SPLISH SPLASH '09

Lapidus went back in the water Wednesday morning. The topsides are beautiful, the bottom job looks great, the prop has been adjusted, motor mounts have been replaced on engine, and a transmission kit installed. We had not planned on replacing the transmission kit, but when it was discovered that we had a leak, we decided now was the best time to do it since the boat was already out of the water. So, instead of three weeks, four weeks were needed.

As soon as she was in the water, we moved Lapidus to one of the Boatyard slips. This time, we knew not to pull in with the strong current; instead we chose a slip that allowed us to go in against the current. No Problem.

The rest of the day we moved back on board. We had quite a few clothes and books, plus we had bought several items (some large) at the boat show. We also had food; we didn't eat every meal at restuarants, plus we bought food for the refrigerator and freezer that could now be turned on again. On our sail up from Charleston, the halyard for the mainsail had split as Larry was lowering the sail, so he put up a new halyard and changed the oil while I put our load away. It was a long day, but we were glad to be back in our home and sleeping on our cozy V-berth on our very comfortable thick mattress.

We had talked about cruising down the ICW to Beaufort, SC. Cruiser friends tell us that this is a scenic area of the ICW and has few shoaling areas. Days are getting shorter, so we would probably have to anchor two nights on the way. Rather than travel the ICW in Georgia, which has lots of shoaling areas, we would then go out the Port Royal Sound from Beaufort to Brunswick, which would still be an overnight trip. So that would be three nights to get to Brunswick. Nope, not for us, at least not this time. We chose to go north from the Boatyard back to Charleston where we would stop for fuel and a pump out, then out the channel and south to the St. Simon inlet to Brunswick. So the next morning (Thursday) we left the Boatyard at 8:30, meeting other boats traveling south on the ICW. At the Wapoo Creek Bascule Bridge we made at 9:30 as planned!), we were the only boat traveling north, but three were going south, also traveling the ICW. It's a popular activity this time of year.

Going out with the current in Charleston, sailing on a beam reach, and coming in with the St. Simon/Brunswick current -all added to our great sail. We were in a slip in Brunswick at 11:00 Friday morning. A much faster trip than the ICW. We don’t always do that well with time, but we did this trip. We’re pooped after we sail all night, but a good night’s sleep and we’re fine.

Sunset while Underway, Wednesday, November 5th

Now, we are working through our list of “To Do’s” and To Buy’s”, so we will be well-stocked and supplied as we head south ---and we are ready to do that. Our insurance company requires that we be north of Cumberland Gap, GA from June 1 to November 15. So, we’ll be looking for a good weather window soon.

We loved Charleston. We had a great little place to stay, but the wifi hookup was iffy, so we had no chance to post while we were there.

Guests caught fish and crabs in this creek on the inn's property. We had no place to cook such yummy catches, but we found these swings to be the perfect place for a cocktail and viewing lovely sunsets.

There is so much to see and do in the Charleston area: from the historic downtown to forts to plantations to beaches to well-designed parks, all places where lots of walking improves the outing. Marshes, rivers, creeks, ocean, and thousands of very old live oak trees all add to the natural beauty.

And the food is fabulous, choices of local fresh food and fish with the very best Southern food. Cheddar cheese grits goes with just about everything.

This park was developed around a marsh and has miles of trails.

The entry to Charles Town Landing, the original site for the city of Charleston.