The leaving of Georgetown on the 9th was delayed because of Mother Nature. She is in control of our comings and goings. She was sending a storm our way: a thunderstorm. And a thunderstorm she did send. But, it passed quickly and off we went following the Russells again.

The river itself is georgeous. Had the sun been shining we may have seen turtles on the shore sunning themselves. There are abandoned rice fields along straight stretches.

Then there twists and turns.

As one enters Myrtle Beach civilization hits you in the face.

Before we came to North Mrtyle Beach where we were stopping, we had to get through the Rock Pile. Some claim it is a dangerous part because of the rocks that are right off the channel. We were going through as the tide was dropping. I think that is good because you can see the rocks. Stay in the channel. This is the mantra of the ICW.

Although the claim is that the river is clean, it looks like tea. It leaves your boat with the Waccamaw moustache.

We spent the night at Harbourgate Marina. Another good run.

We left Charleston (mile 468) early not liking what the weather stations were saying, but Tony and Renee were leaving and we thought we can move on also. I figure that we have a learning curve here and listening to people who have successfully completed the loop helps us sort out the information that we have. We had an easy run after all. We went about 55 miles to Georgetown (mile 403).
We pulled into the Harborwalk Marina. We tied up and jumped ship for a walk before dinner. I forgot to take our camera with us so I have nothing to show! It is an old town – with a great fresh fish market (thanks to Tony and Renee) and a yarn store to die for! The town has renovated its waterfront and there is a nice wooden walkway. I am so sorry that I don’t have pictures to share.

We spent a quiet night on the boat. We haven’t done that for a while.

We left Port Royal (mile 539) early on Tuesday, May 6th. The homes before the city are lovely. The 71 miles to Charleston (mile 468) were uneventful. We are enjoying the journey more and more. Everyone had us so uptight about depths and local knowledge that we (read Heidi) were fretting a lot. But, we seem to be attentive to the details. The boat is running well; the captain is excellent.

We stayed at the Charleston City Marina: Home of the Megadock! And we were on it!!

As we were settling in a couple came by. Flying our looper flag we often have people come by and chat. Not only had they completed the loop, but they are from Irvine, CA. Home! They have so enjoyed cruising that they are continuing to do so. Meet the Russells.

We visited them on their boat, Breakaway, the next evening and shared wine and pizza!

On Wednesday morning, May 7th, we went into Charleston in the courtesy van. We met 2 couples from the boat Kittiwake. The one couple is finishing the loop and are on their way home to Virigina. We all took one of the city tours. The only problem with this one is that we couldn’t get off and walk around. We did stop at the Battery and could look across at Fort Sumter. There is a lot of pride here amongst the Southerners. They have not forgotten that they were (are) confederates.

This is dedicated to “The Confederate Defenders of Charleston.”

This home is located opposite the Battery Park. It is the Edmonston – Alston Home. From the balconies people watched the shelling of Fort Sumter. Such history. So well preserved.

After the tour Kelley and walked down Meeting Street to the Market and had lunch. I am sure there are better places….

Returning to the Marina, the tide was out. Way out. These are boats that have live-aboards. Yikes!

One of the boats had its air conditioner running and brown water was pouring out the side of it. Can’t be good….

As I said before, we walked to another marina and had dinner with Tony and Renee Russell. Read their blog about their trip: Breakaway. Weather permitting, we are off to Georgetown.