We left Southport and travelled to Osprey Marina on the Waccamaw River. Osprey was a recommendation from our friends in the Kady Krogen. One dollar a foot dockage, cheap fuel and a discount for Boat US members, with a welcome basket on arrival! Very quiet and secluded, although the signs warning about alligators got our attention. One night here and onward to Georgetown.
The scenery changed as we entered South Carolina. Long stretches of undeveloped, scenic, low islands & marsh banks between extensive developments and small summer house communities. A dockside conversation with more experienced cruisers revealed that the ICW has gotten built up in recent years, which means slower transit times as we pass floats, boats & docks with fishermen, workers or tourists. The experienced travelers recommended going “outside” (along the coast, but in the ocean) whenever possible to keep up the pace. Good advice when your boat cruises at a 20 knots. Not so important for us.
Arriving at Georgetown, we tied up at Drystack Marine, which is basically a launch and storage facility for smaller boats. However, it was walking distance to town and nestled between shrimp trawlers and other working craft. Watching the pros dance their 60+ foot single engine boats between the docks and each other, in wind & swift current, without bow thrusters, was entertaining in a “How do they do that?” sort of way.
Georgetown is another delightful southern community. A little more city than Southport, but still a step back in time. We toured a mansion and 2 museums and now know everything we need to about the history of South Carolina rice. (yawn…excuse me). On the plus side, we enjoyed good restaurants, great ice cream, some live music on the street and quiet nights at the dock.
Things get a little murky when the water gets shallow
Another beautiful sunset