August 24, 2022 Chesapeake Here We Come

Aug. 24, 2022

Today we finally let loose the lines at SJYH in Charleston and started our planned trip northward to the Chesapeake for the fall. Time to get out of this constant heat and humidity in Charleston. Hoping heading north will also reduce any hurricane interference. Ultimately, we're looking to head up the Potomac and spend some time in Washington DC. before heading back south for the winter.

What is it they say about "Red sky in the morning"?

So today at 7 AM sharp we untied the lines and started the journey. Today's trip would be up to Georgetown SC. Tides are not in our favor for getting through some shoaling that has redeveloped around Isle of Palms, McClellenville, and a few other spots. These are the areas we ran aground back in 2019 on our first day of looping and we decided to forgo the possibility of a repeat. We opted to simply run the offshore route as the weather called for light easterly winds, 1' seas, 5 knot winds, and overcast skies but no rain until later in the day. The trip is a bit longer due to the time and distances required to exit Charleston Harbor and enter Winyah Bay. The offshore traveling was almost too easy with only 2 autopilot headings. Very easy traveling but also a bit boring and mundane - made worse by the fact that I haven't brought any of my fishing gear on board yet.

Passing by the battery in Charleston

Heading out the inlet past Ft Sumter

On the open ocean

Hit Georgetown at low tide and got reminded of the shallow water entering the harbor as the depth finder went to less than a foot under the keel setting off the alarm. Got through there and found a spot to drop the hook in the back waters. No wind, minimal current. The forecast rain came through but not too bad then cleared out allowing us to listen to the live music coming from the bars along the waterfront. Overall, a nice but longish first day back cruising.