Prime Real-estate for Ospreys

Along the many miles of AICW some stretches are rather boring while others offer an ever-changing look at the beauty and wonder of nature. We prefer the latter, especially when shoaling is not a concern or bridges don’t force us to think about them. The Waccamaw River stretch between Georgetown, SC until a few miles south of Myrtle Beach is one stretch we enjoy. In spring the osprey have been busy with their nests and they line the banks of the river one right after the other; usually in dead trees at the waters’ edge but robust day markers make a great nest location too.

Now, with such prime nesting territory, as well as a few select areas farther north, osprey would benefit from an MLS listing of nests available and potential nest sites. I’ll bet if one existed it would look something like this:

Large nest with spacious surroundings. Enjoy vast water views in an area with lazy neighbors and slow boat traffic.

Large nest with spacious surroundings. Enjoy vast water views in an area with lazy neighbors and slow boat traffic.

Spacious contemporary site calls out for a nest. Fantastic marsh and river views offering a multitude of perches. Let creativity be your guide.

Spacious contemporary site calls out for a nest. Fantastic marsh and river views offering a multitude of perches. Let creativity be your guide.

Sturdy nest completely decorated. Perfect for the osprey who appreciates color and a busy neighbor

Sturdy nest completely decorated. Perfect for the osprey who appreciates color and a busy neighborhood

Robust nest with pizazz. Perfect for the environmentally conscious osprey who likes a bit of flash

Robust nest with pizzazz. Perfect for the environmentally conscious osprey who likes a bit of flash

Extra large and sturdy mansion ideal for a growing family, with night time lighting installed. Highly desirable, 2 River Rd address.

Extra large and sturdy mansion ideal for a growing family, with night-time lighting installed. Highly desirable, 2 River Rd address.

Lofty, tree-lined setting, tastfully decorated with Spanish Moss. Outdoor lighting installed for safety.

Lofty, tree-lined setting, tastefully decorated with Spanish Moss. Outdoor lighting installed for safety.

Open and airy. Spacious accomodations for guests and/or a growing family. Tree top views of the river

Open and airy. Spacious accommodations for guests and/or a growing family. Tree top views of the river

Plush and comfy mega nest with overhead lighting. If you love shabby chic, you won't want to pass on this find.

Plush and comfy mega nest with overhead lighting. If you love shabby chic, you won’t want to pass on this find.

Fabulous starter home oozing with potential. Ideal for the energetic who want to make their mark.

Fabulous starter home oozing with potential. Ideal for the energetic pair who want to make their mark.

 

Charleston: we go all out

Oh, I am so behind. Today is Wed April 17 – now the 18th,  and I only just got caught up to arriving in Charleston a week ago.  The reason I’m behind is that we continue to make fun stops and enjoy what will be the last of warm, sunny weather… cuz guess what? Another cold front, pushing plenty of wind, rain and t-storms for fun – arrives late Friday. Figure we’ll be tucked away in a tall tree-lined creek for a couple of days and then I’ll get caught up.

On to Charleston: shopping of all kinds, eating and drinking at some terrific establishments, aquarium visit, laundry…you name it we did it during the three days. Rain and T-storm only at night; overall the weather was more accommodating than had been forecast. Our dock neighbors told us about a distillery they planned to visit with friends who had a car. Umm, that ran a tiny bell. Turns out it was Firefly who not only operate a distillery; they also own Firefly Resort right near Hope Town, Abaco.  At the corner liquor store I settled on a 4-pack of Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade; not too sweet, serve over a handful of ice cubes, kick back and enjoy.

The most intriguing and interesting sight took place right outside the marina entrance in Charleston Harbor. These are cutting edge sailing-on-foils gizmos. Amazing to watch- yes a video would have been a good idea, but only have “stills”. Any idea what they are? Another cruiser said he’s seen them in Newport.

Flying on foils Cooper River, Charleston Harbor

Flying on foils Cooper River, Charleston Harbor

Replacing old earrings with new

Replacing old earrings with new

Lunch at Poogan's Porch- excellent thin sweet potato fries, and drinks, and salad, and biscuits....

Lunch at Poogan’s Porch- excellent thin sweet potato fries, and drinks, and salad, and biscuits….

Albino gator at aquarium- so creepy- floating like that

Albino gator at SC Aquarium- so creepy- floating like that

Looking straight on, you can't see the side porch.

Looking straight on, you can’t see the side porch.