30 April, 2021 Pinned in NC

 

14 sm; 2.7 hours

Snookered by weather and poor decision making?  Anchorage last night OK, did not drag and boat motions not too bad.  We have had spotty to no cell coverage (ATT/T-MOBILE) and our stand alone cellular WIFI surprising has been working most of the time--go figure.  Anyway, good hour reviewing the weather for today and next few days.  Small Craft and gale not forecast till later today.  But, winds were supposed to be west at 10-15 knots and most of our travel planned to day was on a northerly heading.  Should have land mass blocking and not too much fetch.  No anchorage video of last night due to connection issues.  We hoisted anchor at 0750 and eased our way back to the AICW.  Bumpy as expected while we were east bound.  Once we turned the corner and headed north all heck broke loose.  Strong gusty WNW winds 15 gust over 20 off the port bow.  Hum.  We scheduled to traverse the entirety of the Alligator river today and stop mid-day at a marina just past the swing bridge ahead.  

We began to consistently take green water over the bow and was completely soaking the pilot house.  No bone jarring but steep, close period waves of 2-3 feet.  I took a chance and eased out of the channel toward the western shore as the charts indicated 6-8 foot of water.  Ride did not improve.  

It really became apparent, the forecast was wrong by a lot. We could continue to bash ahead for two more hours to get to the marina and we would have to go back to the middle of the river to safely pass through the swing bridge 10 miles ahead.  An anchorage lay to the port quarter about  five miles ahead.  With consternation, we made way and cautiously followed the current electronic charts.  About a mile before entering the small creek outlet we slowed enough for the depth sounder to function and we were in eight feet of water.  Thank God.  We picked our way in and back far enough to not be totally exposed.  today's anchorage

Forecast for tonight is a shift to NW winds 20 G 30 with up to 35 knots.  Good news: it is sunny and a dry frontal system passing through, most of the water all over Serenity today was brackish and the boat is not covered in salt.

Have seen one footers with white caps a few times this afternoon in the anchorage.  Confused weather forecasts from several sources not in agreement.  Will see about tomorrow.  

3430 SM traveled; 1639.5 hours hobbs

29 April, 2021. Wind remains the predominate hazard

29 SM; 4.8 hours

 Nice protected anchorage last night--now wondering why we moved. Last night's anchorage Decided to get a few more miles closer to the Albemarle sound.  No improvement in the wind forecast or actual winds.  We figured there was some protection along the 20+ miles of the narrow Alligator/Pungo river canal which comprises the AICW.  Weather reviewed--check.  Boat systems--check.  Crew--ready.  Up came the anchor at 0830 and we back tracked our electronic bread crumbs to the AICW.  First 3 miles were a little sporty as the SW winds were cranking up as we proceeded easterly prior to entering the canal.

Canal generally orientated ENE then turns more northerly.  The new heading was now 060 degrees; winds 240 degrees 15 gust to 20.  We had 1.5 foot wind waves in the canal.

Canal chop

 We were hailed by a tow pushing a barge at the northern end of the canal.  He intended to wait until we exited the narrow with shallow sides canal.  Nice Captain.

Island Girl tow pushing a barge

Our planned anchorage is up the original Alligator river, close to the head waters, at least as far up as we dare to navigate.  Our intent was to find some wind protection as now the weather guessers are calling for 30 knot winds later this evening and through the night.  

We anchored at 1315 in 12 feet of water with the winds early 15 MPH with gust to 25.  Not the best, but reported excellent holding.  Have been here several hours and anchor is stuck pretty good so far.  Anchorage map

Another crazy windy day forecast tomorrow, tomorrow night and part of Saturday.  There might be window of diminishing wind late Saturday.  

Windy app--hope we don't see 40 mph!

We will watch carefully and might attempt the crossing of the sound.  Today, tonight and early tomorrow small craft advisories remain issued.

14 miles across; + 15 each river; approx 45 SM

3416 SM traveled; 1637.1 hours hobbs

28 April, 2021. Smooth anchorage and waiting for winds to subside

14 sm; 2.7 hours

 

Just an uncomfortable anchorage last night.  Serenity rolled back and forth last night in constant 15 mph winds with gusts.  anchorage  Poor sleep with the tossing and turning.  Anchor held well throughout the night.

