October 30th- Carolina Beach to Pipeline Basin/ Southport, NC
Evergreen spent extra time in Carolina Beach waiting for the gusty north wind to subside. We wanted calmer winds for the Cape Fear River. We ate at the North End Cafe most mornings. They have a great bacon and egg sandwich. Before leaving we grabbed some home made banana pudding to have for dessert (delicious).
North End Cafe for breakfast.
Blackburn Brothers Seafood for dinner.
Big seas.
Almost Halloween.
Not a great place to buy property. Much of CB is inundated with water at high tide.
We traveled a short distance down the Cape Fear River and anchored in the Pipeline Basin. The pipeline is the discharge for the Brunswick Nuclear power plant. It’s actually a pretty nice spot and could use a better name.
Evergreen anchored in Pipeline Basin. Admiral taking a picture.
October 31st- Pipeline Basin/ Southport, NC to Waccamaw River/ Enterprise Landing, SC
Today was a productive travel day. We were able to ride the flood tide all the way through Myrtle Beach, right up to the Socastee Bridge near our chosen anchorage. This section of the ICW really makes you feel like you’re in a big ditch. In the past we’ve split this section into two days but we were making 7+ knots most of the day. At some point we crossed from North Carolina into South Carolina.
The highlight of the day was the Socastee Bridge tender. Some bridge tenders act like they don’t like to open their bridge. Not the case with this operator. It’s nice to hear a friendly voice over the VHF.
For Halloween night we anchored off the Waccamaw River in Enterprise Creek. We didn’t have any trick-or-treaters but there was plenty of Halloween ambiance in the jungle. We had owls, bats, fog, a jungle, and the occasional rattle of our anchor chain dragging along the bottom of the creek.
Sunset over the Waccamaw.
Evergreen anchored in Enterprise Creek.
Spooky morning fog on the Waccamaw.
November 1st- Enterprise Landing to Georgetown, SC
Maritime luck was with us again today. We rode the receding tide all the way down the Waccamaw River to Winyah Bay. Then traversed the short distance up the Sampit River to Georgetown. We pulled into the Harbor Walk marina for diesel. The plan was to anchor out in the river afterwards. Lynne spoke to the dock master about using the marina showers and laundry (we really needed the laundry). Since they just upgraded everything they no longer allow anchored transients to use the facilities. The Admiral enacted an executive override and opted for a marina slip for a few days. I somehow managed to get Evergreen into the slip. The trouble might be getting out due to river current and not much room for error.
Evergreen was looking “swampy”. Anchor mud, sand, branches, and dog footprints decorated the deck. I can’t remember the last time she’s had a good wash down. Today’s the day!
November 2nd- Georgetown, SC
Today we’re maximizing our usage of the laundry facility. I’ll be attending to some boat maintenance. We have our mail being expressed to the marina. Also on my to-do list, a hair cut.
It’s not all work. Georgetown is a really nice town with historic sites, good restaurants, and the Independent Seafood Market. The shrimp boats tie right up to the market.
Last but not least, Ollie’s brother, Ralphy, lives in Georgetown. Lynne walked up the street and Oliver started crying as soon as he saw Ralphy. He doesn’t play much with other dogs, with the exception of his buddy Finn, but he was sure happy to see Ralphy.
Independent Seafood.
The boys.
Evergreen docked at Harbor Walk Marina in Georgetown, SC
