I was ordered by my husband to relax while he worked on the motor most of the weekend. The engine needed to be removed so that the jack plate could be inverted. There is insufficient clearance for mounting the engine. The metal shims worked perfectly, but the process took both Pete and Dave over 2 hours each day.
Monday - Wednesday, 4/7- 4/9/25 ~ I was limited with my right arm due to the catheterization irritation. Pete worked on the engine around his business needs. The new 12-gallon fuel tanks have been modified so the connections all match up for the outboard.
Thursday, 4/11/25 ~ I had the follow up with my cardiologist. He said there was no surprises with my hospital stay nor with the results of all the tests. We were OK to begin our cruise north.
We had a farewell lunch with Howie at Galina Greek Restaurant. He showed us where his new condo is located. Tillie enjoyed her visit to Barkingham Palace while we had our meetings. She was thirsty and definitely tired after hours of play.
Friday, 4/12/25 ~ The outboard engine started with no problems. Pete kept it running for 3 hours with no problems. Hallelujah!
I finished the shopping including replacing the items that went overboard when I slipped. Tillie was bathed, but not trimmed, nor did we have a chance to scrub the boat. That's OK, we can do it further up the road. Tomorrow is our “D-Day” (departure day).
Saturday, 4/12 ~ Attempted departure Fort Pierce to Eau Gallie, FL You know what they say about “the best made plans. . . well we were up at 6:30AM and attempted to start the engine at 7:15. No joy. There was water in the fuel line. Cleared the water, but the bulb wouldn’t fill the fuel line. Lots of words, some ok, some not, and checked all the connections. It worked fine yesterday when he ran the engine for 3 hours. Pete discovered he had overtightened a fitting, crushing it. Replaced the fitting. Rechecked all the fittings. Replaced 2 others. Then he found that the fuel line had a plastic lining. Apparently, twisting the line to seat the adapters, loosened the liner to where it obstructed the flow. Corrected it in 3 places. It should work now. WRONG!! Replaced the bulb for pumping- NOT WORKING!! Put a syphon valve in the line and still NOT WORKING. He is now on the hunt for another part. Needless to say, we ain’t going anywhere today! GRRRRRRR!!!!
Pete couldn’t get the Mercury fittings. The gentlemen at the Marine Parts Store informed Pete that they are no longer made. He then suggested an alternative, which worked perfectly.
Once back, the modifications worked only after he again replaced the fill bulb on the fuel line. He also finished up the extension stick for the transmission shifter. IT ALL WORKS! “D-Day” tomorrow?!?
Since he used the fuel line and pump bulb from the new small fuel tank, he put it up on the free table. (We realized 2 days later that this was the tank we for the dinghy engine! OOPS!)
Sunday, 4/13/25 ~ Fort Pierce to Eau Gallie, FL
The marina had a couple of guests visit today.
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| Early morning rainbow |
We had a farewell lunch with Howie at Galina Greek Restaurant. He showed us where his new condo is located. Tillie enjoyed her visit to Barkingham Palace while we had our meetings. She was thirsty and definitely tired after hours of play.
Friday, 4/12/25 ~ The outboard engine started with no problems. Pete kept it running for 3 hours with no problems. Hallelujah!
Saturday, 4/12 ~ Attempted departure Fort Pierce to Eau Gallie, FL You know what they say about “the best made plans. . . well we were up at 6:30AM and attempted to start the engine at 7:15. No joy. There was water in the fuel line. Cleared the water, but the bulb wouldn’t fill the fuel line. Lots of words, some ok, some not, and checked all the connections. It worked fine yesterday when he ran the engine for 3 hours. Pete discovered he had overtightened a fitting, crushing it. Replaced the fitting. Rechecked all the fittings. Replaced 2 others. Then he found that the fuel line had a plastic lining. Apparently, twisting the line to seat the adapters, loosened the liner to where it obstructed the flow. Corrected it in 3 places. It should work now. WRONG!! Replaced the bulb for pumping- NOT WORKING!! Put a syphon valve in the line and still NOT WORKING. He is now on the hunt for another part. Needless to say, we ain’t going anywhere today! GRRRRRRR!!!!
Once back, the modifications worked only after he again replaced the fill bulb on the fuel line. He also finished up the extension stick for the transmission shifter. IT ALL WORKS! “D-Day” tomorrow?!?
Since he used the fuel line and pump bulb from the new small fuel tank, he put it up on the free table. (We realized 2 days later that this was the tank we for the dinghy engine! OOPS!)
Sunday, 4/13/25 ~ Fort Pierce to Eau Gallie, FL
Today: 51 miles 9.75 hours S/M: 915
Total: 51 miles 9.75 hours
We were up once again at 6:30AM and off the dock by 7:40. Had to wait for access to the gas dock. Filled, then marked the gas tanks and a dipstick. Also did a pump out. We were underway by 8 AM.
We cleared the North Bridge at 8:30 opening. The engine does have a bit of prop-walk in reverse, but not as dependable as the inboard. With the engine working at approximately 3/4 speed and the favorable current, we were doing 7mph. Passing through Vero beach, with the calm waters, we were doing 6.2 mph!
We did great until we reached Malabar. That is when the engine cut back to idle with a red light on. We were surprised that we had already used 12 of the 13 gallons in tank 1! Apparently, there is a dummy light indicating that the oil was low OR running on high for too long. Now, unfortunately, we are forced to travel at idle and only making way at 1.4 mph. Thankfully, the main sail brought us to 4.1 mph. We did the math, and it was disappointing to learn that we are burning 1.75 gallons per hour instead of the predicted “less than a gallon.”