Early morning review of weather  found a small craft advisory to be issued this afternoon on the open waters.  Decision made--depart before the winds really pick up and get to a better protected anchorage.  Not going far, but this portion of the Pungo river is wide and considerable fetch with 15+ wind makes it rough.  We fired up the Yanmar and hoisted the anchor at 0745 and cruised at 1500 rpm and 6 mph as I wanted time to charge the batteries.  Wind waves 1-1.5 feet initially, then increased to two feet as we turned more northeast.  Wind swell generally from the stern to slightly quartering so the last 45 minutes a bit rolling.  

We selected an anchorage well up the Pungo river.  We turned off course just at the junction with the Pungo/Alligator  canal.  The anchorage has great reviews, great holding and reasonable protection from the wind and a place to land the dinghy.  Proceeding up a narrowing Pungo river until we came to Highway 264 bridge.  Serenity can go no further.  We back tracked a few hundred yards and dropped the anchor in 13 feet of 70 degree water at 0915.  Water considered smooth after the past two days of wind and waves.  Ripples off and on all afternoon, but well protected from the forecast 20-25 knots later. Pungo river anchorage

We made breakfast and just enjoyed the quiet of the anchorage.  A few homes off in the distance, and the highway is close enough for some road traffic but a still boat is a good thing.  I splashed the dinghy and gave Serenity a very good washing from waterline to the topsides.  We are way up the Pungo river, while tidal, the water tasted sweet and very little salt noted during the finger tasting method.  Took Kaos the dinghy on an exploration and found a local rudimentary small boat launch ramp.  Beached Kaos and went for a walk.

Not much else remains

Serenity far off as seen from the highway bridge

We are here

The highway bridge is fixed with about six feet of clearance, plenty for Kaos to get under.  Tomorrow we plan to resume and travel about 4 hours on the canal and anchor short of the long, wide section of the Alligator river.  It is looking like a weather window might open up this coming Saturday or Sunday.  Hoping it meets our criteria.

3387 SM traveled; 1632.3 hours hobbs

27 April 2021. Big water crossing, winds only getting worse

 

48 SM; 6.9 hours

Early assessment of weather, particularly the winds and we determined we were either captured in Oriental for a week or move now and wait for favorable winds further north.  We decided to move out.  Smith creek anchorage  Relative calm greeted us as the anchor was raised at 0745.  

Truly a false calm

Once out of the relative protected creek and entering the Neuse river, brisk SW winds were not too bad initially.  Sun in our eyes as we dodged crab pot floats.  Hard to see today.

Where is the crab pot

For the first three hours we had the wind and swells at our back as we proceeded northeastward into an ever widening Neuse river.  Then it was a hook north and while it was pretty rolling for another hour, eventually we entered the lee of the western shore and moderate chop became light chop and a pretty decent day.  This course continued in pretty protected waters of the AICW until we reached the Pamlico Sound/river.  About a two hours or 14 mile stretch of open water as the winds picked up to 12-15 MPH with occasional gusts.  Mostly on the stern or aft quarter, not too bad but consistent rolling.  Our planned anchorage was adjacent the town of Belhaven, NC.  Town of Belhaven

Reported as protected and with great holding we dropped the hook at 1430 after a pretty long day fighting winds, current and anxiety.  Not a fun day.  The anchorage presently is secure, but the swinging southerly winds remain strong and causing considerable boat motion.  anchorage  Make a milkshake without a blender right now.  

Ahead is the Albemarle sound.  Largest brackish/fresh water sound in USA.  It is notoriously noted for being very nasty with the slightest provocation.  Wind forecast is not favorable for our little slow boat.  15 mph or less and less than one foot wave height is what we want because it is a long way across and conditions can change rapidly with no escape routes for our slow little boat.  We will move a little further along tomorrow and find a good anchorage and wait.

