CLUCK CLUCK

Well after talking with the Coast Guard and checking our tide tables, we decided to stay inside on the ICW. The other couple was from Australia and had never been outside either. We did not feel 'warm and fuzzy' about doing it at this time.
We had a very pleasant day with no groundings, in fact, I think we have been in much more shallow water earlier on this trip.
Tonight we are anchored in a very deep creek in Georgia just south of Savannah on the North River.
Just in case you were wondering...........................Misty is having a great time! She doesn't always like to anchor out but she is doing her thing just like she is supposed to on her personal outdoor potty area. We do have to be careful when docking or fueling because she gets very anxious and will hop off the boat to the dock if we take too long.

Which way do we go?

This time I will leave you in suspense................we are at the Isle of Hope Marina near Savannah, GA. While Jerry was checking in he heard that 2 of the passages on the ICW are nearly shoaled over or at the least need to be passed during high tide. He met another couple that is going to go 'outside' (that means going into the Atlantic Ocean for those of you 'nonboaters').
We had thought about going outside for a shorttime just to get a feel of it, however this other couple is going to go outside for about 53 miles and I am not sure we are up for that yet. We are still checking the maps and tides and will decide later. Stay tuned for the next chapter!

Hunkered Down

Well here we are in Beaufort SC. We came in early yesterday because of the expected high winds and cold temperatures. It did blow 20-25 knots yesterday and part of the night, with gale gusts. The temperature got down to 29 degrees. I am so glad I bought a down comforter for the boat. The only problem is who is going to get in bed first to warm it up. Today is sunny and a little warmer but it is expected to get even colder tonight.
We are at the City Marina, very convenient to everything. There is a courtesy car to borrow and very nice people here. I am going to check out the shopping today.

On our way again!

Well Harold put in the new water pump and accumulator. We were back on the ICW by noon. We anchored out on the Thoroughfare Creek off the Wacama River. It was deep, quiet and still. Jerry made my new favorite drink, the 'Cosmopolitan'. We had a spareribs dinner, some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and slept peacefully. Next day, we got to the Isle of Palms, which is across the river from Charleston. We anchored out again at Little Goat Island and were at the City Marina in Charleston by noon. We walked around town and had a very nice dinner at Magnolia's.
Today, Friday, was our lay day. It was very cold last night, in the 20s and it is supposed to be that cold again tonight. Jerry did some planning for the next few days cruising and I took care of the mail we got delivered today. So far, we have had hot showers and clean clothes.
Our plans are to get to Lake Worth in Florida by the 13th of February. We are to meet up with a few other 'Tugs' and will plan our crossing from there.

The Curse Continues

I can hardly write this for the frustration that I am feeling. On Sunday morning after our showers the brand new water pump went out. We managed to contact an old marina called Hague that is known for its maintenance. The owner, George, took our phone call and said we could come in and spend the night. The Marina is in a little canal just south of Myrtle Beach on the Intercoastal Waterway. We were able to dock, watch the football games and send emails.
First thing Monday morning the maintenance guy, Harold, was able to determine that the pump valve was in fact burned up as well as the old one we were still carrying. Tomco contacted us as well to talk with the mechanic to be sure he checks all the electrical connections. The only suggestion that was made was to get a bigger accumulator tank and pump. Tomco Federal Expressed it and this morning, Tuesday, we have a new accumulator and pump which Harold is mounting as I write.
The whole delay would not be so bad if the weather was a bit nicer but it has been cold and rainy. The marina here lent us a car yesterday…………….it was a bit of a jalopy, but we managed to get to the mall and walked around for a couple of hours just to break the monotony.

Curse of the Water Gods

Would you believe we had another water pump go out!!!???? We were only gone 3 days and it just stopped in the middle of doing dishes. And would you believe that the unnamed person who was in charge of the boat’s tools, parts, and such left our spare pump in the garage!?!?!?!?? Me either!!!! But since this is meant to be a pleasurable experience, no blaming allowed.
We were able to get Tomco (boat manufacturer) to Federal Express us one overnight. They were just as incredulous as we were about the pump going out. For those of you who don’t know……..our little 2.5 year old boat has now had 4 new water pumps installed. There must be some other reason for this to keep happening……like a short in the wiring or electrical surge. Maybe all you electrical engineers out there have a suggestion.
Anyway we waited an extra day in Surf City at a Marina, finally getting on our way Friday at noon. We got as far as the Snow’s Cut and anchored for the evening.
The Cingular ‘card’ that we got for our internet connections is working out fine. We manage to stay on line as much as we want. Of course we have to take turns whose computer gets to use it.
Today, Saturday, we have had a pleasant cruising day and are going to spend the night at the Barefoot Landing at Myrtle Beach.

On Our Way

Well, we left Cypress Landing on schedule (noon) and anchored out in a creek near Oriental NC. Last night we stayed here at Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro NC…….we knew the weather was going to get ugly so felt safer in port. And the winds did blow during the night and this morning.

Cruise to the Bahamas