Others enjoying being on the water
Pelicans enjoying the sunrise at Eau Gallie Yacht Club
Pelicans and a tired Tillie
As to wildlife, we saw skates/rays mating as we emerged from Eau Gallie, and a number of dolphins, including one that might’ve been sick. It lay on the surface belly up for a short while and then dove towards the back of the boat where the engine was running. Needless to say, I was concerned. She came up further away, but still was remaining on the surface, I hope she’s OK. As we were tying up the boat in Titusville, we had a very good-sized manatee come by between our boat and the one next to us. He rolled onto its stomach and took a shower beneath their air-conditioning hose. He was content to stay there for about five minutes before moving on.
Sunrise from Titusville with Tillie keeping an eye out for troublemakers on the bridge
Once past the inlet, we were down to 3.0 mph courtesy of the outgoing current.
Tomorrow, we will drive down to Fort Pierce with the rental car to bring both cars back to Daytona. We can leave the car here in the parking lot until we get to Maryland. It will be easier for Pete to fly to Daytona and get a 10-minute Uber ride to the marina. It would have an hour plus Uber ride from West Palm Beach airport to Fort Pierce.
Wednesday, 4/16/25~ Driving Daytona to Fort Pierce and back We were on the road around 9AM. For most of the 3-hour drive to Ft Pierce, we checked and discussed currents, weather, mileage and time of travel, etc.:
Inlets are always interesting with what we call the “push me, pull you” of the strong currents. One side of the inlet we travel with the current. On the other side, we fight against it. Our normal cruising speed with the inboard 35-hp is 7 mph. With the current, we add speed, usually by 1 mph, and if we are lucky, 2 mph. Against the current we can loose the same amount. The outboard has less power, 20-hp. Starting at 5 mph, we can add a mile or lose 2 miles or more, depending on the strength of the current.
The ICW is not a direct line. It meanders. It has shoaling. It has bridges that cross it, many of which are low and need to open for our 53-foot mast. It also has a lot more boat traffic; some considerate, some not. Some make big wakes, while other do a slow pass and want us to slow down so that they can quickly resume their speed. This all adds to longer travel times.
So, with a slower engine and all the slowing factors, we need to plan to do less mileage in a day. Here is the next problem. There are areas where we need to travel 50-70 miles between marinas. Without factoring for current, that is 10-16 hours of traveling at 5 mph, some in complete darkness with no ambient light, and no straight path. There are no marinas in between. We are concerned about anchoring. Tillie has been trained to use the AstroTurf pad onboard. However, it has been a long time since she has had to use it. If she remembers, will she consistently use it for a couple of days? We can’t take the dinghy down to take her to shore due to the engine being mounted below it. Once down, we would have to tow it, adding more drag to our speed.
After much discussion Pete and I explored all of our options that we could think of and decided that our best course of action. Right now, that would be for Pete to take the boat offshore, totally bypassing much of the traffic, shallows, the squiggles as well as the pull and push of the currents. After researching the weather through various apps, the currents and the tides, the stars have mostly aligned. There is an unbelievably favorable, 4-day weather window beginning tomorrow. Figuring on the 5-mph speed, timing of the distances, and the incoming tides into Fernandina Beach, Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay for Georgetown, the stars have aligned! I spoke with Elisha & Charlie. They have graciously opened their home to Tillie and me.
We came up with the following plan from concept, prep, then implementation in about 15 hours!
THE PLAN, Part 1- Today ~ Final onboard prep, off load & pack car with the “stuff” for Tillie and my stay in Myrtle Beach.
Wednesday - Thursday, 4/16 - 4/17/25 ~ Pete: Daytona, via Ponce de Leon Inlet to
Today: 126.5 miles 25.00 hours S/M: 716.6
Pete leaving the slip at Daytona and fueling up
I undid the lines and guided the boat as Pete backed out of the slip. Tillie and I headed north while Pete headed to the gas dock. It took a while to top off the tanks (all 6 of them - 41 gallons total) due to issues with the pumps. By 9 am, he headed back south on the ICW from Daytona to the Ponce de Leon Inlet against the current, then headed north in the ocean to Fernandina Beach. He did well, with calm seas and winds of around 10 mph, which have clocked from the north (no help as it was right on the nose) to SSE so that motor sailing added another quarter to half mph! He should get into Fernandina Friday morning between 8 and 10, depending on how favorable things remain overnight. As of 9 pm Thursday, he was parallel to Marineland, FL with the St. Augustine Light visible.
It was a 10-hour drive from Daytona to Myrtle Beach. There were only 2 traffic slowdowns. Traveling alone with Tillie was not a problem. She behaved when I needed to leave her for a few minutes in the car.
After a great dinner prepared by Elisha, I looked forward to sleep. It has been an intense few days. Pete sent SPOT messages through the night. He was making progress as expected.
THE PLAN, Part 2: Friday, 4/18/25 ~ Pete arrived in Fernandina around 10 this morning.
THE REST OF THE PLAN: Once docked, Pete was to rest and sleep. He would then leave early Saturday to do the 216-mile/48-hour jump from the mouth of Fernandina Beach, FL using the flow tide, hopefully, to the mouth of Winyah Bay, NC using the ebb tide on his way up to Georgetown. This should be about a 48-hour trip. We are very fortunate that our weather window is holding until late Monday. Pete should arrive around midday, Monday, we hope. There are a number of inlets he can use before Winyah, should he desire.
