Admiral Log

Tuesday, Aug 18

Underway even before the sun had awakened, into a light blanket of fog that still covered the water.  We were making our way further up the coast and towards section of Myrtle Beach where one would see showcase after showcase of golf courses and mansions.  (PHOTO #344)

 
Photo 344: Morning Mist - Myrtle Beach

Each community trying to have something unique from the other.  How about this for being unique – a cable car that took one from one side of the water (driveway) to the other side where the golf course and club house were located.  Golfers were out early on the course as we were out early on the ICW.  (PHOTO #347 and 348)

 
Photo 347: Myrtle Beach Golf Course - Cable Car

Photo 348: Golf Course - Myrtle Beach

Less than two hours into our day, we had crossed into NC.  We checked watches and mileage and began to calculate our timing to our first possible obstacle of the day – Sunset Beach Bridge (Pontoon type), 7-Ft in height.  This would become the first of three bridges that loomed in front of us.  We hoped we might be able to navigate all three during this day.  Only time would tell how many we might actually safely pass through on this day.

Challenges to be met included making good time (such as winds and currents in our favor and having few’ no wake zones’ requiring us to drop speed for extended lengths of travel) and arriving to each bridge BEFORE the hour.  Bridges opened only on the hour and between the hours of 7am and 7pm. (PHOTO #350)

 
Photo 350: It Swings

AHHH…but as we covered distance within the waterways of NC, it was to be so much different than the serene SC travel.  NC is indeed the playground for young and old.  Commercial and pleasure boats, including jet skies and other fun-seeking vessels zipped around mile after mile.  Fishing was indeed a favorite of this state and fisherman of all shapes and sizes and from off piers, boats, and shoreline kept us company for much of the day.  Need more bait, then wait….just cruise by and pick some up from this water-based bait store barge!  (PHOTO #373) 

 
Photo 373: Bait Barge

Other differences noted on this first leg of our journey into NC were the numerous inlets and churning waters and treacherous currents that wanted to dance us around as an unwilling dance partner.  Michael, Rob and I took turns throughout the day at the wheel and provided needed breaks to one another.  A ‘quick’ fuel stop that would have impressed even NASCAR Pit Crew made up another part of the afternoon as we continued to race onward, trying to clear as many of the three bridges before time or daylight ran out!  (PHOTO #361, 370, 320)

 
Photo 361: Admiral Doing Wheel Time

Photo 370: Michael at Lunch - Front Porch while Paddlin
 

Photo 320: Rob at Gas Station

As we danced awkwardly at times with the currents, we passed several notable points:

NOTABLE POINTS

·         Cape Fear. Have no fear. While Cape Fear was dubbed such out of respect  for the area’s treacherous waters, buoyage an dredging have made navigating the region a much easier experience.  What we did learn is that ‘Fear’ could easily have been caused by pirates who used to terrorize this region.  Pirate tales are infamous in this ‘neck of the waters,’ and Blackbeard is one such pirate that we know we shall hear more about as we travel north towards Hatteras.  Grounded boats were sure pry to pirates In these waters!

Photo 364: Lost Houseboat

·   Wrightsville Beach.  We pay homage to Jerry Medkser, Michael’s brother who served in the Coast Guard for over a decade and was stationed here in Wrightsville Beach for four of those years.  We captured a few photos and share in respect for his service and hope that photos might evoke fond memories.

 
Photo 374: Wrightsville Beach

WHAT ABOUT THOSE BRIDGES

And what about those bridges mentioned early in the day?  Did we surrender to them or did we successfully conquer and have safe passage through all three?  Well, the total distance and total time on the water this day should give you answer to whether we surrendered or whether we successfully conquered.

 
Photo 359B: Pontoon Bridge

Our day of traveling ended at 9:30pm.  We found portage at a marine aptly named Caspers. And, like a ghost, we shall float out quietly at sunrise.

Total distance:  130 miles  Total time:  14 hours

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:04 AM
Subject: Admiral Update - Now in NC

We were underway in the pre-dawn light, with light blanket of fog kissing the top of the water.

By 8:30am, we had passed mile marker and taken photo of 'spot' signifying the passage over the state line of NC.

