Sunday from St Johns Yatch Basin to anchor in front of Coosaw Island

We are now in true South Carolina Low Country. Crisscrossed by small rivers and creeks, marsh grass extends to the horizon with an occasional fly bridge, mast or small dock house. Our first bridge was the Limehouse Bridge, a new high bridge. After the bridge the waterway narrows but is well-marked and deep. We crossed a deep bend allowing some power boats to pass us starting the trek down Wadmalaw River, passing Stevens Towing Shipyard. This large facility had several Army landing craft utility ships at dock and one on shore.

There were two cuts to go through, narrow and shallow with the tide still low and then out to open water again. All in all an uneventful day - we found a good spot with lots of water to anchor, in front of Coosaw Island.  It was calm, peaceful, loons calling, far from the channel so no wakes. I quickly made mac and cheese with smoked sausage and we tried to hunker in and stay warm. When the sun went down so did the heat.

Limehouse Bridge

Stevens Towing Shipyard- Army transport ship in dry dock

what is a day without a Heron

low tide line in marsh grass

low tide in Fenwick cut. Glad the trees are close to shore
and not floating in channel

coming out into Edisto River

There was a brush fire on shore, the cloud created by it
hovered on the horizon most of the day. 

short hop to Beaufort South Carolina

OK it was cold - see your breath inside the boat cold. I slept in all my clothes cold. We woke early and I lit the oven leaving it open then put water on for coffee and hot chocolate. There was a rooster crowing on shore, I am sure he was trying to get the sun up so he could get warm. The area was filled with a rosy glow, mist drifting on to the water from shore, the faint sounds of people starting their day. After eggs and bacon, we got the engine started, pulled up anchor and started the short run (14 nm) to Beaufort. Timing is everything as there is the Ladies Island Highway Bridge - a single pivot swing. There are lots of shoals, and a swift current along with the fact that the marina we wanted to stay at was right on the other side of the bridge.  We timed it just right, slipped through with another boat, and in a short time we were tied to the dock, fueled and turned around so when we leave on Thursday morning we can slip right out.

The city of Beaufort is within walking distance of our slip, our friends Dotty and Has S/V Skye were up the road and they came down, we talked over delicious ice cream. It actually is getting kind-of warm in the afternoon. The icing on the cake was the porpoise swimming in our marina - yes I heard them breath. I got a video of them in the river, but it is so far away it is hard to see them. I have got to learn how to zoom. 

soft rosy pre-dawn light

rooster crowing in back ground - mist just hovering around the
the shore

sun - cloudless sky

Ospey - in Marine Corp Air Station 

waiting for Ladies Island Highway Bridge

a large area of the ICW passes the Marine Crop Air station
there are these signs all along the way 

The nest - believe an Osprey - decorating a marker

St Johns Yacht Basin, Saturday - leaving Sunday 11-25

Saturday the car had to go back - and early. Wi-Fi was not working at the marina - but the sun was shining. I am still in awe of the tides, especially what is revealed during low tide. We dilly dallied the day away, filled the water tanks, did a little moving around and stowing gear, getting ready for our departure Sunday morning. True to the forecast the temp's dropped to the low 30's but we were toasty warm running our small heaters.

Sunday morning's cold dawn, made us shiver even though we dressed warm. Casting off lines to start south we slid out from the marina with no drama. We just might be getting the hang of this docking thing. The trip to Beaufort was slow and easy, though there were a couple of tricky shallow cuts that Tom expertly maneuvered us through.  More to come on the next blog. 

Great Egret, St Johns Island

Low tide

shell fish left high and dry

Never let it be said that boaters don't decorate for Christmas
Tom won't let me get one 

Sunday morning cold clear skies

St John's Yacht Marina 

This Porpoise bobbed up a couple of times - can't believe I got
the picture

Took a while to realize High tide was in and this boat was sunk

Folly Beach South Carolina - sun and sand

Friday morning we said good bye to Bridget and Martin. We still had the car and I still wanted to go to the beach. We made a few stops, first back to It's a Stitch to pick up another skein of yarn- and to see about getting one or more of the Heron canvas sent to me. The shop is great and after I finish the afgan, cross stitch ornaments and another unnamed project - I want to do one or more of the Herons. 

then Star Bucks to pick up a supply of coffee, staples, and finally Folly Beach.

Tom stayed well away from the water. I took off my shoes, rolled up my pants and went wading. The water was a little crisp at first but I had a glorious time taking photos and picking up shells. I soon ran into a problem- no pockets - quick solution I tucked my finds into the rolls of my pants. 

Our adventure ended with a trip to Barnes and Noble a fast lunch at Wendy's and back to the boat.

Saturday the car went back and we kind-of got Cool Hand ready to leave on Sunday morning.

It is suppose to get into the 60's and only 40+ at night. 

Beaufort SC here we come.

Folly Beach Pier

sea foam? 

what's a beach with out Gulls