THE REALITY: He docked in Fernandina Beach around 10 this morning. Turned off the engine, but it wouldn’t restart. The batteries were not charging properly, and Pete was beyond frustrated and angry and also exhausted. On top of everything, he probably can’t get any mechanic until Monday as it is Easter weekend. We discussed calling the mechanic, Dave Corban, who showed us and replaced the hidden red switch on the engine when we were here about 2 years and 4 switches ago. Pete was able to speak with him and explain what all that has transpired with the engines. He told Pete to sleep and that he would have someone come over after 3 to take a look.
The mechanic was at the boat at 3 pm. After a thorough assessment of the engine, which started on the first try (Pete probably didn’t press the start switch hard enough), the house charger and the new smaller one worked well, and the batteries were reading charged. He suggested that since the batteries were 5 years old, and had recently started to bubble, they might have overheated, and a plate might have warped. It would be best to replace. Suggested Pete head to Interstate Batteries in Jacksonville, as they are much cheaper than West Marine. The mechanic would be back later tomorrow (Saturday!) to install them and check the system. Pete spoke with Interstate Batteries. They have 3 batteries currently in stock. It was suggested that Pete immediately purchased them online, so they are not sold by the time he comes to pick them up. Pete did. He also rented a car for the weekend. Oh yea! How about something good new: With all our car rentals over the years, we got this one for free! Enterprise has made it much earlier to redeem our awards.
Premna, Black Locust, and lots of Pine cones
Azaleas, Camellia and Slender Vervain
Sleeping bee, Vervain and Oak in bloom
Beautiful streets and homes 
Fun walk on the beach
Pete and I spoke a couple of times, and he commentated on Tillie’s long walks. She wears a GPS collar in case she ever gets lost. When I checked my app, we walked 14,224 steps, which is a little under 7 miles today! She and I slept very well, as did my tired sailor!
Saturday, 4/19/25 ~ Pete in Fernandina Beach, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach (continues)
Pete took advantage of today to straighten up the boat, wash it up a bit, do a couple of small projects and chill. One of the projects was a modification of the salon table so it would not wobble anymore. It is fascinating how toothpicks can be used to secure screws in holes that have widened over time. He couldn’t wash the boat as the hose was not long enough. He only rinsed the forward 2/3’s of the boat. The cockpit is still dirty.
The couple with the wooden boat departed midday. The couple who had the engine problems on the power cat are still here for a few more days.
Pete happened to be walking up the dock when an older couple in front of him tripped and fell on each other. Pete told them he was a former paramedic, no longer certified, but willing to assist. Initial assessment some minor bruising, but no pain. However, as he helped the woman up, he noticed that her leg was at a peculiar angle, but still no pain. By that time, other people had come and assisted getting her into a wheelchair until EMS arrived. It’s a shame, but they were looking forward to the Intercoastal Cruise, but now she’ll probably have to have hip surgery.
Pete had hamburgers with his new friends on the power cat while Elisha, Charlie and I enjoyed a wonderful pot roast.
Monday, 4/21/25 ~ Pete in Fernandina Beach, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach (continues)
Batteries were installed, mechanic checked the charger and everything looked good. Pete returned the old batteries to Jacksonville and returned the rental car. He took the boat to the fuel dock to fill the tanks. Between the current and the wind, he was able to dock on his second attempt.
Pete was underway by 5 AM. He caught the outgoing current and passed an incoming freighter. The only other company he had before sunset was a pod of dolphins, who played around the boat for a while. After that, he didn’t see any boats until the Savannah River. There was one heading out and AIS showed another incoming. Due to the incoming ship slowing his speed, Pete lost about 30 minutes waiting for him to pass. Just prior to seeing these ships, Pete was surrounded by another pod of dolphins that played around the boat for quite a while.
Blackberry blossoms (L) and mussels on a shoal (R)
Enjoyed all aspects of the dunes . . .the paths, grasses, flowers, the ocean, and of course the views!
I said my thanks and goodbye to Charlie and Elisha around 3. Pete needed me to get to Georgetown Harbor Marina before 5 to pay and get Pete’s slip assignment. He would not be getting in until after they left. It was an easy ride with moderate traffic, and I arrived in plenty of time. Pete came in around 5:30. The harbormaster knew that he was underpowered, so he stayed and helped Pete dock.
Since Pete was in the mood for a hamburger, we ate out. Stopped and picked up a few groceries that were needed. Once back, I unpacked the stuff I took to Myrtle Beach. I also made sandwiches and prepped things for me tomorrow. Once Pete and Tillie are underway, I will do the laundry and work on the blog here at the marina.
The Champion Oak next to the house
Friday, 4/25/25 ~ Georgetown to Osprey Marina, Socastee, SC
The fog as it lifted and PEKABU departed.
I headed up to do laundry and work on the blog. The laundry/bathroom facilities are nice and so is the captain’s lounge. I was able to work and also watch the rest of the boats depart. With laundry completed, I then continued working on the computer until about 2:30. It was time to head over to Osprey Marina, about 60 minutes away, and meet up with PEKABU. It was cool passing through Pauley’s Island, Murrell’s Inlet, and Surfside Beach. I’ve only seen them from the ICW. Pete had already told me that he fought against the current the entire way. That added about 90 minutes to his travels today.
