We've been chugging home - Steriod Style! After departing Partick AFB's Manatee Cove Marina at the end of March we did "touch & go's" at Rockhouse Creek (one of our ICW favorite anchorages), St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Georgia (1 brief leg only), SC & finally here in NC. A little over 600 miles in 8 days!

Highlights of our trip were visits by Ford Jones (who holds the record of 3 visits to Ruby Slipper while in Florida; Linda's gal pal from URI Jeannie Toohey came close with two visits - one in St. Augustine & one in Fernandina Beach (she lives in JAX); and lovely anchorages in Georgia & SC!

Yesterday we left the gorgeous Price Creek, off the Waccamaw River, SC for a grueling 80 mile passage to Southport, NC (via the Rock Pile which has a reputation all it's own!) of which 80% was in fog, often ZERO visibility, sometimes 1/4 mile or 1/16th of a mile. It was ZERO thru "white knuckle" inlets such as Murrels, Little River & Lockwood Folly. Lockwood Folly was very interesting as Bill was glued to the Plot Charter while I strained my eyes to spot any navigation markers. What was scarey was that ocean waves break very close to the ICW here. We could hear them but couldn't see a thing. Guess that was good! Why didn't we stop & anchor, you ask? Well, there aren't any anchorages along this lengthy route. We made it & in fact helped a boat called Palmetto Girl who was a moment away from going aground at the ocean inlet of Lockwood Folly. Bill yelled out on the VHF radio in the knick of time. We ended up leading the way for the duration of this fog-bound journey. Palmetto Girl was very appreciative for the breather.

Now here at one of our favorite stops, Southport Harbor Village Marina, NC as yet another cold front passes. Tonite we meet up former Eastport Yacht Club friends, Rick & Jeannie Brown.

Tomorrow we'll press on up the Cape Fear River to Wrightsville Beach. We enjoy the anchorage there. Then, likely to go offshore to Beaufort, NC in preparation for our trip to the Outerbanks! A first for us!

Hugs to you all! We're on track to be home by the 1st week of May! Whoo, hoo!!