Sailing: Unfortunate events

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Unfortunate events

I made a couple of unfortunate errors today, the first of which was right at the outset. We awoke before dawn to a freezing cold day and immediately set about pulling up the two anchors which were finally doing their job and holding us secure. While hoisting up one of the anchors, I mashed my middle finger on the chain. A couple of Tylenol set things to right and we were underway shortly after sunrise. The water was choppy and the weather blustery on the Pungo River. The trawler that was anchored near us radioed over to say that they were staying put for the day, waiting for more agreeable weather tomorrow, but we could see that there were other boats underway and making the journey.

Argo actually seemed to like the conditions and once we were decked out in complete sets of foul weather gear the sailing was good with speeds of 6 to 7 knots with just the Jenny out. My second error came when we were bringing in the Jenny and I made an unintentional Jibe. Fortunately no harm came of this and after a lot of exertion on the part of Chas, we finally got the sail in and were able to continue motoring into the canal.

It was very exciting when Louie first sited two dolphins jumping in the water of the canal. At the time, I was down below picking up some things that had fallen when we were heeled over and was quite disappointed that I had missed them, but fortunately they appeared again and we were able to watch three of them cresting and diving around our boat.

We are docked at River Dunes Marina tonight; it is a fantastic Yacht Club development which has only been open since April. It has a huge, deep water marina, an opulent clubhouse, cabanas, swimming pool, hot tubs, restaurant, and is part of a 1300 acre residential project. The custom built homes that are being constructed in the development are breathtaking. We feel as though we have stepped into an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and the decorating in the clubhouse is right out of Better Homes & Yachting!!! We are paying less than $35. a person for the two nights we will be staying here ...... and you know we will make good use of the facilities. We have already used the hottub, showers, laundry facilities and of course THE INTERNET.

Historical Sidebar Beaufort South Carolina

Founded in 1711,Bearfort is a popular ICW stopover and a history buff's dream. Many of the town's majestic homes are visible from the water, high on the green banks that edge the town side of the river. Most of the antebellum plantation houses have been restored, but others remain in ruins as monuments to halcyon days when silks, indigo, rice and Sea Island cotton created vast fortunes for landholders hereabouts. Live oak trees through the city are magnificent in their size and shape. Given this panorama, it is small wonder that Hollywood studios made several movies here, including 'The Big Chill' and 'The Princeof Tides'.

Historical Sidebar - Charleston South Carolina

Founded in 1670 by the British, Charles Towne soon welcomed French Huguenots who imparted the Creole flavor that still colors the area. Charleston today is a city of pastel houses and tidy brick-walled gardens behind lacy iron gates. Much of the city's beauty stems from hard times. In the years following the Civil War, little building or demolition occurred in depression-gripped Charleston. While other cities tore down their old structures to build Victorian houses, Charlestonians had to make do, fighting to keep the buildings they already had from decaying. Because of this, Charlestonians are fiercely protective of their town and its heritage.