The first order of business on Sunday morning was to clear customs and take down the Q flag. The CBP roam app is a great tool for sailors to clear customs and usually includes a video call to confirm all the details. However, we were asked to proceed to Charleston for our final clearance which meant we weren't allowed off the boat until we were cleared. The strong north winds had filled in, as forecasted, as we set off in adverse current for the 65 mile slog to Charleston. As the day wore on it was obvious we couldn't make it all the way but we did manage to find a great creek to anchor in for the night. It's mandatory to be at a dock for Customs to visit the boat so we made arrangements to tie up for a couple of hours rather than pay for a whole day. We timed the current and bridge correctly in the dreaded Elliot Cut and arrived at 10:00. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready to leave the forecasted strong east winds had us pinned to the dock and we couldn't leave without causing damage. We wisely decided to stay put as the wind increased to a constant 30 knots with gusts to 40. It took 5 people to push Dagny away from the dock so we could put in extra fenders to protect her for the night. This delay was really a blessing in disguise, we took time to relax, get a load of groceries and enjoy a meal ashore. Through it all Dagny rode out the wind and waves without an issue, although at a very pronounced heel.

Larry had agreed to spend a week to 10 days with us for the push north so we wanted to get in as many miles as we could. With strong offshore winds forecasted for the next few days we decided to push hard up the ditch. Timing is everything on the ICW, either to miss low tides or meet bridge restrictions, and Tuesday was no exception. We were off the dock at 5a.m. in order to clear a bridge before morning rush hour restrictions took effect plus this allowed us to transit a notorious shallow section at high tide. Over the next 3 days Larry certainly got an initiation of travel on the ICW. Up early, motor or motor sail all day while constantly checking charts for shoaling, dinner, watch Jeopardy and early to bed.

After 3 long productive days we arrived in Wrightsville Beach and were delighted to be greeted by our friends on Sandbox. But as often happens great plans go awry, Larry's Friday's flight home was delayed 3 times before it was finally cancelled and rebooked for the next day. It was a cold dark dinghy ride at 4 a.m. to take him ashore but thankfully his Uber was waiting for him.

Today's picture is of barge traffic on the ICW, and we think the channel is narrow sometimes.