Day 15 Osprey Marina, SC - Barefoot Landing Marina, North Myrtle Beach, SC

18.9 Miles Travelled
April 29TH, 2011 -  One of our favorite stops along the ICW is Barefoot Landing Marina. Barefoot Landing is a floating dock wall beside a great outlet area and wonderful restaurants. Last time we were here, there were signs the economy was definitely taking its toll, many closed shops. Well we were not disappointed this time, many boutiques were open. The captain managed to get a great pair of boat sandals and the first mate purchased a skort, top and matching sunvisor. At 75% off the regular price how can you not buy something? We had a great time walking around and treated ourselves to some great ice cream. The weather was warm, sunny and wonderful.
Some of the interesting spots that really didn't impress us but gave us concern were these tiny ponds that contained huge fish and dozens of turtles. There just seemed to be too many animals for such a tiny area. When people walked along the walkways  you can purchase turtle/fish food. These creatures were definitely used to this formality as the turtles and fish clamored for a spot.

 Leaving Osprey Marina

Dozens of Turtles Vying for food

Day 13/14 Minim Creek SC - Osprey Marina, SC

42.1 Miles Travelled
April 27/28 TH , 2011 - Had a very comfortable sleep in the anchorage. Our anchor held well and we were gently swayed throughout the night.  Weighed anchor in the morning and soon we were heading up Winyah Bay. The captain and I agreed to just by-pass Georgetown, SC completely. The weather report was calling for severe thunderstorms in the late afternoon as well as for the next day.  Georgetown is too open for our tastes if the weather kicks up.  Well when we entered Winyah Bay we discovered that the winds were still pretty strong and that we made the right decision.
Winyah Bay leads to one of our favorite bodies of water the Waccamaw River. The rivers banks have wonderful wildlife and plant life lining the shores. Ospreys are beginning to build their nests. We often see turtles resting on logs basking in the warm temperatures. This year we spotted our first alligator on a tree limb in this river. It took us by surprise and we wonder if the turtles were a little upset with this big guy taking their spot.
Our excursion today was a replay of yesterday, only this time we weren't so fortunate. We were a few miles south of the marina when we literally saw the line of rainstorms closing in on us at a quick pace. It's an amazing sight to see this line of storms coming from behind. We knew we weren't going to be spared and we prepared quickly for a good drenching!! Both of us giggled like school kids because there was little else we could do, mother nature was having fun. In incidences like this the captain slows the boat down to almost neutral and we just wait it out. We didn't feel so bad when we saw this open little powerboat go by with little ones,, all drenched.
Our plans were to stop in Osprey Marina which is a very protected anchorage for bad weather. Pulled the Summer Wind into the fuel dock and filled her up at $3.64/gallon, a very 'reasonable' price comparatively and put in 225 gallons. Can you say OUCH!!
Later we tied up at our slip, where we would spend the next two nights waiting out the weather. All was not a concern that evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal at Scatori's. The restaurant will pick you up and drop you off at the marina. We enjoyed a fabulous meal to the sounds of the likes of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bocelli,, what a great mix! Took home our leftover meals which by the way was enough to enjoy for two more dinners! Before heading back to the marina the restaurant let's you grocery shop and when your done, they drive you back.! What a great service for boaters!!
Hard to believe but the second day we worked on the boat, did a huge load of laundry and relaxed on board. There were tornado warningsamidst severe thunderstorm warnings in nearby areas but hard to believe. This was the same system that did horrendous damage to Mississippi and Alabama. You could hear the wind howling above the treeline but other then that, there was no semblance of bad weather. Check out the video below, like they say, it's better to be safe!

 Winyah Bay

 Turtles basking on the tree log

Alligators??

Summer Wind in Osprey Marina

No weather in Osprey Marina

Day 12 Charleston SC - Minim Creek SC

53.9 Miles Travelled

April 26th, 2011-  Checked NOAA and there was a large storm front slowly making its way across the country. It was predicted to reach the  shores of the east coast in a few days. We decided that we needed to have a good travel day and get passed the Charleston Harbor Inlet. It's one of our last 'big' sounds for South Carolina and we could spend the next few days on the ICW if it 'just rains'. The chatter over the radio was the weather, and discussions about where all the boats were planning to stop. Afternoon thundershowers were again being predicted.
From Charleston to Georgetown there are very few marinas but there are great anchorages if you need to duck in somewhere. We knew exactly where we could tuck in if necessary. Well just as we passed a little town named MacLellanville the skies began to change and change very quickly. The clouds rolled in and off in the distance we could see that the thunderstorms were definitely on their way.  It was a fast moving system, so plans to make Georgetown, SC was scrapped and we made plans to anchor in a very protected spot in Minim Creek. We had just started to drop the hook when the rains began and claps of thunder boomed. We made short work of setting the anchor and quickly ducked for cover. We were secure, and enjoyed a warm tasty dinner aboard the boat. That night we discovered that we were able to pick up ABC Dancing with the stars.... illimination night and we're both routing for Kirstie Alley to stay on the show.

Saying Good bye to Charleston

Square Lighthouse

Ben Sawyer Swing Bridge

Interesting anchoring

Dark Grey Clouds rolling in,, rain off in the distance

Outrunning the storm!