Mid-Atlantic - Dataw to Belhaven

Daisy does not know it
But that black to the right
of the tree on the grass
is an alligator! 3-4 ft
As it turns out...
This is the last Alligator
we had to worry about

We next anchored at Black River. The reviews were that there would be 'sand' for Daisy.  We found the area, but the sand was actually shells.  Sharp shells.  I took Daisy to do her business in the rain, along with the many, many noseeums.  I got bit many times in a matter of a couple of minutes.
As we continued up the AICW, the typical next stop would be Beaufort SC.  This city has a great reputation for a beautiful stop.  It also has serious tidal currents.  We elected to not stop here and go to Dataw instead.  (Our friends Patroit, stopped there and could not get out due the tidal currents going against them).  Dataw was a great stop. This is a planned golfing community island all in one.
Our stop there was fun. there was a restaurant on site, and we had a superb dinner (shrimp and grits and fish tacos).

Weather was iffy, Hot Tub?
Always awesome.

Next up was Hilton Head SC.  We planned to do some sight seeing, but the weather was not cooperating.  This is where we experienced a tidal swing of just under 12 feet during a full moon.  The dock master told us the expected change, via a post.  "See the top of that post?  It will be eye level in the morning".  Serious?  Yup.  And it was.  Unbelievable. 12 feet differential.

Roof Top Lunch. Fun.

Next up was Charleston.  What a magnificent historical city.  I actually place St Augustine, Savannah, and Charleston in the same category.  Awesome cities with superb rich historical events and architecture among many other positive facets.  We visited the downtown market where they sell traditional Grass Baskets and similar items.  Great artwork by these folks.

Vicki with Basket Artest

Charleston 1

Charleston 2

Look at the detail
for an entryway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beauty Sailboat

Our next stop was in Georgetown at Hazard marina.  We walked the streets and had a wonderful time there for the short time that we were there.

Entering a sypress swamp area.

Hate the sign, Love the tree.

Cypress

Nice home.

Daisy waiting for a T R E A T
You have to spell it in front of her.

Patroit and Blue Willow
Myrtle Beach

Jim, a former Trumper player for the
MSU Marching Band,
Trying his skill at Conch Nation Call
Sounded like a dying horse!

Next stop was Myrtle Beach.  We stayed at Light Keepers in North Myrtle Beach.  What a great place.  Loaner car, pool, etc. at $25 / night.  We met back up with Patroit there, we also  reprovisioned and went to the beach for a walk.  The beach was very busy.

We moved on to Swansboro for a free dock.  Nice place.  BUT, when I cast the lines the next morning......   I was not prepared, and I turned the wrong direction then back again, but I ran aground hard, requiring a call to TowBoatUS.  They were not even a half mile away, but I was towed off the shallows, and we proceeded to move on. (no photo, really!)

Get the idea?

Many orange targets

We had to pass by Camp Lejeune on the AICW.  Serious stuff.  The military at times will stop all water traffic for  a period of time to conduct maneuvers.  We passed with not stopping.

Beautiful Boardwalk
Pedestrian traffic was high

Blue Will sitting pretty in Beaufort NC

Beaufort NC was our next stop.  A superb small community, with lots to offer.  There was a North Carolina State run maritime museum there, including a boat building school.  Inside the museum were great displays, including Blackbeards lore, and artifacts.  We watched a History Channel movie on that topic, great entertainment.  The city docks were a prize.  Flower pots, and charming boardwalks and lots to see and do.

Patroit  in Belhaven.

The next stop was Belhaven, another free dock.  Very secluded area, and quiet, we met a local author there.

Thanks for peeking in our our little blog.  Things are going great.  We have been so busy, I have not had time to blog.  I will post more blog entries ASAP, sorry for the delay.