Day 27, May 21, 2012: We left Tilghman Island in our wake on May 17th bound for Annapolis. This is a short run across the Chesapeake but at times quite challenging. Knapps Narrows at the west end of Tilghman Island in just that—narrow and shallow. Once out of the shallows fish nets strung on poles can create a maze for the unwary skipper and a bad hair day from nets an menhaden tangled in props.

Day 4, April 29, 2012: Imagine being in a cocktail shaker for four hours. Fillings come loose. After a great day with the Murrays in Southport, we are heading north this morning. A 07:45 departure put us in the Southport shipping channel by 09:00. The news of a Marine Corps live fire exercise was not welcomed. That meant certain closure of the ICW at the New River for hours. The weather is flat calm and without a breath of wind. Several others heading north elect the outside route—115 miles to Beaufort, NC.

Days 2 and 3, April 26 and 27, 2012:  We leave Georgetown at 08:00 in beautiful sunny weather, a brisk breeze from the southwest, and four-foot following seas. I know that once we get past the Socastee Bridge into the Waccamaw River the water will be flat calm. The scenery gives way to marsh with cypress stands then to forest that comes down to the water’s edge. The cypress at water’s edge boasts “Full Service.” The fine print says  “ unbending props.” Birds abound. Pellies, royal terns, gulls dive for their morning meals. Ms. Osprey sends out her warning call as we approach her nest atop a nearby marker.

Day 1, April 25, 2012: After more than two years of planning we embark on our Great Loop Adventure. One of our friends opined that we would not have space for all our clothes. She was spot on; we fit only the treasures from two walk-in closets at home into one hanging locker and the equivalent of one dresser—with room to spare. “Yes, Marilyn, the jewels are in the lockbox at the bank. She is going naked!” Our goal for the day is Georgetown, SC. We leave the marina on an incoming tide at 08:00 under overcast skies.