We shall encounter couple of bridges along the way that shall require 'swing' or lift for us. These bridges appear only to lift on the hour. Thus, depending on our arrival to these bridges, we can have either a short or long wait period.

We have come upon the first of them at Sunset Beach. We reached it with 15-minutes to spare. At this moment, it is swinging open for us and we are moving through. Pictures to be sent, later.

From: Detroye, Diane D.
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 10:56 PM
Subject: RE: Admiral's Log -- Monday, August 17 (Charleston, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC)

Shelley,

Katie and her family are vacationing this week at Emerald Isle, NC.  It looks like you might be near Emerald Isle by Wednesday or Thursday?

Perhaps you and Katie can communicate and she could gather the family on the shores to wave as "Now We're Ready" paddles by?..... shoreline photographic evidence for the First Mate to post?

Just building connections between people, Diane

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:08 AM
Subject: RE: Admiral's Log -- Monday, August 17 (Charleston, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC)

Morning to both of you.  Just getting ready to have that first cup of Joe and to ready the lines for pre-dawn push off.  Shall take look at map to see just where Emerald Isle might be in relationship to us and the distance.  We travel approx 110 miles a day.

Oops Captain giving me that LOOK...got to get off email and pull my weight.  Geesh, get two captains on deck and they get bossy.  I think they forget just who is the ADMIRAL of this vessel.  :-)

From: Katie
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 7:12 AM
Subject: RE: Admiral's Log -- Monday, August 17 (Charleston, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC)

Hey Ladies!

If they are coming up the intercoastal waterway, Emerald Isle is when they get to the Bouge Sound. I would LOVE to meet the "pirates" as they come trawling by!

Like Shelley, I'm having that first cup of coffee, seeing what kinds of responsibility I'm going to neglect today on line, and then I'm starting my vacation day! Yippee!!!

Bon voyage!

From: Detroye, Diane D.
Sent: Tue Aug 18 07:12:59 2009
Subject: RE: Admiral's Log -- Monday, August 17 (Charleston, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC)

Sigh.  And I'm here at work without my 1st cup of Joe cuz I've got to wait til I do the blood work for my annual physical.

AND I'M NOT ON VACTION IN A NICE SUNNY PLACE!!!!

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:50 AM
Subject: Re: Admiral's Log -- Monday, August 17 (Charleston, SC to Myrtle Beach, SC)

Looks like EI is at mile marker 226 which is approx 145 miles up from where we started the day. Depending how far we get, today...due to current and several bridge openings that we must time correctly....we should be nearing EI, tomorrow

From: Katie
Sent: Tue Aug 18 08:19:16 2009
Subject: Emerald Isle

Excellent! Let me know if you plan to dock for "supplies and sustenance" in Morehead City or Beaufort NC, let us know. I'm assuming you are staying on the intercoastal waterway?

Tally Ho!

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: Emerald Isle

We are indeed on the ICW. Looks like we have a 65-ft  bridge at EI to pass under. Shall call you when we get closer on our status.

We passed into NC around 8:30am and at 9am, we had passed through an opening of the Sunset Beach (7-ft) bridge. We had a 15-minute wait. Far better to be early rather than late when it comes to hourly bridge openings!

My turn at the wheel is 10am...

--The Admiral

Enjoy your vacation!

From: Detroye, Diane D.
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:42 AM
Subject: RE: Emerald Isle

Just to be clear, Katie.  If you do indeed link up with the Admiral and two Captains, there is one overriding requirement -- photographic evidence.

Either up-close-and-personal at a dock, or waving from the bridge as they pass underneath.

First Mate Bill Anderson has established a home base posting of the Admiral's status reports:   http://paintrock.net/boat/docs/aug_17,_2009.htm

We have yet to see independent confirmation that this journey is happening (think faked Moon landings) and it's not just Shelley and Michael having a grant 'ole time at their Capital Hill home with elaborate use of backdrops, props, and random tourists shanghaied from Union Station.

Skepticism will abound if all you capture is a grainy B-Berry photo.

(;-)

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: Emerald Isle

Hurmph!

