April 6 and 7, 2023 Vernon Creek to Cowen Creek to Toogoodoo Creek

 Thurs. April 6, 2023  Vernon Creek to Cowen Creek - 52 miles

Vernon Creek remains a great anchorage for us.  Easy in and out.  Nice breeze when we anchored, then died off at sunset resulting in a calm night and no other boat traffic.   We prepped for a full no-see-um assault but seems they are toying with us as there were fewer than previous days.  Traveled these parts multiple times so scenery is nothing new.  Around the bend to Isle of Hope and the marina, then past the marinas at Thunderbolt and you know you're into Savannah. We've always been awed by the mega yachts berthed at Thunderbolt for service so were surprised at the lack of them this trip. Bummer. 

Thunderbolt Marina gives notice you are entering Savannah

After Thunderbolt it always feel swampy and commercial to me until crossing the Savannah River.   We had another disappointment on this trip.  We have ALWAYS seen big container ships looming over us at the river crossing.  None on this trip.  Their size as they head up the narrow channel is inspiring.  So again, bummer.    Once into SC we worked our way around Daufuskie Island and then past Hilton Head.  Watched the tourists riding the parachute boats as we passed by. 

Launching tandem tourists for a fun ride.  

Across the Port Royal Sound and up the Beaufort River.   We turned into Cowen Creek before town.  Stayed here on our trip south.  Nice wide-open area.  Found a spot with the right depth to drop the anchor with lots of 360 swing room.  A bit of center console boat traffic in and out rocking us a few times until dark.  

View out of our anchorage at Cowen Creek...

As the sun sets..

Journey for April 6, 2023

Friday April 7, 2023  Cowen Creek to Toogoodoo Creek - 53 miles

Very early departure by our standards.  Anchor up at 7:30 listening to the rapid gunfire of new recruits across the river at Parris Island working on their riflery skills.  Our departure time is critical today.  We need to get past the longish no wake zone at Beaufort.  Then there are three critical passages we must hit between the half rising and half lowering tide or the water will be too skinny for us.  Ashepoo Cut, Fenwick Cut and Watts Cut all have serious shoaling issues.  As we approached Beaufort an Endeavor catamaran was pulling out.  It was like old times following them down the broad Coosaw River.  Reminded us of all the days we followed Russ and Jax on Cat and Dogs while on the loop. These were new loopers on Beachside just 12 days into their trip.  

Beachside - the Endeavor cat we followed from Beaufort

We had gradually been catching up to them as we approached the Ashepoo Cut.  Called them on the radio to say we were slowing down to let them take the lead.  They replied " We slowed down so you could go first".   There was a sailing cat in front of us both who also decided to peel off and not go in first.  By this time several other boats were lining up behind us.  OK. High tide. We knew we would be fine having come through just 2 months ago.  Turned the corner and "OH CRAP!!  Dredge blocking half the entrance where the water is shallowest!  We head in hugging close to the dredge and get through fine.  Water shows less than 7' under the keel but this is with help from a 6.5' tide.  

Boats line up at our stern to follow past the dredge at the Ashepoo Cut entrance.

More heavy equipment on the way to help with dredging spoils

It was a pleasant cruising day in between the cuts.  A little bit more boat traffic than we've had the last few days on the ICW.  Fishermen seemed to be out - recreational folks out wetting a line and commercial crabbers tending their traps.   Lots of dolphin spotting and an occasional one jumping at the chance to ride our waves. Made it through all the cuts without issue and out onto the Edisto River.  We're back into very familiar territory now. 

Dolphins riding our wake

Another work day out on the water

Toogoodoo Creek is another favorite anchorage we've used multiple times.  There's a cold front promising rain Sat and Sun with NE winds gusting over 30 mph.  We head a bit further up the creek than usual to get protection from a tree line. Plenty of depth and swing room even after putting out extra scope. We'll stay here 2 nights then have an appointment to bring the boat over to Marine Propulsion in Rockville. The generator's fuel pump has developed a slight leak we'll have them correct.  The early departure from Cowen Creek meant we arrived here early.  Time for some chores and a proper dinner.

Wash day!!  Clean clothes drying in the sun.

Journey for April 7, 2023