Sunday found us still in Beaufort, SC.

We walked to a Huddle House for breakfast-never been to one before and it was a quick walk from marina. Good coffee and sourdough toast, not commonly available at breakfast joints. An older gentleman came in and sat down near us, alone. A conversation struck up…..we both thought he was in late seventies……turns out he was only 69, a year younger than Larry. Larry looks really good for his age-fellow couldn’t believe Larry was a year older……back at the boat, I sat out in back porch to paint and watch storms…..Larry watched a Bruins hockey game…..poor man had to hold the antenna over his head to receive the channel……….that’s team spirit!

Monday, Mom is back in the hospital-nothing serious but at her age anything is concerning. I want to stay here, airport an hourish drive. Weather holding off so we walked to Beaufort downtown (we stay at Lady’s Island, across the bridge). Lunch at Plums. A must for me. I had my usual Biarritz sandwich, Larry had gumbo and an oyster po’boy.

Mine usually comes with a side salad and a hot bacon dressing. No more. Must ask if dressing is even still available-I wouldn’t mind paying extra for salad and THAT dressing. We walked around town, visiting shops and galleries. Then the sky got very threatening….Larry said don’t worry….We walked back over bridge fast….I watched the sky the whole way…….

Tuesday was a rain day. I got some serious painting done….

Wednesday was a ‘sit” day. Rain off and on, some very heavy. Some thunder and lightning too. I had to attend a condo board meeting via phone. Larry watched a Bruins hockey game-they lost. No Stanley Cup this year.

Thursday, dealing with mom issues and got my food shopping done-prepping to leave.

Friday, we are off! Departed at 9:00. Not a smooth departure….wind had us pinned to dock. But we made it. Beautiful day, NNE 10-15. Skinny water in several spots, meaning depth. No issues, just required a watchful eye and careful navigation. Saw a pair of loopers (doing the circumnavigating the eastern half of US and part of Canada )on a jet ski…. we fly our gold flag, meaning we completed loop once. So, they slowed down to say hi and then zipped off. Good to see. What an adventure. Anchor down at Church Creek, AICW mile marker 488, at 4:00. I sat out at night, on the porch, listening to a very sweet bird. Sounded a bit like a loon, but not typical loon sound…..

Saturday, anchor up at 7:10. Truly a gorgeous morning, cool morning, E 10-15. Went by Charleston….I always look for the old homes at water’s edge. Today, a cruise ship was docked nearby…..not sure I appreciate the contrast so close together. Got a whiff or two of a paper mill …. too far off to be Georgetown…..I assume there are others. We had to maneuver around dredges and many small boats out on a Saturday…. and skinny water depths to add to the chaos….anchor down by 2:50, Awendaw Creek, AICW mile marker 435. Early stop because the next few miles are among the shallowest part of the ICW. We’ll take it in the morning, at high tide.