An afternoon run.
Following a layover Friday because a steady rain, we left at noon due to the high tides. There are 6 fixed height brides along Myrtle Beach and with the spring tides we had to be careful.
The skies cleared after an early am rain and the day provided a pleasant run along the canal. The boat traffic was surprising light, so we must be at the front edge of the surge. Many insurance companies have restricted boaters below Beaufort, NC before Nov 1 which has placed a two week delay on the normal migration. Our policy restricts us to not be south of Cumberland Island, Ga before Nov 1.
The Rockpile at North Myrtle Beach was its usual ball of laughs as one does not migrate from the center of the channel for fear of hitting the huge rocks alongside. We did not encounter a barge heading north like we did last year.
The big resorts line the waterway with golfers playing next to us as we move along. The overhead cable cars carry would be Tigers to the next hole at one resort. The unfavorable tide slowed our progress till we just made the 15:45 opening of the Socastee Swing Bridge. The tide became fair as we made 9-10 mph below this point.
One of the most scenic stretches of the AICW is along the Waccamaw south of Myrtle Beach. Cypress swamps and Spanish Moss abound. The 10 mile run in the late afternoon was made unaccompanied and was a real joy.
We made reservations at the Wacca Wache Marina just off the Waterway. Our friends Karen and Jim Sinkway moved to the Wacca Wache Plantation six years ago from Yardley and we made plans to enjoy the evening together. The expansive Plantation is an elegant development where the live oaks were retained providing that southern stately aire to the streets. Originally it was two large rice plantations along the river.
We had a great seafood dinner at a local restaurant and visited Karen and Jim's lovely home for cake. Their daughter Rebecca made it home from work in time for us to see her as well. She will going off to college next year and hopes to go to Charleston.
Data: 12:00 to 17:15. Engine hours 965.
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