The arrival at Osprey Marina
I was walking down the main dock at Osprey Marina as PEKABU turned into the marina approach. It was a bit of a challenge to get the boat alongside the fuel pumps. The dock hands repositioned us using our lines. Fuel topped off and pump-out complete, we headed over to our slip, originally, they wanted to put us into a smaller, skinnier slip which would have been more of a challenge to get in and out of. Due to our width, we were put on the outside of the first dock. Easy-Peezy!
Dinner was quick and simple. Then it was early to bed,
Saturday, 4/26/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 2 Pete was finally able to find an available car rental. I guess being Easter week, lots of people had off and headed to the beaches in rental cars. The rental was picked up before noon, just before closing. It is a 2-day rental, so we needed to return it before noon on Monday. Pete needed to catch up on work. He had not had his computer since Daytona. I had it. He did what he could with his phone, but he really needed some computer time. I was able to food shop, unpack and put them away. Dinner was made and finally, it was time to “veg” in front of the TV. 
This is the perfect basin for turtles - lots and lots of them. Apparently many are fed by boaters,
Sunday. 4/27/25 ~ Day 2 Drive from Osprey Drive to Castle Harbor, MD and back We were on the road by 6:10 AM. Traffic was surprisingly light for most of our 460-mile journey north. Well, two-thirds of the way. After Richmond, we encountered a lot of stop-and-go traffic. That added 2 hours to our 8-hour estimated window of travel, which had included breaks and some traffic. At the marina, we caught up with Corey, Donna and her pup, Zoey, from the office. We also met our new dock mates on B-dock’s T-head. After a fast-food dinner, we headed back south. Yes, that same corridor was congested and delayed our travels. However, somehow my GPS went a bit crazy. We were supposed to take Route 40 from Raleigh to Wilmington, then 17 south to Myrtle Beach, this would keep us on major highways. Somehow it rerouted us on 95 south to Lumberton, then small, unlit, country roads (At times, we were pretty sure we heard dueling banjoes!) We finally pulled into the marina at 2:20 AM! We expected a 16-hour round trip, but in reality, it was a 20-hour trip! Yea, I know, I know. We are certifiable!
Monday. 4/28/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 3 Pete and George worked all day on a project. I had to drive to North Myrtle Beach for prescriptions. They were ordered while I was still at Elisha’s. That Walgreens is just 2 miles up the road. Unfortunately, it was a 30-minute ride from the marina, and then I had to wait. 2 of the 3 prescriptions were not there. I had the pharmacist tech cancel the 2 prescriptions so I could reorder them in Morehead City. That will be the next opportunity to get to a pharmacy. Now there was no time to get back to the boat so Pete could return the rental car. I needed to get the car back before noon. I had no problem with returning the car, it was using an Uber by myself. I am not comfortable doing it alone. My driver was very nice, and I made it back to the marina by 1 PM.
Tuesday, 4/29/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 4 While Pete worked, I defrosted the refrigerator and freezer, cleaned the interior of the boat and since, there was time and the machines are free, I did laundry, including the rugs. After speaking with Elisha earlier in the day, Taco Tuesday with them was cancelled. Instead, we will meet tomorrow in North Myrtle Beach. It would be more convenient to have dinner with them at Clark’s Seafood, right next to MBYC Marina.
Wednesday, 4/30/25 ~ Osprey Marina to North Myrtle Beach, SC
Today: 28.2 miles 6.20 hours S/M: 345
Total: 576.5 miles 111.20 hours
We cleared the North Bridge at 8:30 opening. The engine does have a bit of prop-walk in reverse, but not as dependable as the inboard. With the engine working at approximately 3/4 speed and the favorable current, we were doing 7mph. Passing through Vero beach, with the calm waters, we were doing 6.2 mph!
We did great until we reached Malabar. That is when the engine cut back to idle with a red light on. We were surprised that we had already used 12 of the 13 gallons in tank 1! Apparently, there is a dummy light indicating that the oil was low OR running on high for too long. Now, unfortunately, we are forced to travel at idle and only making way at 1.4 mph. Thankfully, the main sail brought us to 4.1 mph. We did the math, and it was disappointing to learn that we are burning 1.75 gallons per hour instead of the predicted “less than a gallon.”
The old North Bridge opens as the new bridge slowly becomes a reality
Others enjoying being on the water
It took us until 5:15 PM to make Eau Gallie. The harbormaster left his dinner to help us dock. He also lent us a 50-amp cord as ours would not make a 100-foot run from the power box.
I walked Tillie while Pete grabbed the scooter in hopes of getting to the auto parts store for engine oil before closing on Sunday night. Success!
We once again discussed options if the engine doesn’t work properly, including staying longer here in Eau Gallie.
Monday, 4/14/25 ~ Eau Gallie to Titusville, FL
I walked Tillie while Pete grabbed the scooter in hopes of getting to the auto parts store for engine oil before closing on Sunday night. Success!
We once again discussed options if the engine doesn’t work properly, including staying longer here in Eau Gallie.
Monday, 4/14/25 ~ Eau Gallie to Titusville, FL
Today: 38 miles 7.25 hours S/M: 878
Total: 89 miles 17.00 hours
The scooter was charged, water added into the water tanks, engine checked- not low on oil. Probably, ran too high too long. The engine started promptly and NO red light! Left dock at 7:40 am.
