The majority of the route today was very pleasant; we only had to contend with two tough areas. The first is known as "The Crossroads", where the Calabash River crosses the ICW and connects to the Little River Inlet from the Atlantic. The current through The Crossroads is erratic, but the toughest part was trying to follow the correct channel markers and avoid heading out to the Atlantic or up the Calabash. There were 2 channel markers for each direction, totaling 8 altogether where it all came together. The binoculars came in handy to read the marker numbers well in advance. The second area is called "The Rockpile" by the locals. This is a 3-mile stretch along the ICW that is lined with slate, and it's shallow. We took the advice of the locals and headed out on the rising tide so that when we reached The Rockpile we would be at high tide, then stuck to the center of the channel. We made it through with ease.
Other than going through two swing bridges where the operator made us wait for road traffic to clear, the rest of the run today was delightful. The only thing that I wished for was for the sun to come out, but it stayed mostly cloudy and cold.
After checking into the Marina, we had a pleasant afternoon relaxing and chatting with the many cruisers stopping here overnight. Seems like everyone has dogs, and Jazz and Oscar met many new friends today, running and playing with all of them. Oscar fell in love with a cute little 7-month-old Cocker Spaniel, and I think she felt the same about him!
Today's photos:
First sign we are in SC....gambling cruises
Powerboat city
Just passed through the Barefoot Landing Swing Bridge, Mile 353.3 on the ICW
Another sign we are in SC....Ford pickup and Spanish Moss
This is the only one of these I've seen so far
Heading toward the Socastee Swing Bridge, Mile 371
Canal to the Wacamaw River
Turning into Osprey Marina's channel
La Dolce Vita, safely in her slip for the night
Marina office
Welcome Committee, always waiting on deck when I return.
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