January 2010 Bender Resuming-Cruising Blog

Only in South Carolina! Wish I'd gotten a frontal for the 'wave action' and the elaborate gold teeth. She was most gracious in allowing me to take advantage of this Kodak Moment.

Serendipities just seem to find us. While Bill and Diane from Greenville were spending the holidays in their beach home on Edisto, they drove over to have lunch and spend the afternoon with us. Diane hired me and was my nurse manager in Labor and Delivery in 1990 but we never had a visiting opportunity in the past 20 years. We talked a mile a minute in an effort to catch up. One of our favorite bands was playing on Hilton Head Island so we drove down for the weekend and to hear them. They were great and we closed down the place!!!

On our way back to Charleston we took a side trip to see the historic town of Bluffton. The picture of this church, circa 1854, doesn't do justice to the visual treat that it was. Its backdrop is the water and moss decorates the old oak trees surrounding it. As long as we've lived in S.C., we'd never been to Edisto Island so added that to our itinerary of returning to Charleston. And this is what we saw!!!

Our marina in Charleston is right in the traffic pattern for the C-17's coming and going to and from Haiti. They're flying low and are loud but we're so happy that our country can go to the aid of those poor, disadvantaged people. The noise is a small price to pay.

At last! The end of an interlude! When we arrived here mid-October it was for 2 weeks for annual MD, dentist, etc., appointments. Now, 3 1/2 months later we've finally casting off our lines to head south. We had a little "bump in the road" of our well laid-plans--unplanned surgery. All is well, healed, was released by surgeon on January 25, to "resume business as usual". At slack tide on the 28th, we began our trip south. Our delay has been such a blessing and great opportunity. In this period of time, we've developed some amazing friendships, reveled in parties, heard incredible music, danced to some awesome tunes, walked wonderful beaches, savored delectable meals, accomplished many projects, and totally and thoroughly enjoyed the roots we've put down in the Charleston area. This feels so much like home and even though we're eager to resume cruising, leaving here is bitter-sweet.

Greenville friends, Jill and Fred, were here for the weekend and we sampled yet another Low Country restaurant. Sadly, we've had to leave before getting around to all of them!!! We're looking forward to seeing Fred & Jill on their boat in the Bahamas this spring.

We'll post again in a month with hopefully more sea miles under our belt than we've accrued during the past many weeks. So long, Charleston! Love you but really gotta leave you. See you next November!

We close out this month with an unplanned lay-over tucked in at Downtown Beaufort Marina for 3 nights as a refuge from the freezing temps, rain, and wind. A lovely little town we've visited many times but are enjoying it again for a few days under-cover of our superb foul weather gear and warm coats, caps, and gloves. Fondly,

Bill and Laura Bender

Docked in Beaufort City Marina

M/V Kindred Spirit III