Isle of Palms, SC, - Winyah Bay Anchorage, SC, - Enterprise Creek Anchorage, SC

Bob and Deidre had a wonderful party aboard their boat, over-flowing with friends, as we all said our goodbyes to them.  Tide Hiker cast off their lines and began their cruise north.  We were oh, so envious.  What a beautiful day for cruising.  We'll miss them terribly but wish them gorgeous days and a memorable trip.

Tide Hiker on their way north

Their slip wasn't empty too long before Sandpiper arrived from the Bahamas with Linda and David.  They got here just in time for us to order pizza for dinner and spend a delightful evening listening to their tales and also enjoying the company of Gary and Linda.

Beautiful S/V Sandpiper at home in her slip in Wild Dunes

On morning walks it never pays to be unaware of your surroundings.  This is one mis-placed critter who's trying to get into the ocean but the waves are stronger than he.  I contacted authorities and 6 policemen showed up with no rope, cage, or anything---and murder's against the law.  I didn't hang around to find out what happened to the baby gator.

The morning of the 10th at 1000 we were remorseful as well as celebrating and we pulled and tugged the roots loose from the low country pluff mud beneath our boat as we prepared to head north after 8 months in Wild Dunes.  That’s the longest we’ve ever stayed anywhere.  We love our Charleston area friends and the sense of community that we feel there but we are such gypsies at heart.  Having one foot on land and the other in the sea was an injustice to both life styles.

This is a beautiful day for cruising and we’re ecstatic to have the wind in our hair and the salt spray on our faces once again.  Before day is done we’ll have traveled 45 miles and anticipate our Butler Island anchorage for the evening.  Boats were never meant to be dockside condos. This is definitely what Kindred Spirit was made to do.

Bill and Laura
Cruising north on the AICW and lovin' every second!