We have spent most of the last 2 months aboard Wind Spirit and are generally very comfortable in our condo on the water. I am finally getting back to writing on this blog again. For most of May and early June we were dockside at Port Royal Landings Marina. We had a pleasant time and it was actually very relaxing. Had dinner with Beth and Helen one rainy evening on the boat while they were at Fripp. Somehow didn't get any pictures.
Joan our neighbor came down for 4 days over Memorial day. We had some great sailing weather while she was with us. Had dinner out at 11th Street Dockside in Port Royal.While Joan was there we had a bit too much excitement as there was a PAM PAM call ( just under a MAY DAY level) that someone was in the water. The Coast guard finally canceled the emergency call pending further investigation, but we saw helicopters out searching. Also saw a boat aground which brought back some memories for Bill and I. When we came into the dock the current caught us turning us perpendicular to the dock. It took some help to just swing the stern around and tie up safely. We were a little bumped but mostly humbled by the experience. Just as we were tied up another large motor boat came rushing in with the current, totally lost control and crashed into us. Joan had ducked and hidden her face. Too much going on all at once.. Wind Spirit had a few scratches we discovered later but more importantly Howard, the captain, had seriously cut his thumb trying to fend off from our anchor and boat.
He docked on the outside dock, and Bill went over and helped tied up and closed up his boat so they could get him to the hospital for stitches. We met them later, and they came for drinks on the boat. A bottle of McCallen also changed hands. Thanks Meaux and Howard. Hope the hand is better soon. Interesting ways we meet folks. Rather do that with less trauma for everyone however!
Friends and fellow sailors at the Port Royal Marina have been so helpful and patient answering Bill’s million questions and helping learn to do boat work including cleaning filter systems on board, helping repair the bilge pumps, and giving him suggestions when docking. The staff there is also amazingly supportive. We are so appreciative and do hope to go back there and keep it as our home Marina.
Lots of dolphin all around when we go sailing and even around the docks. Green backed herons wake me up every morning with their chortle-like cry. The marshes are full of oyster catchers, egrets and snowy egrets with bright yellow feet, great blue herons, little blue herons, and lots I can't id yet.
Bill and Nancy were with us for a few days the first week of June. Such fun sharing the boat with these sailing buddies. We spent a day in Beaufort which is such a lovely city and so picturesque. We love to spend time there. We toured the Verdier Museum on Bay street and drove around The Point. This city was a Union stronghold during the War between the States and was left virtually intact so has lovely old antebellum homes. We sailed over to Hilton Head with Nancy and Bill and had a wonderful day on the boat. Best sailing yet! Had dinner at Hudson’s the oldest seafood restaurant on Hilton Head.We have had a week at Hilton Head at Skull Creek Marina in the Hilton Head Plantation. The Dockmaster, Granville has been great. But we do miss PRLM. Favorite restaurant there is Skull Creek Dockside!
Bruce and Kelly and the Will and Andrew have been at a beach house in Sea Pines this week and next with all her family including cousins Lanie, Reid and Emma. We visited, and they spent some time on the boat with us. Bill went fishing with Kelly's Dad, Fred, Bruce and Kelly. Kelly was the star fisher woman that day pulling in a 39 pound King Mackerel. Can't download the pictures this time''have tried!! They said it was delicious eating when Bruce cooked it on the grill.
Bruce and Will spent an afternoon sailing with us. Will loved it and we were so pleased to have them with us. The kids loved the dinghy ride too!
Bob and Anne Chandler were also in Hilton head last week with family, and had their first sailing experience with us on Wind Spirit in Port Royal Sound. They said it was their maiden voyage. We loved having them aboard for a day and caught up with their family news. Hope they will come with us again. Think the pictures of them were all on Anne's camera!
Christine and Mark came on Thursday and stayed until yesterday when we all headed home. Had some great sailing and wonderful meals out and with Kelly’s family at the beach house. It was super hot all the time they were there in the high 90's. Thanks goodness we have AC on the boat. It sounds crazy, but with the humidity is necessary and has kept us very comfortable. We didn’t go looking for AC on a boat but it came with it along with a great heater . We have been grateful for both in the last 6 months.
Our favorite meal for this month was Frogmore Stew which we have made twice and loved it. Local shrimp are in season and are delicious!
We just love filling the boat with friends and family! Such fun to share our adventure.
Enjoy hearing from all of you who are following this retirement journey. Our plan is to return to the boat after a couple of weeks at home, and then after the 4th will head north.
We are in the process of moving Mother to Canada to live with my brother and his wife. Will write more later. Please keep in touch.