3373 SM traveled; 1629.6 hours hobbs

26 April, 2021 In and out and a long day

24 SM; 4.7 hours and boat in/out of the water

 It was time to leave the marina.  Great weekend and peaceful nights at the marina but work needs to be done and miles to accomplish.  We tidied up Serenity, filled the water tank and made one last trip to the trash can.  We were ready to go.  Marina   Clear skies and breezy from the NW.  Made contact with the boat yard owner and he confirmed he would be ready to haul us out at 1100.  We untied the lines and got underway at 0945, going slowly through a couple of no wake zones and tidal current against us.  It was a very short trip of about 7 miles.   Then we were in the boat yard channel and soon large nylon bands wrapped around Serenity and we were lifted out of the water.

Serenity on the travel lift headed to the yard

We paid for blocking because we were uncertain what the bottom of the boat would look like after nearly two years in the water, and how long it would take me to repair the stuffing box.  Otherwise a quick hang in the straps and back in the water would have been cheaper.  Once secure, we gave a thorough inspection.  While the bottom does need a coat of new paint/ablative coating, it was not too bad and good enough for the journey ahead.  The rudder, propeller and skid on the keel were in excellent shape.  There was no play in the prop/or shaft.  Great news.  

Prop shaft and anode

Prop, rudder and keel

I turned to getting the stuffing box separated from the stern tube and jam nut in order to remove the old packing.

Three components of stuffing box apart

I generously soaked everything with PB blaster and let it soak.  I have to remove three drawers and a foot step to get decent access; but still pretty much have to stand on my head to reach down into a 8 inch wide, 18 inch deep bilge cavity.  I used several different picks to dig out the old stuffing material.  Waxed flax.  Once all the old was out, I cleaned everything well to include the propeller shaft.  

Upside down, holding an iPhone with other hand for a picture

Nice and clean packing nut, i gathered up example pieces of the old and we walked a half mile to a fabulous marina parts store.  There are about five or so very large boat yards in the area handling commercial, recreational and big yachts.  A few of the yards allow DYI.  What a well stocked parts store.  In consultation with the sale rep I purchased two feet of 3/16 inch flax.  Seemed like the right size--$2.00.  Waxed flax is not expensive.  My first time repacking a stuffing box and using the new flax, things just did not look right or feel right.  I put three new rings of cut flax into the packing nut but it seems sloppy.  Out it all came and back to the parts store I went.  This time purchasing 1/4 thick flax.  This was the ticket.  After cutting three rings and slipping each ring around the shaft and into the packing nut and ensuring each cut end was not aligned with previous ring it all came together nicely.  I hand tighten the packing nut until tight then tightened the jam nut down.  1500 in the afternoon.  Found the yard owner and asked if he could put us back into the water today.  All set, away went Serenity on the travel lift and was back in the water.  We climbed aboard and fired up the diesel as the boat settled into the water.  I checked the packing nut and boy was it leading.  I retighten hand tight once again.  We were completely lowered into the water and we backed out of the travel lift slings and headed NE on the AICW.  While POC was at the helm I continued to check and adjust the packing nut to stem the flow of water.  

Dripping too much but I allowed the new packing to wear in without being too tight.  We decided to make a long day and with favorable winds late in the afternoon, would cross the Neuse river and find anchorage near Oriental, NC.  The Neuse becomes very large body of water nearing the ocean. It can get very nasty.  In fact we have three large bodies of water ahead before reaching Norfolk.  Even sailors who make passage off shore comment that these waters can be as rough as any they have sailed.  We will pick movements careful before venturing out.  Forecast is OK tonight and for a few hours tomorrow morning then is getting bad then worse.  Crazy strong, prolonged winds over 15 and 20 knots for the next few days.  For tonight we are anchored at 1845 in 6 feet of 72 degree water.  Air temp is 71. (map)

