mile 470-519
There were rush hour restrictions on the Wapoo River Bridge, about a mile from Charleston with the first possible daytime opening at 9:30. We timed our departure accordingly. Nautilus pulled away just before 9 for an outside passage, we followed shortly after nine.
We got to the bridge with the current behind us. We slowed well before the bridge and even in reverse, the current pushed us forward. We did one spin while waiting. The sailing vessel Eleanor was coming from behind so the bridge tender held up the opening a bit. We all passed through together. After that, we rode the current through the narrow Elliot’s cut but had no issues.
We entered the Stono River. The area got less populated and was beautiful marsh that reminded me of the eastern shore. There was the familiar marsh leading to tall pines but a closer look revealed palm trees at the edge of the pines.
It was pleasant on the boat and with the ability to cook soup and have warm drinks, we were very comfortable. We looked for an anchorage to stop at before dark. The choices were to stop after Fenwick cut or venture through the Ashepoo-Coosaw cut. We were getting to the opening of this cut around mid-tide so we felt we would have enough water to get through and then anchor in the deeper Coosaw river.
We watched the depth finder closely. At one point we had 3 feet below us but nothing less. We entered the wide river and pulled over to an anchorage called Moonlight Bay. There was deep water and plenty of room to be off the channel. There were some crab pots in one section but easy to avoid.
It was very calm with light wind and we made chili, salad and ate leftover pie. We were warm down below. The plan is an early start to head to the mouth of the Tybee River. Tomorrow we will pass Beaufort, Paris Island, and Hilton Head.
