Decided on a destination of Little River, South Carolina. The winds were supposed to increase to possible 30 knot gusts around 2 am on the potential 24 hour run to Charleston. Our first ( second attempted) outside passage to Little River looked good with good sailing winds, calm seas and a short passage into a fairly easy inlet with a good anchorage. Saturday looks like a calmer window to make the Charleston passage.
We exited the Cape Fear river returning past the town of Southport. We passed the pilot tower and Oliver’s restaurant. A few sprinkles on our way out. We had the current and wind behind us and the water was calm.
Calm seas and beautiful clear water again as we sailed for about 6 hours. There were gannet , pelicans, loons, and dolphins but photo opportunities were fleeting. We had two reefs in the main and full genoa. Every time the winds would slow and David would consider shaking the reef, it would pick up again. The wind is not a steady or stable creature. We moved along at 5-6 knots. We saw several other sailboats, some heading on a bearing to cross the Gulf Stream.
We entered Little River Inlet with sunshine and daylight. It was calm coming in and other sailboats were anchored here with people and dogs on the beach. Anchored well. This area is near North Myrtle Beach and tour boats, casino boats and lots of fishing boats use the inlet.
We had enchiladas, mostly as an excuse to use the oven and warm our cabin.