3325 SM traveled; 3325 hours hobbs

23-25 April. Historic Beaufort, NC

4 SM; 0.9 hours

Decent anchorage Thursday night near the Morehead City Yacht basin and the government facilities.  A bit of wind but good anchor holding and no wakes.  Called Town Creek Marina where we have a space reserved and was told we could arrive anytime.  So preparations were made to get underway for a very short travel day.  Calico creek anchorage  We relocated the short 4 miles from the anchorage and was met by Daniel the dock master assisting our securing to a face dock in short order.  Quick and easy morning.  Great shore power and water stations very close.  Plan is to get boat work done; body work done--exercise; do our laundry, and visit friends and the area.  Town Creek Marina

Friday was a boat work day while POC aka Kim took the marina courtesy car to get a hair cut and food goodies at the grocery store.  The Yanmar diesel got new fluids along with new oil and fuel filters. I cleaned the Racor external fuel assembly and installed a new filter.  Cleaned the raw water strainer.  Cleaned the engine bay while inspecting for loose wires, bolts or clamps.  Cleaned the bilge and added bilge cleaner to slosh around for a while before pumping out.  All good to go.  Once the fuel system manually purged of air, the Yanmar started up on second try and ran smoothly.  No leaks observed. Next, the composting head refreshed.  Not a burdensome task and easy and quick.  Marina handled the trash and had a waste oil disposal on site.  Nice.  Normal boat checks and cleaning as the skies darkened and the wind velocity increased.  Squalls and near gale winds remain in the forecast for later this weekend.

Red not necessarily good

Saturday was visiting with friends I have not seen in several years.  My friend Jerry came and picked me up at the marina.  Also in the truck was dear friend Tom.  Tom is 92 years old, still drives and is a retired crop duster.  Several years ago, he sold his crop dusting business but kept his farm and two beautifully maintained grass runways.  I kept my antique airplane there several years.  Tom continued to fly his tail dragger airplane for several years before retiring from flying.  We all went to breakfast and had such a great reunion.  Later in the day, POC and I were picked up by Lee and Peggy.  Lee and I have been squadron mates for over 30 years and served together numerous times including overseas and shipboard assignments.  We had a great lunch together catching up on all of the latest news. The hard truth of time passing becomes apparent when you share pictures of grandkids; realizing not long ago you would have been sharing stories of flying.  We topped the day back aboard with movie night.  Red overhead dome light and a movie on the IPAD. 

Movie not that good.

Sunday was rocking and rolling at the marina as winds throughout the night were very strong.  Light rains but the thunderstorms and gale winds did not develop.  Bible study and church on the internet.  Laundry day, more boat cleaning and tidy up work.  After lunch we hiked 3.5 miles in and around the Beaufort waterfront.  Partly sunny and windy but a decent day.  The town of Beaufort, NC

Been here a while

Water front historic home

I called Tom at his home in Beaufort wanting to speak to his wife Mrs Jean---they have been married over 68 years and live in the same home they bought after they were married.  She was so happy to hear from me.  Then Tom said he was going to the farm and wanted to know if I wanted to ride.  Heck yeah.  Tom is a pretty spry 92 year old who does not wear glasses and remains extremely sharp.  His grass runways still look the best I have ever seen.  We reminisced about long ago flying days.  Tom is and remains a great southern gentleman and it is a honor to know him.  Visiting Tom, his farm, hangars and runways that he build over the course of his life was a true blessing.  A most remarkable man.

Tomorrow if all goes as planned we will relocate a short distance to a haul out boat yard and get Serenity of of the water for some inspections and repairs.  

3301 SM traveled; 1618.0 hours hobbs

 

22 April 2021. Still windy and a twofer today.

 

27 SM; 4.6 hours

Anchor held great in the blow last night.  Wind calmed just before the front passed then the winds clocked around to the NW and blew 15-20 with gusts to 30.  Unsettled sleep as boat rocked, rolled and swung around.  Not so bad at sunrise but wind remained constant 15 mph all day.  Slow and lazy morning because it was cold!  42 degrees on the water with wind chill in 30s.  Small craft advisory ending mid morning so we were in no hurry.  anchor video  Anchor up and underway at 0930.  AICW choppy but somewhat protected due to narrowness.  While studying the Waterway guide, just happened to read that up ahead was a private condo association run marina that sold diesel and a super Walmart was an easy walk.  I called the dock master and asked if we bought diesel could we secure Serenity for a few hours while we walked to Wally-World.  No problem he said.  Yahoo.  Narrow and shallow channel into the marina basin but easy with a good approach to the floating fuel dock.  

