Feb. 5, 2023 Cowen Creek to Vernon River

Feb. 5, 2023 Cowen Creek to Vernon River 56 miles

Slept in just a bit as the bed was just top comfy and toasty warm! Still able to hit critical areas with proper tide timing and even had time for a little breakfast before the anchor came up at 8:30. Had 10-15 mph winds most of the night which was doing weird things with the boat position as it crossed over the anchor when the tides changed. Woke up at 4AM hearing new noises that needed to be investigated. Finally determined as the tide went slack the wind was pushing the bow of the boat over the bridle and anchor chain and actually rubbing against the hull underwater. Once the tide got us fully swung into the new current all was good. Probably didn't help that I had put extra rode out due to the wind, a bit deeper water depth, and the extra 7' of tide here.

We thought we had spotted the Chinese spy balloon over Surfside Beach, SC
Then realized it was just the full moon coming out early!! LOL

We didn't have too many areas of significant concern with depth today, but it required a lot of attention to stay in the deepest portions of the meandering channels. Only able to use Otto (our autopilot) for a short spell crossing the Port Royal Sound. Otherwise, all manual steering. Between lots of concentration and manual steering if felt like a longish day even though it was just a normal 6 hours of running.

Passed a couple of northbound sailboats crossing Point Royal Sound

Aquamaps with COE colored survey plus Bob423 track in blue
gives a route through this narrow passage at Daufuskie Island

This is what that passage looks like from the helm - no room for error here!

Today took us around the back side of Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island, across the Savannah River (had to let a container ship and cargo ship head upstream before we crossed), past Thunderbolt and Skidaway Island and finally up the Vernon River to our anchorage.

Passing the Daufuskie Island Ferry

The old and new Skidway Island Bridges - old bridge waiting to be dismantled

We've stayed here previously for a few days when a strong northerly wind was blowing as there's good protection from houses and trees on a bluff to the north yet a nice marsh view to the south. Turned really nice after we dropped the anchor around 2:30 with temps in the upper 60's, wind dying off, and the cloud cover finally breaking. The cruising life offers up days that end like today - a visual gift in every direction!! Should be super nice the next few days. Long pants and sweatshirts may finally give way to shorts and tee shirts!!