Myrtle Beach confession

 I just have to be up front with you all.  We've been cheating.

For the past 11 days we haven't been living on a boat at all.  We've been holed up in a condo in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Sleeping in real beds, showering regularly, washing our clothes before they start to stink, eating ice cream, surfing the internet, going to the movies, and playing mini golf.  I've been running every day.

Sunrise on Myrtle Beach - from 3rd floor balcony

Scott's folks flee to a condo in North Myrtle Beach every year before mud season hits Maine.  It didn't take much convincing for us to leave Kiawah at a nearby marina and move in with them for a few days. We felt like a couple of college kids coming home for break with bags n' bags of laundry... "Hi Mom, what's for dinner?"   They spoiled us rotten.  Our intended stay was 7 days, which turned into 9, and finally 11, which is today.  We pretty much had to leave today, as their lease is up tomorrow and they are leaving to drive back to Maine.  It will take them two long days to get there.  Something tells me they are going to beat us.

We had a great time with them.  It wasn't all play, though. We did a lot of work, too. The weather was pretty crappy for all but 3 days so the girls were able to catch up on school work without feeling like they were missing beach time.  Scott installed some new batteries on the boat, and tended to some mast work.  He also completed and mailed off his application for his captains licence, having finally logged enough sea time to fulfill that requirement.  It was a very fun and productive "vacation" from the boat.

Before the weather turned

Hunting for ....

fossilized shark teeth!

Scott, losing at Mexican Train

Bob and I hoisted Scott to the top of the 58' mast to do some work

"Hey Bud, can you pass me a screwdriver?"

And, I celebrated my 49th Birthday on April, 13.  I wanted to do something different.  We went for a sail.  The weather was perfect to take Bob and Pat for a sail "outside".

"Bumpa" and the girls

Pat, enjoying calm seas

The crew, with North Myrtle Beach and the condo in the background

Gifts from Scott and the girls.  Eggs Bennie (with asparagus), a beautiful opal sea turtle necklace, fudge, and a t-shirt. (I guess you start celebrating normal bodily functions when you're almost 50)

Carrot cake!

I had a great day!

Today, I caught myself letting the water run while I brushed my teeth.  I knew it was time to get back to the boat.  Bob and Pat dropped us back at Kiawah and we said our sad goodbyes.

It's strange to be back on the boat after being away for several days.  It seems so small.  And noisy, with the wind howling out there tonight.  The fenders are creaking against the dock, and the wind gen is spinning away, making power.  We are all excited for the next leg of our journey.  And a bit intimidated by the number of miles we have yet to cover.  Tomorrow, the weather looks good to sail outside to Southport, NC. Another state under our belts.  The weather looks good to move this week. We're hoping to cover some ground.

Updated map

Almost forgot, Happy Easter!

Sorting and eating the "haul"