Topped off with 48 gallons of diesel, dumped the trash, gathered our backpacks and off we headed to the store 0.7 miles away.

I was able to get the Rotella diesel engine oil I will use for the up coming oil change.   Additionally,  we bought groceries and personal items. Kim got her glasses fixed.  Easy walk back to the boat.  We repackaged a lot of the items into reusable containers and dumped the boxes and plastic in the marina trash receptacle.  Underway again at 1530 we retraced our electronic bread crumbs to the AICW where it was quiet angry.  A strong 15 mph west wind was in opposition to the flood tide and we had two foot choppy waves at our stern.

Interesting 60s ranch vs McMansion on the waterway

Our intent was to cruise the Morehead City water front, then exit and proceed toward Beaufort inlet before taking the narrow channel to Taylor creek and view historic Beaufort, NC waterfront by boat.  

Morehead City water front was reasonably protected and was enjoyable, but upon exit at the commercial port and ocean ship turning basin the incoming ocean swells combined with the wind driven chop was extremely uncomfortable for us.  So we made a loop around the turning basin and commercial port  then entered Calico creek and proceeded to a reasonably protected anchorage.  Calico creek

Walmart rotisserie chicken and salad for supper; under a very clear Carolina blue sky while the sun slides into the western horizon.

3297 SM traveled; 1617.6 hours hobbs

21 April, 2021 Wind, more wind and big wind

 

21 SM; 3.5 hours

Quiet night at anchorage.  Marine training elsewhere on the base.  Nasty afternoon and night winds forecast with small craft warning beginning at 1400.  While the anchorage was ok for wind protection we decided to get underway and make a few miles toward our weekend destination.  Wind was beginning to freshen.  Morning anchorage

0740 I was retrieving a very solidly stuck anchor I noticed a large tow at the intersection of our exit and the AICW.  We hailed on the radio and captain said he was stationary waiting on a larger tow and barge which was also southbound.  We got passing instructions and exited our anchorage and passed the tow-barge combination on the "1"whistle.

Big tow

Big barge at sunrise

All clear

The wind continued to freshen all morning.  We had identified a few anchorages that seemed favorable.  The first in front of Swansboro, NC was way too exposed and we passed.  Our preferred anchorage was about 20 miles ahead and another three hours or so depending on the tidal currents.  Passing two anchorages with very good reported holding and OK wind protection we decided to press ahead.  Winds now 12 MPH and gusting over 15.  After about 30 minutes we decided to turn around and go back and and get well anchored and secure Serenity and ourselves.  We anchored at 1100 in 6 feet of water just as the flood tide began.  (anchor location)  We have had a great anchor set so far as the winds continued to build out of the SW, 20 gust to 25 or so.  

1600 wind observation

Cold front passage in a few hours and 180 degree shift in the winds from the north at 20G30.  Going to be a bumpy ride tonight.   Chili in the thermal pot for supper.  Cool temperatures forecast tonight.  Frost warnings inland.  We are going to a marina in Beaufort, NC on the 23rd.  Shopping time, boat work to include wash, oil change, fuel filter changes, composting head refresh and visit many friends.  Saturday and Sunday gale force winds and rain and thunderstorms in the forecast.  Good time to be secured to a dock.  Upcoming Monday will haul Serenity and tend to a troublesome stuffing box and inspect the bottom and running gear.

3270 SM traveled; 1612.5 hours hobbs

20 April, 2021. Lazy day; long day

51 SM; 8.7 hours

Great sleep on the mooring ball last night.  No worry of anchor drag.  We took the dinghy to the town dock and spend about two hours walking the beach and just watching the waves and getting sand in our toes.  

There are always 10% breaking the dog rule

Back to Serenity, we secured Kaos, made ready and cast off the lines to the mooring buoy pendant at 1035. Carolina Beach mooring  Weather is coming mid day on Wednesday with high gusty winds and some rain.  Only supposed to last through the night with the next day dying down.  So we planned a long day today to get to a good safe anchorage tonight and if we have to remain here during the coming blow.

