Isle of Palms and Charleston

Friday, Nov.2

We left late because we planned on anchoring in Five Fathom Creek, only 30 miles
away and we would catch better tides. We traveled through the Romain National
Wildlife Refuge, an important area of bird migration and were rewarded with lots of
bird sightings: eagles, egrets, pelicans, ducks, terns and gulls. We also saw a dolphin.
When we stopped to anchor in the creek it was very exposed and with the 25 mph winds
and strong current we were not able to get our anchor to set like we wanted so we
decided to continue on to Isle of Palms Marina, another 30 miles further. When the
wind and current are both strong and in opposite directions it can make anchoring very
difficult. By the way, Betty, the headsets have been a big help during setting and
weighing anchor. This area of the ICW has wide areas of low marsh grass on both sides.
After a long day of strong headwinds we made it to Isle of Palms right at sunset and it
a nice marina next to a large restaurant with live music ( but good music, which we
enjoyed ). We were right next to a very busy boat launch ramp and enjoyed watching
the locals coming and going in their fishing boats.

Being watched by an eagle in the wildlife refuge.

62 miles


Saturday, Nov.3

We decided to spend a couple days touring Charleston so we had a short trip today,
passing Fort Sumter on our way to the Charleston City Marina which gives good
access to the city. There is a complimentary shuttle service from the marina but we
chose to use our bikes to tour the city. It is amazing how many historic preserved
homes are here and we really enjoy riding the streets and seeing the sights. The side
streets are very quiet and easy to ride on. We visited Market Street and visited two
pubs while viewing the OSU game.

Some of the beautiful historic homes along the waterfront.

 

Watching OSU while testing the local brew.