Once again we were underway at 0630. Evelyn piloted us away from the dock at Isle of Palms and we watched the sun rise as we motored north through the salt marshes.

Although we weren't trying to make huge mileage today (it was our "usual" 65) we left early because the latter portion of the day was up Winyah Bay and the lower Waccamaw River which both have strong tidal currents and we wanted to catch as much of the flood tide as we could. Well, we caught an amazing ride and flashed up the river for miles and miles making 7 knots or better! By 4:30, we were anchored in a wonderful sheltered anchorage and Evelyn was inflating the kayak for a little exploration.

Today was also memorable for our first sighting of an Alligator while underway. We'd been thinking we might see an alligator as we came down the ICW last fall but never did. Today, while Anne was on the helm, she said she thought there was a large log floating in the water ahead. Closer examination showed that it had teeth and was swimming! There then followed a few frantic moments to get Leslie up on deck, find the camera, and get a quick picture. Scourge, whom I sometimes refer to as "gator-bait" slept through the entire episode.

(33 30.949'N 79 08.648'W)