Decent day, majority of the waterway was straight as an arrow and man-made.  Some tidal current but nothing significant for or against.  Dolphins frequently seen throughout the day.  Got waked extremely bad by local jerk in sport fishing boat who passed from behind close aboard the starboard side.  Really close, too close and chanel was not that narrow.  Could not raise captain on the radio and there was no name on stern.  Nothing broke, but gear scattered about.  Several interactions with dredging tows and barges today. Serious shoaling along our course today.

blue deeper; red shallow

We have anchored at Mile Hammock Bay, inside of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base.  (map) Secured all at 1750.  

Looking SW toward the AICW

Left overs for supper.  We have been watching MV-22s all evening.  

MV-22 

Sound of freedom for sure. A big trawler and 40 foot catamaran sailboat share the anchorage.  Tomorrow has several challenges.  A swing bridge which is undergoing maintenance and opening schedule confused.  USMC can close the AICW for live range firing for a few hours.  Lastly, we have significant winds forecast for tomorrow afternoon.  Should be an interesting day. But for now, we have USMC aviation practicing all around us and a pretty decent sunset.

3249 SM traveled; 1609.0 hours hobbs

 

19 April, 2021 Cape Fear river could have been ugly

 

48 SM; 7.0 hours

Last night's anchorage calmed at sunset and was pretty peaceful until about 0400 when the work boats began heading out to sea.  All were very courteous and created minimal wake.  We have planned a long day as winds were expected to remain light until later in the afternoon when forecast predicted 15-20 mph.    Anchor video

Underway at 0715, waters smooth and air chilly.  Mostly uneventful journey for the morning, a few no wake areas and only a few large yachts but they called politely on the radio and slowed before passing.  Planning and grace we tended to ride the flood tide a good bit of the day.  There were two areas of extreme caution as the AICW passed adjacent inlets now closed due to shoaling which also has silted up the waterway shifting the course into snake like course corrections.  Updated charts, references and carefully minding the red and green day markers we safely made it.

The AICW empties into the Cape Fear and follows it northward taking us nearly 90 minutes before exiting east back into the AICW.  This is a large, commercial shipping port and channel.  Very exposed to swells from the ocean, strong currents and wakes of all kinds from pleasure and commercial boat traffic.  Winds were strengthening from the S-SW and flood tide began.  We enjoyed nearly 9 mph speed over ground with following seas for almost an hour.  Had it been reversed, with outgoing tidal current against the 15 mph wind we probably would not have been able to cross today.  

Ft Fisher vehicle ferry

Exiting through Snows cut, waters became more protected for about 5 miles before a bit of exposure to the strengthening SW-W winds.  Our planned stop today was the mooring field at Carolina Beach, NC.  We had made reservations yesterday.  A pretty good ebb tide and 15 mph winds were in same direction as we approached the mooring ball.  Easy, as approaching the ball, all forward motion stopped quickly once in idle and I grabbed the pendent and secured Serenity at 1300.  Making all secure, we splashed Kaos and loaded out trash, beach gear, jackets and set off to the town dinghy dock.  Atlantic ocean only 1.5 blocks away.

Carolina Beach birds

Sea oats

We walked nearly two miles along the beach.  Kim's knee getting stronger and we both needed a good walk. There were decent crowds on the beach in spots considering it was cloudy and windy.  Today was beach town date day.  We rarely eat out, but today we searched out a beach joint to get a greasy burger with the fixings.  A few restaurants were open as the season here is a few weeks away but we found one with sidewalk seating and we ordered our burgers.  We enjoyed our meal and people watched from our sidewalk table.  

We walked about a mile back to the town dock where Kaos the dinghy remained securely locked.  It was quite windy probably 15G20 as we rode choppy waters back to Serenity.  About an hour before sunset, we secured the dinghy, made sure our lines to the mooring ball pendent were good to go and turned on the anchor light.  Such a fulfilling day.  Safely cruised the Cape Fear, easy mooring in a safe harbor for the night and a fun day together exploring Carolina Beach.