Beautiful day, very little traffic, temps in the low 80s, with very gentle breeze. Today we did much better with the outboard engine. We kept her at 5.2 mph and it seemed to work well. We figure we probably are now averaging less than a gallon an hour, so this is wonderful. We just ain’t moving as fast.
Beautiful day, very little traffic, temps in the low 80s, with very gentle breeze. Today we did much better with the outboard engine. We kept her at 5.2 mph and it seemed to work well. We figure we probably are now averaging less than a gallon an hour, so this is wonderful. We just ain’t moving as fast.
Pelicans enjoying the sunrise at Eau Gallie Yacht Club
Pelicans and a tired Tillie
As to wildlife, we saw skates/rays mating as we emerged from Eau Gallie, and a number of dolphins, including one that might’ve been sick. It lay on the surface belly up for a short while and then dove towards the back of the boat where the engine was running. Needless to say, I was concerned. She came up further away, but still was remaining on the surface, I hope she’s OK. As we were tying up the boat in Titusville, we had a very good-sized manatee come by between our boat and the one next to us. He rolled onto its stomach and took a shower beneath their air-conditioning hose. He was content to stay there for about five minutes before moving on.
It seems as if our troubles might extend to other people we come in contact with. After we tied up to the inside of the T-dock, we proceeded to fill the first tank and as we started the second tank. It only took 2 gallons when the pump shut down. Apparently, they’ve had problems with the pump on this particular unit and it’s now completely non-functioning. Well, at least we have enough fuel to make it up to Daytona, where we top off everything.
Tuesday, 4/15/25 ~ Titusville to Daytona, FL
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| Haulover Canal Bridge |
Today: 58 miles 10.00 hours S/M: 830.6
Total: 147 miles 27.00 hours
Day 3 of our cruise north - a beautiful, but long day. Left Titusville at 7AM and arrived in Daytona around 5 PM. We were able to increase our speed a full mile per hour by hoisting the mainsail for about 3 hours courtesy of the 17 mph winds from the West with gusts up to 25. Didn’t do as well against the current. Just missed the 3 pm opening of the George Mason Bridge. Pete had “fun” trying to keep PEKABU in place for the 25 minutes until the next opening. We are constantly amazed by the cluelessness of some boaters. A pontoon boat was slowly making its way south, but totally inattentive to the fact that we were dancing in the current and had very poor mobility. He just crawled by (maybe 2-3 mph) within 10 feet of us. Pete was unable to move until he finally passed us.
Sunrise from Titusville with Tillie keeping an eye out for troublemakers on the bridge
Once past the inlet, we were down to 3.0 mph courtesy of the outgoing current.
Tomorrow, we will drive down to Fort Pierce with the rental car to bring both cars back to Daytona. We can leave the car here in the parking lot until we get to Maryland. It will be easier for Pete to fly to Daytona and get a 10-minute Uber ride to the marina. It would have an hour plus Uber ride from West Palm Beach airport to Fort Pierce.
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| Boat in our former slip at Ft Pierce |
Inlets are always interesting with what we call the “push me, pull you” of the strong currents. One side of the inlet we travel with the current. On the other side, we fight against it. Our normal cruising speed with the inboard 35-hp is 7 mph. With the current, we add speed, usually by 1 mph, and if we are lucky, 2 mph. Against the current we can loose the same amount. The outboard has less power, 20-hp. Starting at 5 mph, we can add a mile or lose 2 miles or more, depending on the strength of the current.
The ICW is not a direct line. It meanders. It has shoaling. It has bridges that cross it, many of which are low and need to open for our 53-foot mast. It also has a lot more boat traffic; some considerate, some not. Some make big wakes, while other do a slow pass and want us to slow down so that they can quickly resume their speed. This all adds to longer travel times.
So, with a slower engine and all the slowing factors, we need to plan to do less mileage in a day. Here is the next problem. There are areas where we need to travel 50-70 miles between marinas. Without factoring for current, that is 10-16 hours of traveling at 5 mph, some in complete darkness with no ambient light, and no straight path. There are no marinas in between. We are concerned about anchoring. Tillie has been trained to use the AstroTurf pad onboard. However, it has been a long time since she has had to use it. If she remembers, will she consistently use it for a couple of days? We can’t take the dinghy down to take her to shore due to the engine being mounted below it. Once down, we would have to tow it, adding more drag to our speed.
After much discussion Pete and I explored all of our options that we could think of and decided that our best course of action. Right now, that would be for Pete to take the boat offshore, totally bypassing much of the traffic, shallows, the squiggles as well as the pull and push of the currents. After researching the weather through various apps, the currents and the tides, the stars have mostly aligned. There is an unbelievably favorable, 4-day weather window beginning tomorrow. Figuring on the 5-mph speed, timing of the distances, and the incoming tides into Fernandina Beach, Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay for Georgetown, the stars have aligned! I spoke with Elisha & Charlie. They have graciously opened their home to Tillie and me.
We came up with the following plan from concept, prep, then implementation in about 15 hours!
THE PLAN, Part 1- Today ~ Final onboard prep, off load & pack car with the “stuff” for Tillie and my stay in Myrtle Beach.
Wednesday - Thursday, 4/16 - 4/17/25 ~ Pete: Daytona, via Ponce de Leon Inlet to
Fernandina Beach, FL,
Kathy: Daytona to Myrtle Beach, SC
Total: 273.5 miles 52.00 hours
Pete leaving the slip at Daytona and fueling up
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| We arrived! |
After a great dinner prepared by Elisha, I looked forward to sleep. It has been an intense few days. Pete sent SPOT messages through the night. He was making progress as expected.
