A Stray from the Usual

Ok, I am going to be bad... and not follow my normal format. I am just way to behind and so much is going on.

We made it to Charleston a couple of days ago. We had a fairly good motor in, with the threat of rain the entire way (it held off just for us, :D ). Our great laugh and enjoyment that morning was the bridge operator at the Ben Sawyer Bridge. She in no way, like our friends on Bristol Rose say, displays the stereotypical southern hospitality. We were at the front of a line of boats (thank goodness!), waiting for a bridge opening. Three boats back, someone calls in for the bridge to wait for them. The operator promptly tells them (in a loud, punctuated, and more than unhappy voice), "I was waiting for you, but you are just going entirely too slow!" We enjoyed a great laugh, mainly because we weren't the ones getting in trouble. She did wait for them, but gave them hell the entire way. She was closing the bridge right as they were coming through.

Coming into Charleston, we tied up at the City Marina and began our normal routine of... diesel up, get plugged in, charge everything, empty trash, etc. We spent the past couple of days visiting with my Mom's high school friend, Mark Blalock and his wonderful family. We cruised around downtown Charleston enjoying the restaurants, shopping, and the beautiful homes. For those architectural fanatics, Charleston is the primo place to see some amazing buildings. We walked all over the place!!! Mark (thank you so very much) lent us his truck and we were able to shop at Costco, Lowes, West Marine, and Wal-Mart, gathering various supplies, most importantly more warm socks for Mama. We bought ourselves a grill and I am personally very excited to see what Dad will make, Mr. BBQ Guru. The weather has been wonderful here, although slightly rainy at times, but HEY! I wore a t-shirt! A t-shirt! It felt amazing! We had the craziest winds last night, that kept Dad awake the entire time while all the boats slapped against the dock. It didn't bother me a wink. :) I slept soundly, a wonderful trait I have developed (I figure, when things go bad, I'll be woken up, but in the mean time, why not sleep?). Haha. We enjoyed a wonderful time, meeting lots of new people and seeing old friends. Thank you so much for all the wonderful hospitality! I will enjoy the leftover mac and cheese and banana pudding!

Alas, we must hit the "road" again. Tomorrow we head not down the ICW, but out... yes! We are venturing out to the deeper water. We have close to a 28 hour trip from Charleston to Amelia Island, Florida. If we were to stay in the ICW, it would take us 5 days. So we opted for a little more excitment, possibly some more sailing (vs motoring), and a shorter time period. From Amelia, we will hop around until a weather window opens to cross the Gulf Stream into the Bahamas. We are still hoping for Christmas in the islands! We are very excited and can't wait to see what it is like. We will let you all know when we have arrived in Amelia, but probably after a little sleep. We will be doing shifts, so it won't be a constant awake. I will blog asap!

Hope everyone is enjoying the full moon! It is gorgeous here!

Good weather and Happy sailing!