Cruising the Waterway

We have really enjoyed cruising south on the waterway.  There is a lot of difference in the North Carolina and South Carolina waterways.  The North Carolina waterway is very developed with houses of all shapes, sizes and colors.  There are many man-made channels that have been dug out so that houses and small docks could be built on either side. Our waterway seems almost overdeveloped as compared to parts of the South Carolina low country.  We left Southport on Saturday, October 30 with beautiful skies and cool temperatures.  Like most mornings we began the day in sweatshirts and a jacket and then later on were able to change into shorts and short sleeve shirts.  What is there not to love about North Carolina fall weather!  We never seemed to be alone on the water.  There is always a boat coming up behind you that may be faster and want to pass or you may meet a boat going the opposite direction that you need to respect and give them room to pass.  There are "rules of the road" for boaters and it is interesting to see how the other boats respect them.  One of the things I like the most is to see all the local folks fishing in their respective home waters.  They are usually very friendly to us and don't seem to mind the fact that we are just passing through their waters.  I am sure this time of year they are used to the constant interruption from the transients.

The first night we anchored in Calabash Creek right across the waterway from the Little River Inlet.  It was a really nice anchorage with one other boat, Viking Star, coming in to stay the night with us.  We would later see Viking Star anchored in Charleston.  What is really neat about cruising is meeting new people and following them down the waterway or hearing them converse over the VHF radio as the week progresses.  You may not get to know everyone on the boats but you begin to know the boat names which makes you feel you do know the folks on them, especially when you hear them frequently over the radio.  You become somewhat invested in hoping they reach their destinations safely.

On Sunday we were off early to our next stop - an anchorage on the Waccamaw River.  We knew this would be an especially meaningful day. Buck grew up at Lake Waccamaw right outside of Wilmington. Lake Waccamaw is the beginning of the Waccamaw River so he felt like he had returned to his roots.
We anchored in an oxbow right off the river with absolutely beautiful moss hanging from the trees and little frogs sunning themselves exposed logs.  The Waccamaw is very swamp-like but so serene and quiet in there that I almost forgot about all the alligators I have seen in Lake Waccamaw when visiting Buck's family during summer family reunions.  I was convinced I would see one in this anchorage and even cautioned Magic to be really careful while walking around on the deck.  Much to my delight, we didn't see the first alligator or snake!!

I wish I had the words to describe what it is like to start the day with a steaming cup of coffee, fog coming off the water just meeting the rising sun, and so quiet you can almost hear yourself breathe.  It is just the most beautiful and peaceful time of the day.  It must be what is meant by being "one with nature".  We  have had many of these mornings during our short journey thus far.

The next two anchorages were equally as beautiful but the terrain was very marshy. It seemed as if you could see for miles and miles from the bow of the boat. You really didn't see a lot of development, especially close to the waterway because of the marshlands.  You would have to really look to see the houses built way back in the marshes.  We spent Monday night anchored in South Santee Creek and Tuesday night in Dewees Creek.  We knew the weather was predicted to change and certainly felt low pressure that was hovering just over the horizon off the coast.  We woke up Wednesday to clouds with a cold north wind that made it feel much colder than it actually was.  We were so grateful for our full enclosures because we were so very toasty and comfortable for our short trip to Charleston.  Thank you, Rick!!!!

What can one say about Charleston but that it continues to be a gorgeous southern town filled with rich tradition and history.  It is certainly a mariners town and the City Marina could not have been more accommodating.  Even though anchoring in different magnificent places each night, marina life can be fun too. It is a time to replenish the boat, the supplies, and ourselves.  It is also time to have heat since we are plugged into shore power.  That is why we decided to be wimps today and stay one more night in Charleston since tonight is going to be the coldest night yet.  We have thoroughly loved walking around the battery, through the historical section,  and down the water front.  I loved, you notice I said "I", walking through and just browsing the elegant and upscale shops on King, East Bay and Meeting Streets.  My favorite, though, was The Market with each vendor and their handmade wares they display so proudly!  Charleston has been surprisingly busy and alive with all kinds of people - students, families, other boaters, etc.  There was even a Waterway Cruiser that docked here at the City Marina on Friday.  But, remarkably there seems to be plenty of room for all of us!

Time to close for now since Buck just came down below and asked "what are we doing for supper?".  We will leave in the morning to continue our way south toward Beaufort, S.C.