North Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head, SC

John Williams flew into Grand Strand airport on Sunday, and joined up with me, continuing the trip south.  We got off to an early start on Monday morning in order to catch the tide running with us, which adds about 2 knots to the boat’s normal speed.  Somehow or another, we managed to ride the tide for days… which, although I’d like to claim was by plan, it was not.

John Williams and Mercy

As we headed south through the miles around Myrtle Beach, SC, I began to realize what a great winter golf community they have.  There is a place that there is a cable car crossing of the ICW, conveniently located at the golf course.  If you look closely, you can see where the guys tee off across the ICW, and then ride the cable car across to their hole.  (John and I immediately made up that story to go with the photo!)

Tee-ing off over the water hazard

Getting to your ball

Swing bridge on the ICW

Farther down, the ICW passes through another great cypress lined river.  There were osprey nests everywhere.  We cruised through Georgetown, got a couple of photos, and kept going, to find a nice anchorage.  The river below Georgetown took a dog leg through a canal, and then a lot of great secluded waterway.  We anchored in Minim Creek 33 11 458N 79 16 770 in about 12 feet of water in a side creek, out of the wakes from the ICW.

Lots of osprey nests

Cypress lined river

The next day, we passed through primarily low salt marsh.  In the course of a single day, we spotted two eagles sitting together in the same tree, two deer swimming across the ICW (photo as deer were leaping out of the water) and a pod of dolphins absolutely going nuts feeding upon a school of fish they chased into the bank.  When we went by, one swam right by the bow for a ways, rolling his eyes up at Mercy and I (who were leaning over the bow.)  What a great day! 

Salt marsh

Two eagles watching us

Marsh land

Two deer exiting water after swimming across the ICW

We went into Charleston, SC to the Mega Dock at the City Marina to pick up a package that was just delivered.We originally had reservations there for Wednesday night, and since it was Tuesday, there was no room at the inn.  I couldn’t believe that a 400 slip marina would be packed full of boats of every size, primarily those heading south.

Coming into Charleston

Charleston, SC

We went right below the next bridge and anchored for the night at 33 11 458 N 79 16 770 W in about 15’ of water.  It was another gorgeous sunset, even though we were anchored directly across from several homes and docks.  We saw the Nordic Tug “Miss Alignment” a few houses down, on a nice life.

Our anchorage

Nordic Tug "Miss Alignment"

The great days continued, with absolutely perfect (warm, clear, no wind) weather.  I enjoyed poking the boat up into a variety of creeks and  cuts. On Wednesday, we continued down the Stono River flood plane.  The ICW follows rivers for a little ways, then has short canals connecting them to the adjacent river.  We stopped early to anchor in Rock Creek, since we had just passed a creek I HAD to explore.  We launched the dinghy and off I went, at low tide, in an area with a 7 foot tide that day.  I saw more tracks and critters.  I explored for about two hours.  Mercy liked the smells.  John stayed on the boat and claimed he read.  He sure looked well rested from the read!

Exploring up a side creek via dinghy

John watching our return

After a discussion about the best place to drop John where he could get back to his airplane, we made the decision to stay anchored in Rock Creek for the evening.  Two other boats came in and joined us later that afternoon.  One boat told us that they were headed further down, but that we looked like we’d found a great spot.  We visited with the couple on the KenTres, first on the Mercy, then on their boat.  It was fun.  Anchored 32 31.821'  80 29.092’

Morning in Rock Creek

Thursday we continued down the ditch to Beaufort, SC, where we tied to the free city dock, walked around ashore.  We walked up to the John Mark Verdier House, and read about some of the local history.  The lady at the desk entertained us with some of the history of the town, and proudly told us about how much she loved her town, and a little about her grandkids…  Then we walked across the street and ate some South Carolina oysters for lunch.  Boy, were they good! 

The city waterfront has a gorgeous park area, complete with big wooden swings.  It was too tempting, after lunch to walk by, so we sat, swinging, enjoying the view for a little bit.  What great southern charm!

Mercy and John REALLY like each other

Don't tell MY dog

We made it out of Beaufort without receiving the $1050 fine, or 30 days in jail if you pass through the area leaving a wake.

When we left Beaufort, we continued a little ways towards Hilton Head, and decided to detour and go up in Cowen Creek a little ways.  The further up we got, the better it looked.  There is eight feet of tide tonight, and we are anchored in the Distant Island Creek, by Distant Island, of course!  32 22.815’ 80 38.727’  We watched some local guys fishing for redfish. 

Sunrise at Distant Island Creek

The creek was so nice, and fascinating with its eight feet of tide, that we sat and told sea stories for a late start. (John has some GREAT stories!)

Distant Island Creek

We cruised down the Distant Island Creek, the Cowen Creek, cruised under Paris Island, Crossed Port Royal Sound, and up the Chechessee River to Skull Creek (sounds like we’re in pirate waters!) to Skull Creek Marina, where we came in to let John get off tomorrow to return home.