Impulse Cruising Again

Driving up and down I-95 there is no question when one passes from North Carolina to South Carolina or vice versa. The big sombrero of South of the Border comes into view, and one knows the boundary line is near. This iconic attraction has grown from a roadside store to include motels, mini golf, arcades, souvenir shops, and more. All very tacky, and proud of it! But on the water there is no such “line.” Last night we slept in North Carolina, but today we hoped to dinghy to the island and cross into South Carolina. Glad there are no customs requirements!
Oh no – a problem with the head (or toilet, for you landlubbers) so we decided we needed to move to a location where this could be remedied. Leaving the wonderful anchorage and anticipated day’s plans, we headed out to St. James Marina, crossing into and out of South Carolina to get there. We passed a small cruise-type ship - turns out it is the Big M Casino boat from Fort Myers! Practically a neighbor of ours in Florida! Tides were against and with us as usual as we passed several inlets, but we made it, despite the efforts of a dredge that tried to obstruct our path! He very kindly told us to fit between him and the red mark in the photo, but when we tried to do that we ran aground. Another radio call, and he moved over a bit to make it a little easier and we were on our way. Once at the marina, Bill disassembled the hoses, etc. looking for the problem. Needless to say, it was a stinky job, and involved many towels, paper towels, and Clorox. But we won, and the system is once again operable! Much needed showers followed, and then some wine time and dinner on the boat. We look forward to seeing some friends and Bill’s cousin, who live nearby, in the next few days.

30 miles, 4.5 hours