NOTE pix are at http://picasaweb.google.com/ccanavino

Sun 5/27 Nominal day of rest
Dolphins were swimming and blowing air around boat slip this am. Put on trunks and mask and inspected prop and zinc, also tightened prop shaft coupling bolts. Other boat chores, then took scheduled 2pm courtesy run to West Marine. Glad to hear from all at Lou and Va's.

Sat 5/26 Beaufort to Charlestown
Had to get early start for 7am bridge opening. Repair of main bridge has disrupted traffic, so very limited openings on alternate route bridge. Ran lightly aground in inattentive moment, but waved down a couple in trawler "Red E 2 Go", threw them a line and was hauled off in minutes. Harbor and riverfront view of Charleston was impressive. Ashley marina is pretty classy setup; courtesy vans, fancy showers etc. Since now at Intracostal mile 469, have traveled halfway to Norfolk (mile 0). Decided to celebrate by eating in restaurant for the first time this trip (she crab soup, rib eye steak).

Fri 5/25 Thunderbolt to Beaufort S.C.
Passed Bonaventure Cemetery this AM. No azealas in bloom now. Arrived in Beaufort SC in time for Gullah festival. Mostly gospel music in park next to downtown city marina. Ladies were "stylin'".

Thurs 5/24 Anchorage to Thunderbolt Marina, near Savannah Ga
Wind not so bad in AM. Was puzzled by chart notation of "degaussing range", but seeing the structure and noting the 40ft channel depth, suspect that submarines are demagnetized here. Thunderbolt is a quiet town. Saw sign for fresh shrimp as walked along waterfront, bought another pound.The marina delivered newspaper and 1/2 doz Krispy Kremes to boat in the AM
Wed 5/23 Brunswick to Cattle Pen Creek Anchorage
Tough sledding across Sapello Sound. The Georgia sea islands are separated by inlets or sounds, which are open to the Atlantic. Today a 20-30 knot wind from the East caused 4ft. waves to build down the length of the sound. I had to travel against the wind and waves for about 10 mi., and could only make 3kts at times, as the tidal currents are very strong. A shrimper was anchored off the sound, waiting out the weather. Saw a flock of pellicans feasting on a school of fish, repeatedly diving in a small area. Anchored in a beautiful spot in the marshes with a nearby grove of trees giving protection from the wind. Late in the evening, as I went on deck to "check the rudder", a splash and shark's fin in the moonlight startled me as a dolphin surfaced near the boat.