THE PLAN, Part 2: Friday, 4/18/25 ~ Pete arrived in Fernandina around 10 this morning.
THE REST OF THE PLAN: Once docked, Pete was to rest and sleep. He would then leave early Saturday to do the 216-mile/48-hour jump from the mouth of Fernandina Beach, FL using the flow tide, hopefully, to the mouth of Winyah Bay, NC using the ebb tide on his way up to Georgetown. This should be about a 48-hour trip. We are very fortunate that our weather window is holding until late Monday. Pete should arrive around midday, Monday, we hope. There are a number of inlets he can use before Winyah, should he desire.
THE REALITY: He docked in Fernandina Beach around 10 this morning. Turned off the engine, but it wouldn’t restart. The batteries were not charging properly, and Pete was beyond frustrated and angry and also exhausted. On top of everything, he probably can’t get any mechanic until Monday as it is Easter weekend. We discussed calling the mechanic, Dave Corban, who showed us and replaced the hidden red switch on the engine when we were here about 2 years and 4 switches ago. Pete was able to speak with him and explain what all that has transpired with the engines. He told Pete to sleep and that he would have someone come over after 3 to take a look.
The mechanic was at the boat at 3 pm. After a thorough assessment of the engine, which started on the first try (Pete probably didn’t press the start switch hard enough), the house charger and the new smaller one worked well, and the batteries were reading charged. He suggested that since the batteries were 5 years old, and had recently started to bubble, they might have overheated, and a plate might have warped. It would be best to replace. Suggested Pete head to Interstate Batteries in Jacksonville, as they are much cheaper than West Marine. The mechanic would be back later tomorrow (Saturday!) to install them and check the system. Pete spoke with Interstate Batteries. They have 3 batteries currently in stock. It was suggested that Pete immediately purchased them online, so they are not sold by the time he comes to pick them up. Pete did. He also rented a car for the weekend. Oh yea! How about something good new: With all our car rentals over the years, we got this one for free! Enterprise has made it much earlier to redeem our awards.
My day was so much better. Tillie and I walked about a mile early this morning. This neighborhood is beautiful. None of the streets in the town are straight and most have islands of trees separating the directional flow. They meander under tree created canopies. The entire development has nicely landscaped larger lots with every home being different. Elisha and Charlie arrived home from Ft Pierce last week to the height of the azaleas in bloom. There are still traces of their color all around.
Premna, Black Locust, and lots of Pine cones
Sleeping bee, Vervain and Oak in bloom
Beautiful streets and homes
After breakfast, Elisha suggested walking down to the ocean and along the beach. It was wonderful. I even found a petrified shark’s tooth after we talked about them! Arriving back home we decided to go out to lunch. We stopped to try a beach bar that Charlie recommended. We waited a good half hour, and no server ever stopped. We left and headed over to Local on the Water overlooking the ICW. Tillie stayed under the table as we enjoyed a delicious lunch of Coconut Shrimp and Mahi Tacos.
Fun walk on the beach
Saturday, 4/19/25 ~ Pete in Fernandina Beach, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach (continues)
Tillie and I again enjoyed our walks. We sat in the screened porch, enjoying the birds and fountain. As Elisha said, this home is very tranquil. Perfect for reading and relaxing. I admit, it would be fun to explore some of the stores, but I don’t want to leave Tillie alone at the house too often. Tillie tries to be part of the neighborhood doggie chat that takes place around sunset.
Charlie, Elisha and I went out for pizza at The Mellow Mushroom. I ordered a White Pizza that I thought was The Vegetarian. Instead, I received a very different, but delicious, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, garlic and onion pizza. It tasted even better when I reheated it the next day.
Charlie, Elisha and I went out for pizza at The Mellow Mushroom. I ordered a White Pizza that I thought was The Vegetarian. Instead, I received a very different, but delicious, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, garlic and onion pizza. It tasted even better when I reheated it the next day.
Pete picked up the batteries. Once back, he called the mechanic, but unfortunately, the mechanic had an emergency repair on a tug. He would be by Monday morning to work on PEKABU.
There were 2 couples who were also on the dock near PEKABU. Pete never has problems making new friends. Well, the couples had dinner reservations in town at Indigo and were able to include Pete. It turns out that one couple is very good friends with the head chef. He brought out additional items to sample besides their wonderful meals. The new friendships, great conversations, and the delicious food was the perfect antidote for this crazy week.
Sunday, 4/20/25 ~ Pete in Fernandina Beach, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach (continues) I’ve met some very nice people during my walks around the neighborhood. Tillie has really been enjoying exploring. This neighborhood is so wonderfully relaxing and laid out so peacefully that it is a joy to walk. The couple with the wooden boat departed midday. The couple who had the engine problems on the power cat are still here for a few more days.
Pete happened to be walking up the dock when an older couple in front of him tripped and fell on each other. Pete told them he was a former paramedic, no longer certified, but willing to assist. Initial assessment some minor bruising, but no pain. However, as he helped the woman up, he noticed that her leg was at a peculiar angle, but still no pain. By that time, other people had come and assisted getting her into a wheelchair until EMS arrived. It’s a shame, but they were looking forward to the Intercoastal Cruise, but now she’ll probably have to have hip surgery.
