleston on Thursday. No problems calling for a reservation.
     After peeling the 2 pounds of fresh shrimp, I made Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp and Veggies. Yum! And . . .there is enough for leftovers tomorrow! It will be a long day, traveling from Georgetown to Isle of Palms. It’s great not having to prepare dinner once docked after a long day on the water.
     As the day progressed, Pete’s inflammation and "itchies" remained tolerable and thankfully, diminishing.
     It was an early night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

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