The Intercoastal from Beaufort to Charleston

The Beaufort Bridge opens on demand, except during rush hour. Since we wanted to hit Brickyard Point during high tide, we chose to leave at 6:45 am. Unfortunately, the sun doesn't come up until 7:30, so we found ourselves leaving the dock and going through the bridge in pitch black, with flashlights and navigation lights. Do you see the wool hat, heavy duty foul weather gear, gloves? The temperature was 41 degrees, with a brisk northeast wind. This is South Carolina in October. What's wrong with this picture?

We had oour first experience calling the coast guard when we discovered an empty skiff floating through the current: "Coast Guard this is sailing vessel Wind Dancer
reporting a 19 foot Carolina skiff floating unattended at green marker number 165. South Carolina registration is SC 3462BK; repeat South Carolina 3462BK. Do you copy? Over" "Roger that Wind Dancer. can you give us your position? Over" "Was there any fishing gear on board?" "That's a negative." We were so cool with our official boat talk.

At 2 o'clock, sorry, that's 1400, we arrived at Toms Point Creek and turned off the Edisto River into the tidal creek to anchor for the night. Lots of discussion as this is our first attempt at anchoring in current and tide. We wait anxiously for the tide to change, wondering if the anchor would hold. Gently, with scarcely noticeable movement, we float to face the opposite direction. So, we stop worryiong and enjoy the wildlife eating supper, just a few feet away and watch the sunset over the marsh.