Pete had hamburgers with his new friends on the power cat while Elisha, Charlie and I enjoyed a wonderful pot roast.
Monday, 4/21/25 ~ Pete in Fernandina Beach, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach (continues)
Batteries were installed, mechanic checked the charger and everything looked good. Pete returned the old batteries to Jacksonville and returned the rental car. He took the boat to the fuel dock to fill the tanks. Between the current and the wind, he was able to dock on his second attempt.
He also reviewed everything for tomorrow’s departure. Pete modified the float plan. He can easily do a 24-hour jump, but had reservations for doing the 48-hour jump to Georgetown. The current will be coming in at Charleston at the end of 24 hours. He can stop and rest at Isle of Palms Marina. From there, it is less miles and travel time to continue up the ICW to Georgetown, even with the various ebb and flow currents than doing an outside jump.
We also discussed options for getting the car north. Now that we are in Myrtle Beach, it would be a lengthy ride from Charleston, if he flew in there. OR we could leave the boat in the Myrtle Beach area, rent a car and take both cars to Maryland. It is a 480-mile/8-hour trip each way. This way we can continue home and have the car there when we arrive. Neither Georgetown Harbor marina nor Myrtle Beach Yacht Club could accommodate us for 5 days, but Osprey Marina could.
This afternoon, the exterminator was due to come to do work around the house, so Tilly and I decided to go for a ride. We headed up Route 17 to North Myrtle Beach. Traffic was heavy as it is Easter week. Kids are off, families are visiting grandparents and others are visiting their vacation homes. We were just checking things out and decided to pull up into Myrtle Beach Yacht Club where we could sit under the trees and talk with Pete.
After grabbing a quick lunch, I went to a Super Publix up at that end of town and was able to get all the fixings to make one of our favorite meals for my lovely hosts.
I’m envious Alicia and Charlie went and picked up a bunch of flowers to put around in pots around the house and Charlie’s redoing the vegetable garden. It’s really going to be cool!
We all enjoyed Spanish Rice with chicken, sausage and beans. After dinner, Charlie played his guitar. I love the sound of an acoustic guitar and Charlie is so gifted!
Tuesday, 4/22/25 ~ Fernandina Beach, FL to Isle of Palms, SC
We also discussed options for getting the car north. Now that we are in Myrtle Beach, it would be a lengthy ride from Charleston, if he flew in there. OR we could leave the boat in the Myrtle Beach area, rent a car and take both cars to Maryland. It is a 480-mile/8-hour trip each way. This way we can continue home and have the car there when we arrive. Neither Georgetown Harbor marina nor Myrtle Beach Yacht Club could accommodate us for 5 days, but Osprey Marina could.
I’m envious Alicia and Charlie went and picked up a bunch of flowers to put around in pots around the house and Charlie’s redoing the vegetable garden. It’s really going to be cool!
We all enjoyed Spanish Rice with chicken, sausage and beans. After dinner, Charlie played his guitar. I love the sound of an acoustic guitar and Charlie is so gifted!
Tuesday, 4/22/25 ~ Fernandina Beach, FL to Isle of Palms, SC
Today: 192.1 miles 34.00 hours S/M: 456.8
Total: 465.6 miles 86.00 hours
Pete was underway by 5 AM. He caught the outgoing current and passed an incoming freighter. The only other company he had before sunset was a pod of dolphins, who played around the boat for a while. After that, he didn’t see any boats until the Savannah River. There was one heading out and AIS showed another incoming. Due to the incoming ship slowing his speed, Pete lost about 30 minutes waiting for him to pass. Just prior to seeing these ships, Pete was surrounded by another pod of dolphins that played around the boat for quite a while.
Communications were spotty with Pete staying about 15 miles off the coast. The deltas of Georgia are very sparsely populated so there is no need for cell towers. We talked periodically when we could, but he also sent SPOT messages every 2 hours and set his alarm every hour just to make sure he didn’t nod off. With the cloud cover, there was no ambient light. He was constantly checking on his surroundings. Our son, Chris, called and they kept each other company while Chris headed down to Baltimore to work and Pete continued cruising north.
Around dawn, he began his approach to Charleston. He spotted quite a few of Loggerhead turtles. He took down the main sail, which sometimes helped a little, but also periodically wafted in the light winds. The predicted wind shift from the ESE to the ENE didn’t occur prior to downing the sail.
Wednesday, 4/23/25 ~ Pete in Isle of Palms, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach He caught the incoming current at the breakwater heading into Charleston Harbor. It still took some time to reach the Isle of Palms Marina. Once he was settled, we spoke. The newly dredged area south of Isle of Palms, is very, very narrow for our sailboat. If Pete deviated from the track, the water immediately became shallower. He was tired, and we reiterated the good reasons for continuing the ICW up to Georgetown and then up to Myrtle Beach.
Wednesday, 4/23/25 ~ Pete in Isle of Palms, Kathy & Tillie in Myrtle Beach He caught the incoming current at the breakwater heading into Charleston Harbor. It still took some time to reach the Isle of Palms Marina. Once he was settled, we spoke. The newly dredged area south of Isle of Palms, is very, very narrow for our sailboat. If Pete deviated from the track, the water immediately became shallower. He was tired, and we reiterated the good reasons for continuing the ICW up to Georgetown and then up to Myrtle Beach.
Tillie and I wandered down to the beach and explored a bit of the dunes.
