Georgetown to Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC (3 Days)
Today: 47.0 miles 7.2 hours ICW ST Mile: 357.0
Total: 1753.2 miles 212.3 hours
We departed about 7:25. Breeze very light around 3 mph from the west with high clouds. This is one of our favorite areas. The shore is lined with Cyprus trees. Behind many of them are abandoned rice fields. The Waccamaw River mostly deep shore to shore, with only sporadic areas of civilization.
I was surprised to see dolphins at Red 71, about 13 miles up river. I would think the water would be less suitable for then due to fresh water that funnels into this river from the middle of the state. As for turtles, they were very few and difficult to spot, but I did try.
Another remarkable scene are the small boat, weekend beach finders. Numerous boats anchor bow in, aft anchored out towards the channel, at beaches that emerge at low tide; music, floating pads with sun worshippers, drifters in tubes, others standing with legs in the water, swimming kids and dogs, games and BBQ’s on the beach. Looks like everyone is having a great time!
Weekend beach finders and parties!
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| We are at the end of this dock |
We were docked by 2:30. Pete and Bailey went up to the office to present photo ID and copy of insurance which is required to stay at Grande Dunes Resort and Marina. We will be here for the next 3 days.
Once back Pete returned to work while I sat above updated my cruise notes and read. We had a late dinner as we waited until Pete was finished the project.
Monday, 5/24/21 ~ Pete started work while I cleaned. We might have visitors later come aboard.
We met with Pete's cousins for lunch. It has to be 20 years since we last saw them. We had a lot of catching up to do. The company and food were wonderful. Sue and her daughter, Tara, live in the area and she recommended Ducatis Pizza, The pizzas and Caesar Salads were yummy. I had shrimp on my salad that were very plump, tender and tasty. Too soon, we had to get back. Tara could only take a short break from work. We plan to get together longer when we come back down in the fall.
It was a quiet afternoon once we were back. . . except for the honking of the geese!
It was unusual for Pete not to have work once we got back. I was able to work om the blog and bring the writings up to date. The WIFI here is wonderful. I hope to download, process and upload photos to the blog so that they can be posted. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, 5/25/21 ~ I
was prepared to run to Publix for a short list of provision. Pete needed to do
an oil change and asked me to wait. The oil change was simple and took the
usual time. However, when Pete checked the fluid level of the engine coolant,
it was unusually low. More puzzling is that it was refilled when the water pump
was replaced 2 weeks ago; “curiouser and curiouser!” Pete checked
everything and there were no leaks to be found. It will now be on his daily check prior to departure.
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| Chillin with her therapy person |
in the current batch it will take a while to weed and then process, but I am determined.
Pete’s bites are itching him like crazy, he thinks it’s from the Deer Flies, but I think the itches are from the Midges bites. Benadryl appears to help.
We leave here in the mornings. It was a busy afternoon and evening.
Total: 1753.2 miles 212.3 hours
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| The Inn at Grande Dunes |
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| Golf Course getting watered |
As we traveled through the Myrtle Beach two things were remarkable.
I like seeing the small trailer homes North of Myrtle Beach and I find myself annoyed when I see one of those McMansions built on waterfront property that used to house 3 or 4 homes; pricing waterfront property to the stratosphere. So far out of the reach or so many.
Approaching Ocean Isle City & Shallotte Inlet, the current increased our speed, topping out at 9.3. Once we crossed the inlet our speed dropped to 4.8, but slowly climbed into the mid-8 as we approached Folly's Inlet. We were surprised by a small shrimp boat that headed out the inlet.
We got lucky and caught the current for about 6 miles and reached 9.2 as we neared Cape Fear River. Pete checked and the current was at its high of 4.3 mph. I had called Southport Marina and according to their phone tree, fuel is available from 7 am to 5 pm daily. We prepped with lines and fenders, and approached the dock- No Fuel- currently installing the pumps. We will fill up in Carolina Beach instead.
Once we entered the river, speed dropped to 4.8, but the 17-20 mph from the South helped. Our speed finally settled in the 6.5 mph range for the last 4 miles.
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| Shoaling just west of Snow's Cut |
We were able to grab a mooring ball. Our reservations via Dockwa were confirmed 3 days ago, but I wasn’t confident that one would be vacant. There has been a real problem finding dockage. Marinas are booked. Knowing this we have reservations right through the holiday weekend, just in case.
Pete took Bailey to shore while I cleaned up and started dinner. Oh yea, there is only 1 ball empty and it is in shallower water. I’m glad we got in when we did.
The Beach at Carolina Beach
Pete appears to have a topical reaction affecting his hands, and spotty areas on his legs and arms. He thinks it might be the soft soap he uses for showering. I have bar soap the he can use until we get back “home.”