Mooring

3198 SM traveled; 1601.7 hours hobbs

18 April, 2021 Straddling SC/NC

34SM; 5.2 hours

What a beautiful and peaceful anchorage last night.  Bass boats went to bed at sunset and water became like glass.  Waccamaw river anchorage  Too much cloud cover to gaze at the stars and my eyelids might have been shut too.  Early morning coffee, navigation, route study and bible study with internet church service.  Yanmar diesel fired right up and we hoisted the anchor a 0800.  The first 5 miles tranquil.  The next 30 or so miles boring ditch travel with heavy residential and commercial build up either side of the AICW.  Just not pretty in our opinion, but folks have spent a bunch of bucks to have their waterfront property jacked up high on stilts.  

One swing bridge advertised as 11 foot clearance; might be tight for us.  Kim at helm seat as I went to the bow as we approached the bridge on a rising tide.  Nope, don't think we will fit.  We made a quick u-turn before entering the bridge and called the bridge tender.  After a bit the bridge did a very slow pivot and 15 minutes later we passed through, waving at the bridge tender up on the cat walk.

Socastee swing bridge

Because of the build up, congestion and man-made nature of this section of the AICW there were zero good anchor options until too far into NC.  So we opted for the only real option here in Calabash creek which is opposite Little river inlet.  Arriving after lunch we set the anchor once but I felt we were too close to the narrow channel and the second time location seems better.  1300 we were good to go in 10 feet of 72 degree water.  While my charts show this as very shoaled up, surprisingly, many large sightseeing boats have passed.  Most have been courteous and slowed reducing their wake.  Extremely busy AICW about a mile away which we can see from the anchorage.  Should get better as the daylight ends.  Kinda creepy anchorage area as there are many derelicts left to pollute the visual and environmental scene.

Two of many

Chicken noodle soup awaits in the thermal pot.  Forecast light winds and partly cloudy skies as we watch the sunset.

Up Calabash creek with Little river inlet to the south

3150 SM traveled; 1594.7 hours hobbs

 

17 April, 2021. Beautiful Waccamaw River

 

32 SM; 5.3 hours

Peaceful anchorage last night for the most part.  A bit of bar noise on a Friday night coming across the water and the paper plant made a rumble or two now and then.  Anchor up and stowed at 0805 and we eased out of the Georgetown harbor.  harbor anchorage  Easy transition up the Waccamaw river; sight current against us for most of the morning.  Cool, cloudy but nearly calm.  Northeast travel nearly in a wilderness scene of huge cypress tress drapped in Spanish moss,. Osprey nests abundant.  The river narrowed; one of the most scenic travel days in a long time.  

Waccamaw River

Relative short travel day as ahead lies nearly a straight line ditch which passes through Myrtle Beach without any anchorages.  Next anchorage before NC would have been too long of a day.  Passed a school bus ferry.

Sandy Island community

...home to about 50 descendants of enslaved Africans, master cultivators who worked the rice plantations that once thrived on the island. These heirs now own the land of their ancestors and proudly carry on the Gullah way of life handed down to them, an ethic defined by hard work and simple living. Though they carefully guard their privacy, some islanders offer private tours of their homeland for those interested in the Gullah culture and local history. Visitors are also warmly welcomed for services at New Bethel Baptist Church, founded in 1880 and the only church on Sandy Island (Web source)

General store on Sandy Island

We have anchored at the junction of the Waccamaw river and the AICW where the AICW continues NE toward Myrtle beach.  We set the anchor at 1320.  Air 73, water 71 degrees.  This is very stained nearly fresh water; tannins making the water dark brown.  We splashed Kaos and traveled about a mile to a public boat launch facility with docks.  Excellent facility with a restroom and trash receptacles.  Got ride of our trash.  We walked around for about 30 minutes then took the dinghy back to Serenity. 

Enterprise Landing

Grilled on the Waccamaw as bass boats buzzed around like gnats.  Should be a peaceful night once the fishing folks and boaters end for the day.

3116 SM traveled; 1589.5 hours hobbs