On our walk towards the beach with Lyreleaf Sage(L) and Japanese Cheesewood (R)
Firethorn (C) and Scrub Pine (R)
Around 6, he texted to tell me that Tillie’s GPS collar needed recharging. I called him back 10 minutes later and he didn’t answer. He never knew I called until he checked his phone when the alarm went off at 5:30 the next morning!
Thursday, 4/24/25 ~ Isle of Palms to Georgetown, SC
Thursday, 4/24/25 ~ Isle of Palms to Georgetown, SC
Today: 53.0 miles 11.00 hours S/M: 402.9
Total: 518.6 miles 97.00 hours
Pete was underway by 6 AM. Yes, he had the flow and ebb currents periodically and the usual areas of shallow water. He made good time until he was in the Estherville Minim Creek Canal. For the first time in 14 round trips, he had to wait as the ferry in operation. It took a total of 30 minutes for it to swing across the canal, allowing the cars to drive across it, and swing back to its resting position. Thankfully, the current was still flowing up to Georgetown.
Since Pete was in the mood for a hamburger, we ate out. Stopped and picked up a few groceries that were needed. Once back, I unpacked the stuff I took to Myrtle Beach. I also made sandwiches and prepped things for me tomorrow. Once Pete and Tillie are underway, I will do the laundry and work on the blog here at the marina.
Georgetown is charming. Tillie and I walked around waiting for Pete.
I love the architecture, the fern laden trees, the greeting cats, the lovely decorations
The Champion Oak next to the house
Today: 29.7 miles 8.00 hours S/M: 373.2
Total: 548.3 miles 105.00 hours
We were up at 6 AM with the hopes of Pete and Tillie heading out at 6:30 to catch the ebb current for the first 2 hours or so heading north. When we poked our heads up, there was little to see. A “pea soup” fog shrouded the entire harbor. The visibility was maybe 10 feet. The fog finally lifted by 7:30 so Pete and Tillie could depart.
The fog as it lifted and PEKABU departed.
I headed up to do laundry and work on the blog. The laundry/bathroom facilities are nice and so is the captain’s lounge. I was able to work and also watch the rest of the boats depart. With laundry completed, I then continued working on the computer until about 2:30. It was time to head over to Osprey Marina, about 60 minutes away, and meet up with PEKABU. It was cool passing through Pauley’s Island, Murrell’s Inlet, and Surfside Beach. I’ve only seen them from the ICW. Pete had already told me that he fought against the current the entire way. That added about 90 minutes to his travels today.
The arrival at Osprey Marina
I was walking down the main dock at Osprey Marina as PEKABU turned into the marina approach. It was a bit of a challenge to get the boat alongside the fuel pumps. The dock hands repositioned us using our lines. Fuel topped off and pump-out complete, we headed over to our slip, originally, they wanted to put us into a smaller, skinnier slip which would have been more of a challenge to get in and out of. Due to our width, we were put on the outside of the first dock. Easy-Peezy!
Dinner was quick and simple. Then it was early to bed,
Saturday, 4/26/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 2 Pete was finally able to find an available car rental. I guess being Easter week, lots of people had off and headed to the beaches in rental cars. The rental was picked up before noon, just before closing. It is a 2-day rental, so we needed to return it before noon on Monday. Pete needed to catch up on work. He had not had his computer since Daytona. I had it. He did what he could with his phone, but he really needed some computer time. I was able to food shop, unpack and put them away. Dinner was made and finally, it was time to “veg” in front of the TV.
This is the perfect basin for turtles - lots and lots of them. Apparently many are fed by boaters,
as they will come right up to you and stare. We even saw a black and orange snake swim out to the boat and returned back to the shore when I had nothing to offer him.
Monday. 4/28/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 3 Pete and George worked all day on a project. I had to drive to North Myrtle Beach for prescriptions. They were ordered while I was still at Elisha’s. That Walgreens is just 2 miles up the road. Unfortunately, it was a 30-minute ride from the marina, and then I had to wait. 2 of the 3 prescriptions were not there. I had the pharmacist tech cancel the 2 prescriptions so I could reorder them in Morehead City. That will be the next opportunity to get to a pharmacy. Now there was no time to get back to the boat so Pete could return the rental car. I needed to get the car back before noon. I had no problem with returning the car, it was using an Uber by myself. I am not comfortable doing it alone. My driver was very nice, and I made it back to the marina by 1 PM.
Tuesday, 4/29/25 ~ Osprey Marina Day 4 While Pete worked, I defrosted the refrigerator and freezer, cleaned the interior of the boat and since, there was time and the machines are free, I did laundry, including the rugs. After speaking with Elisha earlier in the day, Taco Tuesday with them was cancelled. Instead, we will meet tomorrow in North Myrtle Beach. It would be more convenient to have dinner with them at Clark’s Seafood, right next to MBYC Marina.
Wednesday, 4/30/25 ~ Osprey Marina to North Myrtle Beach, SC
Today: 28.2 miles 6.20 hours S/M: 345
Total: 576.5 miles 111.20 hours
Pete finally caught up with work late in the day. I had to remind him of our dinner plans Elisha and Charlie at 6. It was a beautiful evening and there was a table free out on the porch. Dinner was just ok, but the conversation and friendship was wonderful. We have been so fortunate to have made such good friends.
Tomorrow our journey should hopefully continue at a semi-normal pace. It’s a mystery!
~ ~ ~/) ~ ~ K & P
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