Not a bad day. The weather forecast was the usual gloom and doom that did not come true. Such a pain to make plans based on these forecasts and then find that we could have done something differently. Like last night – 50% of Thunderstorms. I shortened a trip and went to a different anchorage than I wanted to and – no storms – no rain. Same forecast today with the addition of 15 – 25 kt winds and gust to 30. Hasn’t happened yet and it is almost 4pm and the sky is partly cloudy and no storm clouds in sight. I suspect bad weather is on the way but will be later than forecast.
Today we passed through the infamous Hells Gate channel and it was bad. We passed at mid tide – falling of course – and found 6.1 feet at G87. Ohh well we made it. We had a nice push to Hells gate from the falling tide and hit 8 kts for awhile but paid for it up the Vernon River at 5.2 kts but were able to motor sail or it would have been worst.
Ohhh well. We had a nice run from Kilkenny Creek to the Herb River this morning and were in just before noon. I felt safe and secure here in case of strong winds and thunderstorms ass forecast for today.
I put the easy day to use and changed the oil in the main engine – which is a 1.5 hour job including cleanup, and pulled the transducer for the knot meter and cleaned it – it hasn’t worked for a few days. Not critical because the GPS gives true Speed Over Ground reading but I like the gauge to work.
Other than that just some gentle cleaning and waiting for the big bad thunderstorms to arrive. No don’t think I’m making fun of the storms because I have a great respect for them – like 120 feet of chain rode down right now!!
Most of the Canadian contingent pushed on but Sweet Chariot came in here and they will be over in a little while for sundowners.
If the forecast holds then we will be across Port Royal Sound and Calibogue sound tomorrow and spend the night in Beaufort, SC. Actually we are just about 8 miles from the SC border but have to negotiate another terrible patch of water – Fields Cut just north of the Savannah River. Today near low tide we heard 3 sailboats were aground there. We hope to pass through tomorrow at 1 hour after high tide and should have no problem . Boy I will be glad to get this part of the ICW behind us.
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To the crew of the Tempation.
Hope you have little difficulty getting to Beaufort, SC. We boat both north and south of Beaufort, and know well the Hell's Gate passage, and the cut just north of Savannah. As long as you're crossing on an incoming high tide you should be just fine. Beaufort is a wonderful little town with lots to see and do, so if you can, spend a day here. Try Panini's, near the marina, for great food, or head over to Emily's for tapas. You can get great seafood at Nippy's, and it's very inexpensive. Also, check out some of the wonderful galleries we have here. Depending on your time schedule, you might also want to make a stop for a day here at Dataw Island. We have a great marina, just off Parrot Creek on St. Helena Sound. It's full service, has a nice ship's store, and a small restuarant. If you have clubs on board, you might want to play one of the private courses. Where ever your journey leads, smooth waters with just enough wind under you sail for a great ride.
DJ
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