June 4th- Georgetown to Waccamaw River, SC
My parts came in. The windlass was repaired. Nothing else broke. We enjoyed the extra couple of days in Georgetown. We had seafood every day and are still enjoying left overs. Ollie had some more time to run around with Ralphy.
This Crane hangs around Independent Seafood waiting for shrimp.
Everyone enjoyed our stay in Georgetown.
Our Thursday departure was not ideal for the trip up the Waccamaw River. After consulting the tide and current charts (with an early start) it looked like I’d have four hours of favorable current and then it would turn against me. There is less of a tide further up the river so I figured it wouldn’t be a problem.
Now for the real story. As soon as we got into the river the current was slightly against us. This only increased as we went further into the jungle. Research was needed. Due to much rain and a moon tide there is a lot of water trapped up there. A LOT. Eventually our progress was reduced to 2 knots. I ran Catalpa’s diesel at almost the maximum RPMs. The area is all swamp anyway but it was really flooded. Sometimes it was hard to tell apart the ICW from the jungle.
Our anchorage was up by a place called Enterprise Landing. This far up there wasn’t much of a current. There was no difference between high and low tide. Just a bunch of water sloshing around. I had debated tieing up at the nearby Bucksport Plantation Marina but much of their docks looked to be underwater. Our anchorage was just off the Waccamaw in Enterprise Creek. It turned out to be a perfect night.
View off the porch.
A quick run out of the creek and across the ICW are two boat ramps for Enterprise Landing. Both ramps (and public parking lot) were flooded. While walking through the water, on my way to dry land, someone pointed out a nearby alligator. Hmmmm… Maybe I’ll use the other ramp in the morning.
Catalpa anchored off of the Waccamaw in Enterprise Creek.
June 5th- Waccamaw River to Calabash Creek, SC
Last night we had an almost full moon (one more day). The jungle sounds were like a movie. We were serenaded by the loudest frogs we’ve ever heard. What a pretty spot. We were the only boat.
The good thing about being on top of a big pile of water is going down it. Today was all down hill regardless of tide. Our speed approached 7 knots.
Just north of Enterprise Landing is Socastee. The little town was inundated with water. On our trip South we noticed many houses were on stilts. Now we know why.
Socastee swing bridge.
After passing through the whole area I read that the Coast Guard has declared a “HIGH WATER EVENT”. Mariners should use caution due to extreme currents. Bridges don’t have the proper clearance (our mast fit). The whole area is now a no wake zone. I’d like to add- there is a lot of stuff floating around.
We passed through Myrtle Beach which was also somewhat flooded. After a quick day we anchored in Calabash Creek. It’s not perfect, but it’s good for a night.
Our neighbors.
