Charleston,SC

     I think the last day of cruising for Danny was the best. Not only did we have a bright sunny day with enough breeze to be comfortably cool navigating from the upper helm but it was fun when nature began to play with us.  Danny spotted fish clearing the water surface by 3 feet and several different bird species such as red headed pelicans, snow geese, ducks and osprey.  However, his biggest thrill came when he spotted a pod of Dolphins headed directly for the bow of the boat. We watched as one turned and jumped to position himself at the very front of the pod of 4 already riding the bow wave. They played with Danny. First rising to the surface so that he was looking directly down their blow whole than turning their heads from side to side looking up with an alternate eye each time he waved his hand at them. This didn't happen just once but on several occasions as we traveled through the somewhat open bays and in the channel.

                                                                           

                                                                                 

     Shoaling was now becoming significant.  About 2 miles from our destination at Toler Marina, Active Captain showed significant shoaling, meaning 3 foot depths where other cruisers reported having to go out of the channel or hit bottom. We slowed down and tried to keep close to the markers while jet skis and small runabouts buzzed by us taking  what little water depth we had and creating wakes that affected our depth sounder. Additionally, boats moving toward us wanted their half of the narrow shallow channel out of the middle. We stood our ground and forced them to go around us.  As we went over the last very shallow area I felt the boat slow down and tip to the port side. Instinctively I pushed the throttle forward to get more thrust to get us over the soft sand.  Stopping would have us sitting there until the tide went all the way out and we would not float off for at least another 45 minutes or more after bottoming. We slid through and enjoyed 4 to 5 foot depths all the way to the bridge. They had just completed a dredging of the channel into the marina so our depths their were 7 foot minimum.  Whew! We made it.  However, from now on we would have to pay closer attention to the local tides, stopping an hour before low tide and not leaving until at least an hour after low tide.

                                                                           

      Danny contacted his relatives and will be disembarking from Doc's Holiday to return home. He has been an immense help in us getting this far. Not only did he finally get the hang of keeping the boat in the middle of the channel but he helped with lines, power cords, docking, engine repairs, and cleaning the boat from stem to stern.  He even brought and cooked a moose meat dinner for us! With his pleasant nature we shared old stories about old times, had some great belly laughs (his laughs bigger than mine because he has a bigger belly!) and created some new stories.  Danny thank you.  It has been 3 weeks of challenges and fun; and thank you Susie for letting Danny be Danny,and  allowing him to join us in this adventure. To show our appreciation we have arranged for a nice waterfront hotel room in Portland for you both to stay when you pick him up.
     Just to prepare Danny for his homecoming, we took him out to a local restaurant called Salts 22. It was time for Danny to experience his first taste of oysters and she-crab soup. For those of you up north that do not know about she-crab soup, it is made from crab roe (eggs) and not only is very tasty but should extend the aphrodisiac properties of the oysters. Happy Homecoming, Susie! 

                                                                           

                                                        First time oysters for Danny.

     Beth raved about the Blue Crab Cakes with Carolina Slaw and grits and I savoured the delicately prepared swordfish.  Danny and I just had to have the creme brule for desert. Satiated, we used up some of the calories walking the mile and a half back to the yacht club. We took Spencer and Sophie for a long walk and began the preparations for the next days cruising. Danny wanted to stay to help us get away in the morning so we arranged a ride with Toler Marinas harbor master to deliver Danny to his Aunt, just 3 miles away.

                                                                             

                                    Signs along our walk (we went under this bridge)
                                                                                 

                                                                                      
                                                                             

                                                Sunset at Toler Cove near Charleston