Thursday, 5/27/21 ~
Today: 51 miles 8.0 hours ICW ST Mile: 244.5
Total: 1804.2 miles 220.3 hours
It was a great nights or sleeping. The temps remained in the high 60’s and the 10-15 mph winds stayed around for most of the night. However, this morning the midges did a number on me around my neck and head. The bites actually woke me at 5:50 am. I eventually pulled the sheet over my head. They are so small, they apparently came through the screen over our bed!
Pete walked Bailey while I prepped for departure. Once back, he checked the fluid levels and the coolant was down again. It will be included in his daily checks. Since we are staying 2 days in Belhaven, we’ll get out the scope and see if he can find the leak.
We were underway as planned by 8. Made both bridges about 15 minutes early. Definitely a beautiful day for a ride. Winds died as the clocked around from SSW to NW. Traffic on the waterway was fairly light.
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| Thunderhead forming |
Anchor down at 3:45 and we had a quiet night. There were only four boats anchored tonight.
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| This cloud rolled though just north of our anchorage - So did the storms! |
Friday, 5/28/21 ~
Today: 41.5 miles 5.9 hours ICW ST Mile: 203.0
Total: 1845.7 miles 226.2 hours
Pete woke around 1 am with his hands itchy and slightly swollen. Thank heavens for Benadryl! No more Irish Spring Body & Hair Wash for him! He must have maxed out his tolerance for one of its ingredients.
While hoisting the anchor, Pete couldn’t use the wash down hose as it has about 15 holes in one area. We were the last of the four boats to leave the anchorage. We met up with them for the 8:30 opening of the Onslow Bridge. No problem with depth when we followed Bob’s tracks. However passing the inlets, PEKABU definitely squiggled in the whirlpools. We made good time with the currents, usually doing about 7mph.
Pete went with Bailey to pay the bill and spoke with the harbor master. Just today, the off shore fishing tournament was called off due to wind and possible storm conditions. We checked the Windy app and, though the winds are to be in the low 20s, we will be traveling with the winds at our back. By the time we teach Belhaven, most of the winds will be closed to the shore. The Windy app is new to us and we really like it. The map showed the wind speed and direction. With the ICW being so squiggles in places, it is to simple to see the direction.
Saturday, 5/29/21 ~
Today: 68.0 miles 9.2 hours ICW ST Mile: 135.0
Total: 1913.7 miles 235.4 hours
During the morning’s engine check, Pete was able to tighten the squeaky belt from yesterday. He also found the alternator’s pivot bolt was loose and tightened it also. Once again he added the 50/50 antifreeze to the engine. Then we were on our way.
Temps in the mid 70’s, high humidity, and the winds were from the SSW at 20. We had the current all the way up Adams’s Creek, traveling between 8.3-8.9 mph. Once on the Neuse River we had the winds from or back. We traveled with the 1-3 foot waves until we made the turn north to Hobucken. Bailey was concerned with the rocking motion. She settled down once she was on the seat and wedged between me and the cockpit backing. Even her nails remained relaxed!
Just before we entered Goose Creek, we were passes by SV OPA. He managed to sail all the way and pass Belhaven. The winds were favorable, but the storms were building just to our west. They managed to train just keep training to our west. We were prepared, but never got wet while underway.
When we radioed Belhaven Marina, we were assigned a slip at the Town Dock. Most boats from yesterday chose to remain rather than run into weather. Those storms that trained past us really down-poured on Belhaven as well as the ones earlier in the day. Once secured, Pete went to talk with Greg, the harbor master. We had paid for the marina and it’s Amenities for 2 nights on Dockwa. Between the access for the dog to get off, fuel, laundry and shopping We needed to be there. He will refund 1 night, move us over tomorrow and extend privileges immediately. The next storm arrived about an hour later and were hit or miss the rest of the night.
Sunday,5/30/21 ~ By morning the temps had dropped to the mid 50’s, from yesterday’s high 80’s, with winds about 10 and drizzles for most of the day.
Pete had already emptied the aft cabin to begin his search for our leak. Since we had to move the boat, I did circles outside the marina so Pete could see if the leak was from the engine underway. Thankfully, it wasn’t, but there is water coming front the stern.
Once docked, I headed to do laundry. (Single washer and drier, but the machines, detergent, and softener sheets are free.) I sat out in the porch, listening to music courtesy of Alexa. However, it was still cold and raw, but the roof kept me dry. It took me almost 4 hours as the drier wasn’t super efficient.
Pete found the leak by using the scope. Apparently, the rudder post is leaking at the top, but not copious amounts. It and the mysterious depletion of the 50/50 antifreeze mix will be closely monitored till we get back “ home,” and fixed this summer.
By dinner we were both tired, cold and looking forward to hot soup. We made it an early night. Coinjock is a 12 hour trip. If we leave at 4:30 we will have daylight up the AP Canal and be at the dock by 4-4:30.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ P & K
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