P.S. Benefit of Blogging and lovely the Waccamaw River

Charleston P.S., Benefit of Blogging and the lovely Waccamaw River

A couple hours after I posted my last blog, there was a knock on my hull and Pam appeared for a chat.  We last saw her, her husband and their boat, Gallivant, on the Erie Canal May 2013.  However, she checks in on our blog from time to time and noticed that we were next door on the mega dock so she came by to say hello.  When we last met they were headed to the Rideau and Montreal – our exact plan for this summer so she generously shared highlights, tips, and memories.  Never say that blogging doesn’t provide hidden benefits!

Also, one last mention about the culinary delights in Charleston.  We stopped at Jestine’s for a southern meal and her sweet shop for take home snacks. This restaurant did not need to advertise – there was a line every time we walked by and the walls were covered with articles boasting about the authentic and reasonably priced southern cuisine.  After our visit we can add out vote. YUM

From Charleston we wandered on the Waccamaw River – reputedly one of the eye candy spots on the AICW. We enjoyed this change from marshland so much that we spent two nights in different corners along this stretch of our journey north.  Saw gators, turtles and nesting osprey among the cypress knees before leaving the river’s natural scenic beauty for more urban views. 

As a bonus in our second anchorage we were visited by captain of the boat anchored next to us with a Canadian couple on board.  Pierre provided us with more info on our summer plans as he and his wife are from Montreal.  He also teased Steve with the location of lobster holes in the Bahamas – the friendly world of boaters never ceases to amaze.

On to Charleston with a stop in Beaufort, SC

On to Charleston with a stop in Beaufort, SC

Leaving Savannah with the tide we wound our way through the skinny South Carolina marshlands for a stop in the Beaufort River before heading to Charleston via an overnight in Tom’s Point Creek.  The weather forecast was nasty so we spent two nights off Beaufort with its charming main street and yummy restaurants.  We started early with breakfast at the Blackstone’s Grill – THE hot spot for early morning meetings.  By the time we left half the town seemed to be in their regular spots in this cozy eatery.  (We were sure they were all regulars since the waitresses did not ask for drink orders but arrived with them as the guests were seated.) Southern hospitality reigned and we also received excellent service and warm conversation – even as total strangers. The rainy weather did not deter the shoppers although we sat out most of it on the boat only returning for afternoon snacks and WIFI in the coffee shop plus a few provisions from the Low Country Produce Café & Market. Even the rain could not dampen our day.

Oh, did I mention it was also COLD!

Again leaving to make best use of the tide we headed on north for a quiet afternoon and evening in Tom’s Point Creek – one of many semi-protected spots along this stretch of the ICW. 

We actually had to share our serenity with a Canadian boat, but due to the gale force winds we stayed on board. 

The next morning we left to catch the best water into Charleston City Marina at a spot on the mega dock arriving about mid-day with no adventures enroute, which is truly a trick in these shoal infested waters. However, a rest in Charleston is always a treat - another walkable city with super restaurants and great groceries. Even the corner stores here stock micro-brews.  The marina is a longish walk to the heart of things, but this is only fair considering the culinary temptations which need to be worked off! Oh, yes, there is also an hourly shuttle service from the marina for those not needing to burn any forbidden calories. A day of rest here allowed time for those normal chores like laundry, repairing our clock and replacing the relief valve on the hot water tank! Never a dull moment on Erben Renewal – Happy Easter to you all.

Charleston details

Easter Basket?