And with that response, the Admiral is off to take turn at the wheel. I suppose you will want photo proof of THAT too! (wink)

From: Anderson, Bill
Sent: Tue Aug 18 10:00:38 2009
Subject: RE: Emerald Isle

I've had a heart-to-heart, just one Bill to another, with my namesake hurricane and I've been assured you have nothing to worry about.  Nothing at all.  Smooth sailing, according to Bill.  No worries.  Mostly.  Here's his picture.  See?

Projected Path of Hurricane Bill

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: Emerald Isle

Just coming off the flying bridge after completing my 'wheel time'. I was pleased to read this communication from First Mate Bill.  Mostly, that is!

From: Currier, Patricia A.
Sent: Tue Aug 18 12:32:11 2009
Subject: Re: Admiral Update - Now in NC

1. Do you need someone to pick up your mail, or do they put it through the door?

2. If you get in on the weekend and I can pick you up (in my relatively new car, so don’t take this the wrong way), —have you guys been able to shower on the boat (ie, do you stink???)

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: Admiral Update - Now in NC

Wheew! What a day this has been....no issues, just wind, open water, sun and currents to where one down. We are doing as fast as pit stop (think NASCAR) that this baby can fill as we have two bridges ahead of us that potential could shut us down. Both bridges are only 12-ft and open.only on the hour until 7pm. We are currently at Wrightsville Beach -Marker 283 - and must pass first of the 12-ft bridges at Marker 260 and the second at Marker 240. Winds and currents have been against us for most of the day and trying to maintain 10mph has been challenging. Do the math...

Now to answer questions:
1. Mail is being delivered inside house thru mail slot.
2. We shall be devoid of the perfume of ICW should a pickup be possible. We have a shower on board and if we run out of water, our marine has showers and so we can pretty up before pickup and ride into Big City.

From: Anderson, Bill
To: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tue Aug 18 18:44:42 2009
Subject: Which way?

Shelley, when you get up to the Albemarle Sound, do you plan to take the ICW through the Dismal Swamp Canal or the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal?  Just wondering.

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:21 PM
To: Anderson, Bill
Subject: Re: Which way?

We're looking at what might be obstacles and challenges ( bridge lifts, etc) and look to select way wiith least. I have heard that Dismal Swamp is recommended for those folk on a leisure pace. Not sure that is us any longer.

Matter-of-fact, e are atill driving at this time to get more miles behind us and to locate a Marina. We just passed the third and final bridge that we had worried about.

At this moment, we have om our spotlight...and I am typing this message while holding flashlight!

Likely no wireless this evening to allow me to send today's log or photos.

Good night, mate!

From: Canright, Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:46 PM
Subject: TARGET:: Emerald Isle (NC) -- At First Light (August 19)

Gang:

LONG day.  Fourteen hours we paddled and covered 130 miles.  The boys ran the gauntlet and victory was upon us...the three bridges that we expected one or more to stop us short of our goal did not trip us up.  We passed the third one at 8pm...but it then put us between anything or anywhere we might anchor.  Thus for another 1-1/2 hours with spotlight on and I gazing at stars and saying prayers, Michael and Rob slowly traversed down the narrow channel, keep an eye out for any reflection of a red or green marker.

The short version is that we did not hit anything and found portage at 9:30pm at a marine aptly named Caspers. And being a good ghost, spirits were with us as we navigated into the pier and docked.  And, like a ghost, we shall float out quietly at sunrise.

The main point of this message is not to give you so much as an update -- as I MUST complete the official log with photos and get off to the First Mate before I can call it an evening -- but to let everyone know that it shall be highly unlikely that Katie or member of her family shall be able to capture a photo or even wave at us in the morning.  You see, we have ported at approx mile marker 227 and Emerald Isle bridge (Cedar Point for Katie's benefit) is at marker 226. 

NOTE:  This means Emerald Isle is one mile to the north of where we have bedded down.  So, I am afraid like Casper, the ghostly houseboat, 'Now We're Ready,' shall have passed and taken its crew further up the channel not long after first light.

We shall wave as we pass under the bridge and pretend that the Pruzan Family was on hand to bid us well on our way.

- The (elusive) Admiral