Slow But Steady On The ICW
Underway Day One
Making progress on the ICW is much like the fable of the Tortes and the Hare, “slow and steady….” As in any sailing endeavor, especially one involving setting time-lines, mother nature has her way of adjusting your plans. Tides and resulting currents slow or enhance boat speed. Trying to make 50 miles a day is not always possible, throw in the required bridge opening and the vagaries of March weather and one must count any progress as an achievement.
The first day out of Charleston was a perfect southern day, warm with cloudless blue skies. We covered a little over 60 miles in 10 plus hours, making Georgetown SC just around sunset. Much of the trip was in water in less then 7 feet with some areas sounding at 5 feet, a mear half foot under our keel. Spectacular homes graced both sides of Isle of Palms, shore birds worked the mud flats, as pelicans sat perched on docks awaiting deeper water on the incoming tide.
The cruising guide stated there was anchorage space available in Georgetown opposite the “town clock tower”. But with several “derelict” boats on moorings it was impossible to gain enough swing room to drop a hook. We took a slip at Hazard Marina.
Georgetown is a great stop over, small but upscale in every way; stately homes, fine restaurants, a great variety of stores, and a very nice marina with good services. We plan to spend more time there on our next trip.
Having a full cockpit enclosure goes a long way in keeping the crew comfortable. On our boat it provided shelter from the sun, wind and at night protection from the many biting insects. It would become even more important on day 2.
Day Two
0740 hrs. Underway from Georgetown heading to Myrtle Beach. NOAA is calling for a deepening low off the Carolines. We would be hounded by this system all day.
0900 hrs. First light rain spreads over the area. Winds staying light. The Waccamaw River is deep (to 40 feet) right up to the tree lined shore. Trees tower over the water. NOAA is calling for deteriorating weather. There were few places to hide, we pushed on.
1100 hrs. Rain is heavy! Thunder rumbles the GPS goes goofy placing us a mile onshore. Visibility don to the bow. I get in my foul weather gear and go to the bow giving directions to Jacki and David in the cockpit.
1130 - 1200 hrs. The Gps has found itself, rain is light, wind increasing, making good speed with the tides.
1200 - 1230 hrs. Rain again heavy. NOAA calling for tornadoes. Sky is dark. We are through the last bridge for the day. Making for Barefoot Resort Yacht Club & Marina.
1300 - 1300 hrs. Tied down in slip just in time! Wind pushes “Into The Mystic” against the dock, rain is heavy and thunder rumbles to our north. The full enclouser is worth twice the money.
1900 hrs. Jacki has made a great meal; Mac and cheese with turkey and tomato. Music plays from the bar. My bunk is warm. Tough day but good day. NOAA is telling us that we will stay put tomorrow. Bridges do not open in winds over 30 mph.
Day 3
0800 hrs. We are staying put. Wind is the factor, 15 to 25 with gusts to 45. Nice place to stay but ish we were moving on. Next test is the Rock Pile then Cape Fear. Winds rush across the marina, the sky is clear blue. Nice day… I hate March weather.