We woke early and had coffee at McDonalds. I think McDonalds has the best coffee there is for the cheapest price. I had 2. We headed out soon after and motored toward Barefoot Landing Dockage. These are free docks along side tons of shopping and restaurants. It was only about 4 miles away so we made it there a little before lunchtime. We were boating against the current so it was slow going.
When we arrived there was only one dock wide enough for us. Sedona rode the bow with rope and I took the helm. We came in slow and toward starboard (right side) in hopes of parking port side (left). The current was super strong and push us hard into the end of the dockage causing me to freak right the hell out.
As we rolled hard on the fenders hanging from the boat I pushed as hard as I could against the pillar to move us forward into the slip. John had to jump off the wheel and help me. Sedona was stuck in the front as the boat was still not close enough to jump off due to the current pushing our back end out.
The fenders started to roll right over the dock as they were squeezed so tight they were forced up. I used my feet to push hard on the pillar. Sedona was able to jump off and pull us forward. Finally, with a lot of sweat lost, we got her into position. We forced her back one more time to jam in the rubber fenders and then tied her in.
After that I had to sit down for a few minutes as the adrenaline had my legs shaking too bad to stand. Eventually we undocked and headed to the shops. The center was filled with all the shops and products we were now accustomed to. Saltwater taffy, Italian ice, sweet shops, and pastries were everywhere. Seashore nicknacks, overpriced suntan lotion, wild sundresses, and UV protected clothing stores with ocean side brand names were in every other shop. It was a blast.
We did not buy anything but instead enjoyed the atmosphere and the a/c. All the walking got us hungry so we stopped in a restaurant for some yummy foods we would rather not make on the hot boat. Good conversation flowed as we talked about our fun time with Sedona sailing, motoring, concert going, beach walking, Italian ice eating, swimming, and just hanging out on the bow in the beanbags. Sadly, she headed back to Wilmington after lunch. Her energy was missed immediately.
We said our goodbyes and went back to Irish Eyes. She sat there tight to the dock, the current still holding her fast. I was nervous but I now knew how it was and I was ready to fight the current with my back to her helm and my feet on the pillar. It was a struggle but she moved easily and John was able to rev up her engine and push her forward. We were on our way. That’s when I realized my phone was missing.
I emptied my bag and tore apart my electronics but it wasn't there. John reminded me I checked my work email at the restaurant and probably left it on the table. I contemplated whether I really needed the phone. I really, really did not want to have to re-dock. Carrie called the restaurant and confirmed it was there. John turned the boat around. This time we decided to use the long docks. We motored in and did a complete 180 and John slid her right into position. I hooked the cleat on my second try and was able to get us in position to tie on. Phew!
I retrieved my phone and we left the dock easily headed in the right direction. The rest of the day we motored along through the Waccamaw River. Incredible homes lined the passage on both sides. Jet skis flew past us up and down the river. We kept our eyes peeled for alligators but saw none. We navigated some pretty shallow waters to get to the anchorage we had chosen. Once there, we saw one sailboat leaning to the side caught on low tide. Then we saw another caught on the banks. Both would have to wait for the tide to come up so they could be released. We moved on.
By the time the sun was coming down we were able to anchor at Murrells Inlet. There were 4 boats anchored out and all looked well. Across the river there is gas in case we want to fill up in the morning. We aren't sure where we will end up tomorrow. We just realized that we are a little less than 70 miles from our destination of Charleston, SC. We are both anxious to get there and sad this part of the adventure is almost over.
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