Nov 25, Beaufort SC

Unfortunately Isis and her adventure with us has drawn to an end. Yvonne's asthma has proven uncontrollable in spite of all our efforts. The dampness on the boat at times and pollen filled air here are too much. Yvonne has flown home to be treated before her condition worsens. The boat is up for sale here as transport home is more than what its worth. Otherwise we had a great experience and have met great people and seen some magnificent scenery. We are just 100 miles from Florida and were going to do it in one overnight hop. So close!!

Nov 16,Georgetown SC

Arrived in Georgetown just after 12 AM. Spent last night anchored just off the Wacamaw River. This was the first time we have seen the water hyacinth floating in the waters here. These are the same plants we buy for our fish ponds  at home and here they are considered a problem as they can choke the waterways.
Here's a few pictures from Southport. A nice town with lots of giant live oaks. Only room for a few boats to anchor here. We took the only free town dock.

Nov 14, Calabash River SC

South Carolina on the lower part of the Calabash River, more like a creek where we are, anchored with about eight other boats all headed south. Spots to anchor here are few and far between. Getting a bit monotonous motoring every day. After Charleston we will we looking at a few outside jumps down the coast to make time and enjoy a sail, weather permitting.

Nov 11, Wrightsville Beach NC

Arrived here in Wrightsville Beach, NC around 2 PM yesterday. We are going to spend a few days here making sure Yvonne's  asthma is under control. We were going to wait till Charleston to do this but have found that there are more clinics etc here.
It was beautiful weather here yesterday, 22 C but overnight the weather changed and tonights temperature will be close to freezing. The cabin heater may be on all night tonight. Nice to see mostly tropical palm trees around now. We have yet to see our first alligator but they are out there!
Navigating the ICW is a bit nerve racking with a narrow channel to stay inside of, with depths of normally 10 to 12 feet. Stray outside and there is much less. We have seen 4 sailboats aground in the last 2 days. Most all of us have towboat insurance. We did see 5 feet when Yvonne cut a turn a bit too close! It was the last turn of the day into a 10 foot anchorage at the Cape Lejeune army base. Here are a few pictures. Our friends are John and Helen from Maine who we have been sharing anchorages with on our way down the coast.

Nov 8, Morehead City NC

Arrived today in Morehead City. Dropped the hook in an anchorage that has a bit of tidal current, if I chose a spot a few hundred feet closer to shore I wouldn't have had the worry. Five other boats here also. Tomorrow its southward bound again, up at sunrise! I added a few pictures of the Dismal Swamp to the last post.

Nov 2, Elizabeth City NC

 

Arrived in Elizabeth City around noon today. We have just finished doing the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. Quite a nice change to the routine. Two locks and several swing bridges. A very nice town . They have several free docks for sailors to use. We would spend another day here but the weather is encouraging us to move south. The mainsail cover was covered in frost this morning!!

Oct 31, Norfolk VA

Here we are in Newport just in time to enter the ICW. Raining tonight but its supposed to clear by the morning. This place is filled with warships of all types. Last night we spent at an anchorage and tonight at a marina.
I must say we have had a few cool nights on board. To top it off the diesel cabin heater tends to act up when its windy, just when you need it the most. We will be trying to get a different raincap to reduce the problem. The problem is trying to arrange a place in advance to pick it up, as it is an "special order" item. Thankfully we have two backup heaters, one from the engine, and another portable alcohol job.