11/3/15
Southport NC
Posted by Bill

Well, we worked our butts off getting the boat ready for the trip south the last couple of days, and we were all set to leave today. Then the forecast imploded and we got a day of unexpected solid rain and higher winds than we expected. It was nothing drastic, but it was going to be uncomfortable, and since we have a few days of slack in the schedule we decided at the very last minute to delay a day. It’s too bad because the tides aligned very well to transit the shoal areas and bridge openings all the way to Charleston SC, but a day delay should not hurt us except it will keep us in Charleston a few days longer than we wanted. This primarily due to a strong system that is expected this coming weekend that is going to bring winds over 30 knots, and with a delay of a day, we will need to weather it out in Charleston. As usual, traveling via boat requires putting together the best plan based on available daylight, weather, tide schedules, bridge openings, available anchorages and available marinas. It is like a big puzzle, and if one thing changes, the whole plan can get screwed up.

So for now, the next 5 days look like this:
Tomorrow 11/4 – Myrtle Beach
11/5 – anchoring in Georgetown SC or some back creek further south (which ever we can make)
11/6 – Isle of Palms SC
11/7 through 11/9 – Charleston SC

It has been emotionally difficult leaving Southport. We love this area and we have made so many good friends here. We will miss everyone badly. To be honest, it is one of the things about this lifestyle that is really hard for me. It feels like everywhere we go, we are leaving someone who is special to us. Family and friends in so many places now…we need everyone to come south, ’cause I ain’t doin’ cold weather if I can help it!!