Georgetown to Charleston, NC

Today:    71 miles, 9.5 hours, ICW St. M 472.6

Total:     661.2 miles, 96.5 hours

     We were underway by 6 am this morning.  Even with the first hints of light to the east, it was still pretty dark when leaving Georgetown harbor.

Current dragging the crab float

     As we approached the Estherville Minim Creek Canal, there were 2 sailboats anchored in the strong current of Winyah Bay.  We will be heading though the skinny waters in this area during a falling tide and hitting McClellanville at low.  They are probably trying to time it a bit differently. Thankfully, once again Bob 423 has posted his observations on Active Captain and his observations are right on! Yes, there was skinny waters, but we were able to clear them with no problem, just took it nice and slow.

     Passing through the Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge, I spotted 7 eagles along with an osprey, turkey vultures, crows, herons, and seagulls.  I always hope we would see more wildlife that we actually have seen.

PEKABU centered
 in the deepest water

     McClellanville was a bit more disconcerting.  We had hoped to be there prior to dead low, but the currents against us didn’t let that happen.  Traveling very slowly and following the suggestions, we squeaked through with lots of mudflats close to us on each side! Only good thing about the mudflats is that Pete spotted a large, furry, black something, possibly a river otter among the exposed dock pilings.

Tide's out in McClellanville

Crab trap and float at low tide

     The tides were at mid and rising during our approach to Isle of Palms.  Definitely, a beautiful area… when there is water.  Last fall, we came through at dead low.  The mud flats were ugly, you couldn’t see the marshes, and the docks for the water front homes were all high and dry.

Picturesque Isle of Palms at mid-tide

Isle of Palms golf course

PEKABU is really moving
 though Elliott Cut

     Timing became our biggest concern during the early afternoon.  We must make the Ben Sawyer opening early enough to cross Charleston Harbor and clear the Wapoo Creek Bridge before it closes at 4 for rush hour traffic. If we couldn’t make it, we would have to dock ourselves in the strong current of St. John’s Marina in the dark.  Pete tried to get dock space at the two other marinas in on the north side of the Wapoo Bridge, but there was nothing available. We called into the Ben Sawyer at 2:15, but had to wait 15 minutes for 2 other boats to close the space to the bridge before he would open.  With the wind and current against us, I didn’t know if we could make the 11 miles for the 3:30 opening of the Wapoo Bridge so I called the bridge and confirmed there was a 4 pm opening.   It is closed form after the 4 pm opening to 6:30. Thankfully, we made it to the bridge by 3:25 for the 3:30 opening. While waiting for the opening, I was able to rig the boat for docking in the more tranquil current in this area. The current was also in our favor through Elliott Cut, but still pretty intense.  Our speed maxed out at 10.2 mph.

The lower bridge is finally rebuilt!

     Coming towards the marina, we couldn’t help but notice the two barges at the end of C-Dock.  The dock damage from Hurricane Matthew is finally being repaired. Since we plan to leave in the morning, we were docked at the fuel dock overnight.  It’s great for walking Bailey.  The other big change here at the marina is the bridge that goes from the street into the parking lot for the marina.  It has finally been repaired after being broken for 4+ years. 

~~~ /) ~~ K & P