The Boat Yard

Tues, 4/24/07
Myrtle Beach SC to Little River SC
1.5 hrs, 5 miles

About 8:00 AM we left Barefoot Landing and went to a boatyard with a lift that could haul us out and we could get a look at the props. We waited about an hour for the tide to come in so we could get into the well and lift the boat out and see the damage.

If you are not familiar with boatyards they are the best example of Attention Deficit Disorder that I know of. They are a collection of partially finished projects. When ever a boat comes in, the UPS truck stops, or the telephone rings everyone stops what they are doing and goes to see what’s happening and discuss the circumstances and/or options.


It’s amazing that anything gets accomplished.

Fortunately the shafts and bearings were not damaged and the blades we intact;


but both props had blades that were out of pitch. A local shop said they could recondition them that afternoon and we could get them back on tomorrow morning, and we could be on our way. Hopefully they can stay on task this once, and we don’t loose another day.

Lois & I got a room at a hotel across the street and planed alternatives for getting her to New Bern for her Friday morning flight. But mostley we just prayed, waited and hoped for the best. Regardless, we’ll just have to do what comes next.

Bump!

Monday, 4/23/07
Georgetown SC to Myrtle Beach SC
5.5 hrs, 50 miles

Today we’re headed north in the ICW instead of in the ocean because we’re stopping to see some friends in Myrtle Beach; and because the first half of the trip is up the Waccamaw River, which is truly beautiful. I am a little groggy because I’ve come down with a chest cold and didn’t sleep well; but I’m ready to get underway.

We pulled out of Georgetown about 8:45 and headed across Winyah Bay and into the Waccamaw River.

The Waccamaw is largely undeveloped and a truly beautiful ride.

There was a lot of debris in the river and I slowed down; but I still hit a submerged log. When I accelerated over about 10 MPH the vibrations started, so I was pretty sure I’d damaged a prop. The rest of the day we were limited and my serenity was tested; but about and hour later we passed this

and life wasn’t so bad. In addition as the day went on we heard many calls to towing companies for assistance in around Myrtle Beach. I may be damaged; but at least I was still under my own power and not hard aground.

The second half of the day is into and thru Myrtle Beach which is heavily developed with houses,

condos,

and golf courses.


It’s slow going and not really my cup of tea; but “it still beats working”.

We got to Barefoot Landing about 2:15 PM, tied up and I rested while Lois tourist’d.

Later our friends Pat and Brad joined us


and we had a nice dinner with good company and conversation to finish off the day.

Tomorrow is another day and I guess I’ll just have to address the issue with the props as best I can. It’s all just a part of the adventure; both good & bad.

Heading North Again

Sun, 9/24/0
Charleston SC to Georgetown SC
4.5 hrs, 68 mi

Well at last I’m back cruising. I’ve really been looking forward to it; but I also must admit with a little bit of anxiety. My other migrations have really gone so smoothly that I’m waiting for the first little bump. I’ll just deal with it as it comes; and that’s all a part of the adventure.

A little after 10:00 AM Jason brought Amanda and the boys down to the boat since they are going along today to Georgetown.

It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day in the high 70’s and about 10:30 we cast off and pull out of my winter home

and we are on our way out of the marina


across Charleston Harbor



and into the Intercostal Waterway (ICW).


This section of the ICW, near Charleston, is developed with many No Wake Zones and assorted traffic that means slow going,

but then it opens in to wonderfully isolated marshes.

About 3:00 PM we pull into the quaint little town of Georgetown which is very picturesque with a wonderful anchorage as well as little shops and friendly people.

Regrettably, almost everything was closed on Sunday except the steel mill and the pulp plant.

It really is a nice town.

Jason arrived shortly after we did and we found a small little restaurant where we had a nice dinner before the kids went home to Charleston, and Lois and I crashed in preparation of the trip ahead.

It has been truly a good day, and a good beginning. And thanks again Amanda for being there from the start.

Here We Go Again

Sun, 4/22/07 AM
Charleston, SC

Well, I’m sitting here in the City Marina waiting for Lois to wake up, and Amanda to call with her plans for today.

We are leaving this morning and heading north about 60 miles to Georgetown. Amanda and the boys may be joining us and Jason will meet us in Georgetown for dinner and take his family home. Then it’s Lois and I for the next 4 days into New Bern, NC.

I arrived on Wed and got the boat ready to go; and Lois came in Fri to get settled in and spend a little time with Amanda, Jason, and the boys.

To the best of my knowledge we are ready to go. Plenty of food and provisions, the fuel and water tanks are full, and the holding tank is empty. The engines are ready, the boat is clean, the bicycle stowed, and the routes are planned. Now I just need to get underway and get rid of the pre-departure jitters. It’s different this time out, and I don’t know how to describe it. I’m excited and nervous; and looking forward to again “living the life”. It’s just hard to get into the moment and be deliberate. I know this will pass once we are underway.

I’ll try to keep up with posting when I have access, and hopefully I will cover the area from the Outer Banks north to New York, so I will have covered the entire route.

Rick