March 20, 2008

3.20.08 Waccamaw River SC

We left the dock at high tide at 9:45am, with a stiff breeze...Had no problem in the bay other than a good chop....when we were almost to the bridge I saw a big fishing boat...one of those triple deckers with tall poles...he was flying and we could see he was trying to beat us to the bridge....his wake almost swamped us....it's a good thing Jim didnt have a big boat...there would have been a major case of water rage!!! It's a good thing I had the camera turned off...it would have been all bleeps....we got the last part of his name....???Hopper....I think it was rock or something....too bad we didnt get the whole thing....we'd have made a call to the Coast Guard and made a complaint incase he's ever in a court case....up here you are responsible for your wake..

The guide said to leave at high tide for a favorable current but we've been fighting it all day...The Waccamaw reminds us of the St Johns....lots of cyprus trees and knees....but the leaves are just budding and there may have been some redbuds or dogwood....light pink blossoms....all very pretty.

We are anchored near G29 near StM 375....and the first "Looper" we've seen so far is anchored just up from us....Maybe we'll get to meet them in the morning....Adios II a Monk 36....out of Wilmington DE.

3.19.08 Winyah Bay, SC

Cloudy, 60's and we are up and moving at 7:24am. We found a nice strip of sand ...anchored out of the channel and took the dogs to shore with the dingy so they could have a nice run....all in all its starting to be a great day .....watched a small craft pulling crab pots...and a small ferry cross the river as soon as we were past. We are planning a stop at Sampit River for fuel.....we traveled up the Western Channel near StM 410 with a bit of wind but nothing more than a good breeze...but once in to the main part of Winyah Bay the wind really kicked up.....it got so bad we had no choice but to keep going...wind was behind us...seas too steep to try for a turn.....the waves lifted us up and we'd surf as much as 11 mph....down the other side we were only doing 4 or 5....then it would pick us up again and away we'd go...several times we could see a couple of feet of water higher than we were looking out? the dogs barked at the waves several times as they rolled by the window.....wild...thrilling...but at one time Jim said "I think we need a bigger boat"..I was in total agreement....we made it to the dock...fueled..pumped out the holding tank...filled water and stayed tied to the dock for the night......

Georgetown is a quaint little town and there's alot within walking distance. So we hiked to town...had dinner...mine was local steamed oysters...not what I expected...a big clump of oysters stuck together and it's like a treasure hunt to find them ..pop them open and eat....good...alot of work ...and not that many....but it was fun.....

We took a late walk with the dogs....wind was really howling in the trees....the waves in the harbor where big and we bounced against the dock at Hazard Marina, most of the night....but slept good....