Leaving ICW and back to Charleston

Thursday, Jan 8

We set sail early this morning with Gary at the helm. It was a

 beautiful sunrise (which Stuart finally saw). Will's first full day day on the boat was a success as we traveled a good 62 miles. A fuel stop gave us enough fuel to cruise for a few days. Porpoise spotted this morning, but we remain in NC for the fourth day in a row. The end is near! Cape Fear River is still something to be reckoned with, we motored against a 3 knot current,  25 to 35 knot winds and 3 to 4 foot chop. The young crew had a blast with Joe sleeping soundly through most of it. We will hit SC tomorrow and perhaps even

 the open ocean! Many naps were taken during a fairly rough passage this afternoon. Carrie took us through some shallow areas and Joe navigated us under a few bridges and narrow passages this afternoon. We are resting dockside tonight at Holden Beach Marina and enjoying Alison's Goulash and Gary's homemade kalamata olive bread. We may head ashore for a bit later to catch teh national championship football game. By the way, beautiful sunset tonight!

Friday, Jan 9

Sunset Beach Trip Trap Swing Bridge let us through. Clear and cold night; 32 degrees, but the crew did not complain. The football game was sort of a bust as we watched it from Blackbeard's Bar. Gary managed to scratch twice on the 8 ball letting Joe and Will win. We left at 8am to a

 calm, clear morning and a beautiful sunrise. We husteld down to Sunset Beach Swing Bridge, and although he said it was closed from 11-2, he let us through even through we were 5 minutes late making the 11am opening. Go Sunset Beach! The new 65 foot bridge will hurt the beauty of the island. Off to

top off with fuel and pick up a bunch of gallon jugs of water. Stuart and Joe passed several casino ships heading off to sea. Back to the Little River Inlet where Carrie stopped Gary from hitting Bambi while it crossed the ICW. Carrie took us into the Atlantic Ocean for our first 24hr stint. The ocean was calm as a bathtub, but by about midnight started to kick up. So much for the forecast, the wind continued to build from the South, and while porpoises  still kept us company, the wind continued to build.

Saturday, Jan 10

The rough seas continue.......

Sunday, Jan 11

The wind was from the south at 30 knots, we reefed the sails and kept waiting for the wind to shift in our favor. It did not happen, but the crew did an excellent job in the bad weather. The wind grew to 30-35 knots and 10-12 foot seas, we reefed the main down and pulled in half of the jib. We just slugged our way through; the boat did just as great as the crew. El Capitan decided to head toward shore for wave protection, but that was a slow process. Lots of flying

 fish were seen as well. With the weather not letting up we began to head toward Charleston and City Marina. It was nice tying up, having a hot shower and doing some laundry (after the wet night we had). The crew is headed to town and the captain off to sleep. I cannot complioment the crew enough for the great work they performed. Taking a wave in the face at night is no fun and it happened to everyone all night long. We look forward to a smooth sail Monday (weather permitting) and we are off to the ocean again but staying a bit closer to shore just in case the forecast is wrong again.