You think the titles are getting monotonous? So do we. However, it's either sit or slog onwards so off we go. Today we crossed the Savannah River and in doing so crossed the SC state line. As we crossed the river, the AIS alarmed so we had forewarning of a pilot boat traveling at close to 30kts up the river. Those guys really fly and we were glad to have a little extra notice before we "looked both ways" and crossed the river.
Heavy 15-20 kt winds on the nose are no fun and really slow you down, especially in the big sounds when the waves kick up a bit. However, every now and again you can make a turn that puts you off the wind a bit and it's time for a little fun. Today we actually got to sail a little as we turned more north than north-east up the Beaufort River and put out the jib in 18 kt winds. We were soon on our ear, but that was OK with everyone but Murphy. Charm and we were glad to be sailing and Murphy finally relaxed and took up his usual station on the low side. Tali was mostly oblivious to the change in the horizon and Nikki took to her bed below decks.
We had to stall a while before going through the ever-cantankerous Ladys Island Swing Bridge at Beaufort, SC. It has reduced it's openings to once an hour and we were trying for the old openings on the half-hour. However, the wind had laid a little so we just did lazy circles in front of the bridge until the appointed hour arrived.
Once through the bridge we picked our way into Factory Creek. Another entrance shoal, this time with only 2 ft under the keel. However, it's low tide so we'll be able to get back out just fine. It's a new anchorage for us and I'm not sure we'll use it again. It was too narrow for Tropical Breeze's liking and they went on another few miles to Brickhill Creek. The appeal of this anchorage over the one they were headed for was dog walking. Factory Creek has a public boat ramp, Brickhill Creek is all private. However, the boat ramp was right next to a busy highway so the dog walking wasn't so hot and the creek is so sheltered that the no-see-ums are relentless. Oh well, it's good to try new places as you never know when you'll need someplace in a pinch and the devil you know is sometimes better than the one you don't.
The picture shows a little low-tide traveling. At least you can clearly see where not to go!