We left our ‘Norfolk Broads’ location at 0800 and headed out through beautiful wilderness. The homes are few and far between now, and there is just mile after mile of marsh and occasional woodland. It’s a wildlife haven, as we saw from the number of dolphins, pelicans and cormorants. We saw our first formation of American ibis today – really impressive with their long necks and curved beaks. Also had some lovely flypasts by squadrons of pelicans in formation. Feeling very lucky.

Nothing much to report today about the route, except that this was the first day we have not gone under or through a bridge, and that it rained a lot – a full oilskin day, for the first time since leaving Europe. But no matter: there’s no such thing as bad weather – just inappropriate clothing.

Our end point was in the salt marshes a bit to the east of Charleston. As we carved off through the rain into the side arm of the river to find a suitable place to stop for the night we were surrounded by loads more pelicans and dolphins, all coming in really close. Too much fun – even in the rain – though peeling off the oilies, turning on the heating and settling in out of the rain for the afternoon has a lot more charm. We have agreed with Chandelle that staying dry is far more important than cocktails tonight.

Now at ICW Mile 455 – 40 statue miles today