July 21st, Thursday 6:30 AM we left Brunswick Georgia. We headed out into the ocean for a long day again, 10 1/2 hours and 222 miles we docked at Harborwalk marina in Georgetown, South Carolina. For the last two days we have had generator problems, then as we came into the harbor, Captain Mike said we’ve lost our steering, yike “that’s boating”😖. So we stayed here Friday to do some needed repair. Captain Mike did the needed repairs on the generator and the steering but there is an oil leek in one engine. After some discussion, I have decided that we’re going to the Chesapeake, spend some time in that area turn around and come back. Too risky to go into Canada. Georgetown is a very quaint, little town. While riding my bike around today, I took a picture of this house because it is so picture perfect and I love the mossy tree in front of it.
On a very sad note, Gerry Chapman, my long time companion, travel partner and good friend has passed away, he will be greatly missed. His daughters Claire and Jane were with him as was my daughter Kerri who has taken very good care of him.
July 19th: Going out today from Cape Canaveral heading for Brunswick Georgia. It’s nice and flat out here my kind of ocean. Our departure was early, 6:08 AM. As we left to head out into the Atlantic, we passed a barge carrying a part of a missile, you look at picture and see what you think it is.
Day 3 Heading for east coast. We had 2 locks today. Going to Cape Canaveral we had a lock through from the Banana River to the Atlantic. It was lock doors that open, you go in and tie off to the side while they close those doors and open the East set of doors. No water height change . So needed to know why so I looked it up. It reduces tidal-current velocity in the Harbor, prevents hurricane tides into the river and salt water intrusion. While inside we were entertained by about 4 or 5 Manatees enjoying a little playful time.
Day 2, crossing was stressful, heavy rain, electrifying thunder and lightning. We had no where to get out of it, I must say I was very nervous. Captain Mike was resourceful when top started to unsnap in wind heavy dock lines on top kept it down. We need different closures instead of snaps.
July 16th, 2023
My adventure begins one day late, no worries, flexibility is our Motto for this trip. To quote Bob (and I will probably do that often), “That’s boating”. Our first stop was St Charles YC, free overnight with SYC reciprocal. Monday morning passing Ft Myers a couple photos of hurricane Ian’s destruction. 125 miles, 5 locks and we will be on east coast.
Caysea57 