Cruising along the East Coast and Bahamas

We being the drive north by crossing over the ICW via the Socastee Swing Bridge

This gloomy look was nothing compared the rain we drove through most of the way up to Vermont. We always get a kick out of walking or driving over bridges that have opened for us on the ICW.

Watch out for crazy laundry lady driving golf cart!

Graduation was a huge success in all respects, we logged roughly 1,000 miles each way with the drive back way more pleasant than the rain-drenched drive up.
A few chores were in order; boat washing, laundry, removing partial birds’ nests (where we could reach, but could be more) and returning our rental.
So you could say, since trip number one was so successful, why not do it again, only slower and take in the sights. Oh, and why you’re at it be sure to travel on a busy holiday long weekend and experience local boat traffic as never before. No way, thank you very much.

Along the stretch known as the "Rockpile" -beware of rocks protruding from shore

Along the skinny stretch known as the “Rockpile” -beware of rocks protruding from shore

Our timing was good. Thursday would see us just shy of the NC line and Friday we’d transit past the two inlets where we went aground last fall. Busy inlets with plenty of locals fishing and zooming about on weekends; I never like to do this stretch on a weekend. No worries about depth this time; North Carolina recently completed dredging the ICW near Shallotte and Lockwoods Folly inlets and joyous ActiveCaptain reviews proclaimed plenty of water even at low tide; which was good since we passed through near low.

Recently damaged fender system at Little River Swing Bridge

Recently damaged bumper system at Little River Swing Bridge. Lucky the bridge was still operational

A barge came by (at night?) and mowed down the fender system and pilings.

Each spring we see these Three Billy Goats Gruff on this narrow marshy island

First time we'd see a clam digger. Obviously low tide

First time we’d seen a clam digger. Obviously low tide

Every trip we see this boat closer to “sunk” and taking the dilapidated dock with it

Friday we’d arrive at Carolina Beach and try out one of the new moorings. The area is relatively quiet even with several marinas nearby, charter fishing boats and a few tour cats and late night party boats. This was the perfect spot to hunker down to hide out from the frenzied local boaters and from forecasted thunderstorms. Our real reason for being here though is Britt’s Donuts. Gosh almighty delicious and I will not say how many we purchased and consumed between Friday evening (they open at 4pm) and Sunday morning. Trust me on this and Russ agrees, these are not to be missed and belong on your bucket list. If you haven’t started a bucket list, do so now. Started in 1939 using a closely-held recipe, Britt’s churns out one kind of perfect donut. You can watch and be amazed at the volume produced in a tiny room.

One of many accolades on the wall

We couldn’t get enough!

Several other locations on the OBX; don’t you want one in your town? Russ is looking for Ginger Beer.

Memorial Day weekend beach goers; the view was the same the other way

Sunday, we braved the rapids (well nearly) and cavorted with the locals for the 11 mile run to Wrightsville Beach where we needed to stage for a jump offshore on Monday up to Beaufort, NC .

A very active ICW on Sunday as we headed to Wrightsville Beach

NOAA promised a near perfect day for us, SW 10, then going 10-15 in the afternoon, seas 2-3 ft. The dolphins visited briefly less than 10 mins after I (this was not complaining) mentioned that the day would truly be deemed perfect if only we’d seen dolphins.

Always a pleasure to see these graceful creatures. And see- the water is sort of blue!

I figured that if they hadn’t shown up by 5pm a comment couldn’t hurt. I love it when I’m right. Russ dashed out to watch and snap a few (hundred) photos. We got anchored by 6:15 and you will never guess who arrived during the night and anchored nearby.

The marina leases space to a group who keep goats here and on Goat Island

Before driving north to Vermont for our son’s graduation May 17 we had several days with which to tackle projects and play tourist.
Our first order of business was to get ourselves to a nearby UPS Store to send back our faux Engel (Isotherm cooler box) to the distributor in Ft Lauderdale. After getting Defender involved, the distributor agreed to cover the return freight cost (they provided their UPS acct #) and we “just” had to get it packed up and shipped. We called, we checked, we thought we had everything covered. Not so fast desperate captain; how about the UPS Store won’t ship on account? Time to regroup.

Off the boat, into the golf cart, into the cab and finally into the UPS Store.

The nice taxi driver lady was going to wait, but we ended up sending her off while we spent 45 mins having a shipping label faxed to the UPS Store and then reviving Russ when he heard the price to box it up. The store manager cut us a sweet deal and we left to eat lunch next door. The original plan was to have the box repaired (new cover and refrigeration system) and returned to us in Myrtle Beach by May 21. Not a good plan, when no replacement lids are in stock and time is needed to test any electronics switched out. In the end we said to keep it and we’d wait to have it sent to us in CT.
The water maker got pickled- and no that doesn’t mean drunk as a skunk but it is out of commission.We either have to make water every four days or flush it. Not doing either for longer means using pickling chemicals specially created to put the water maker on hold so to speak until you need to revive it. Our first time with this process and I am happy to report success and no additional gray hairs acquired.
Enterprise, our new best friend, provided our Chevy Malibu 4-door sedan after my dismay at the VW Beetle offered. While the VW would be fun for around town, we’d be driving over 2,000 miles with luggage and bags of stuff.

Close to the beach area of Myrtle Beach

Curious about the beach part of Myrtle Beach we stuck our noses in, but got a better look when we returned the car and were driven back through the “fun” area.
Wednesday we drove down about 17 miles to Pawley’s Island Beach; maybe you’ve heard of Pawley’s Island Hammocks, that’s the area. The UPS Store clerk told me that was the best beach around for beach combing and it contained an ocean side and a protected creek side for added interest.

The ocean-side beach at Pawley’s Island

Jelly fish close up

Along the creek-side at Pawley’s Island beach

Driving was a challenge; not that we’d forgotten how, but the structure of the roads, turning lanes and side access roads were not what we were used to. We had more than a few turn arounds because the Google map on the iPhone wasn’t quite as quick as it should be. Or maybe the assistant navigator wasn’t up to par. 🙂
On the way back Brookgreen Gardens welcomed us. Our several hour visit did not do the place justice nor will this post; suffice to say it is lovely, affordable and well worth the time to tour the extensive sculpture gardens, trails, and peaceful resting areas. We stayed with a tour guide for a short while to learn about the massive collection of primarily bronze and aluminum sculptures that were artfully placed around the grounds.

Diana the Huntress, I believe.

Interesting approach to sculpture and gardening

The Pavillion was a lunchtime surprise. Expecting something express, like cafeteria style, instead we found a choice of inside or outside dining in a comfortable setting and delicious food served promptly.
On to the trails with small exhibits, info signs, sculptures and other great reasons to stop and enjoy the surroundings. Brookgreen also contains a small livestock area, aviary, and a butterfly house, but we had to skip the butterflies.