Charleston – Exhale on the Water

Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp!

Charleston, SC

It was a delicious Charleston Bloody Mary – the perfect breakfast on a rainy sunday morning! Look at those yummy olives! We recommend the Blind Tiger! 36 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29403; check out the critter friendly patio dining.

Fun historic trivia from their website: The term “Blind Tiger” was coined in the late 1800’s to describe the illicit drinking and gambling establishments rebeliously opening their doors as temperance legislation swept across the country. The first “Blind Tigers” in South Carolina sprung up in 1893 as a defiant rebuttal to the “Dispensary” laws.

Welcome to new boater friends, Hilary and Duane Steinroeder on Rightview, yes, you can find her on AIS now!

Thanks to Hilary, we found Rainbow Row. It was worth the walk, although it would have been nice to skip the drenching down pour!

Spanning from 79-107 E Bay St, Charleston, SC, Rainbow Row is famous for the longest intact stretch of 18th-century Georgian row houses. The houses are joined by common walls, but the roof lines – and the colors – vary. Local Legend suggests the bright palette was intended as an aid to navigation, to help drunken sailors determine which house they were supposed to sleep in!

History Trivia – If you are curious about the individual homes, click here for Wikipedia details!

Shrimp Time! Leland Oil Marina, McClellanville

And then there were shrimp boats . . .

We tied up at Leland Oil, excited to connect again with Tiki Queen. We have been friends with Karen and Leland McClellan since we did the loop in 2018. Thank you both for inviting us to your sweet home, designed by the ever young, ever talented Leland.

This brick treatment is called weeping mortar. Zoom in and you can see the bricklaying technique that intentionally allows the mortar to seep out. More than just aesthetic (yes, I think it looks REALLY cool), the method prevents water from infiltrating the foundation and basement – you are very clever Leland!

Check out their garden – with an abundance of amazing veggies and fruits.

Thank you Karen and Lee for spoiling us with an unbelievable shrimp dinner.

FRESH McClellanville shrimp, prepared by Karen McClellan. Yummy.

Ready for more shrimp stories? Did you know that McClellanville was one of the many back drops for the 1994 oscar winning Forrest Gump – including the devastated shrimp fleet that smashed ashore? Click here to watch the very short but very memorable Bubba Gump shrimp scene from Forrest Gump (1994) – brilliantly based on the true story of Hurricane Carmen (1974), which destroyed every shrimping boat in Bayou La Batre except for one boat – the Jenny [YES, the surviving boat was really named the Jenny!!]. Forrest Gump fans remember the lovely Jenny (Robin Wright).

Click here to enjoy a fun song from the Forrest Gump soundtrack, “On The Road Again“, performed by the Highwaymen: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.

Georgetown, Harborwalk

Georgetown is quaint, with fun local stores and excellent restaurants. Looking for customized embroidery? Try the Harbor Shop in Georgetown, where K.K. whipped up these hats for us.

We are happy to report the George Hotel is finished. We heard the food is amazing, but it’s a little pricey.

Wacca Wache (WW) Marina

Outriggers Bar & Grill (at the edge of the marina) is under new management with a delightful upgrade in the menu as the kitchen offers a nice selection of fresh fare.

You can sit inside, or bring your dog(s) and sit under the massive tree.

Boater’s Tip – Marina prices (per foot) and fuel prices (per gallon) at WW are OFTEN the lowest in the region. Call ahead and check! The staff is skilled and their banter is amusing – all good clean fun. If you time it right, there is live music under the majestic shade tree. We strongly recommend this stop.

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club

Finally, a lighthouse for our subscribers. This stop reminds us of loyal crew member Craig Adford and fellow looper Bruce Peck, SeaTrek. Sorry Bruce, no lemon drop martinis this time.

Southport Morningstar

Well hello Tra Sea! Thanks, Tim, for meeting up on the one whistle.

Tim Harris, Tra Sea, named for Tracy Harris (not pictured)

Southport, NC

Say hello to Mark Cardone, Rick’s very FAVORITE neighbor, who used to live across the alley from us in Belmont Shore, CA, lovingly referred to as his “brother from another mother”.

After escaping the hustle and bustle of CA, Mark and Linda have created a serene oasis

surrounded by deer, which Linda definitely feeds!

Although Buttercup wasn’t too sure about the cats

we enjoyed the Friday (usually Sunday) gravy.

Mark Cardone, Mary S, Capt. Rick, Linda Palmer and Buttercup

Celebrating Milestones: Birthdays – May 29, Joe Solari (80 young) and Doug Belknap; May 31, Pamela Ledward; June 1, Craig Adford, Mark Marlow and June Bug Skyllar Gill; June 3, Lorrie Swink

Reminder – June 7 is national donut day!

Next Up: Carolina Beach Marina

Filling in the Gaps

As noted in our last post, before our side trip to Austin, Exhale covered a LOT of lovely water that we have not reported on yet – starting after South Port (NC, thanks David) then pausing at the Isle of Hope, GA.

So grab a cup of coffee or a nice beverage and let’s fill in the gaps. In time, not teeth, although given our location either is possible.

Capt Rick is bundled up for the ride.

Capt Rick and Buttercup, blankets provided by Tonto’s Reward

Little River, South Carolina

There’s something special about a pink house!

It reminds me of “Mr. Pine’s Purple House” by Leonard Kessler. Here we go: “Mr. Pine lived on Vine Street in a little white house. “A white house is fine,” said Mr. Pine, “but there are FIFTY white houses all in a line on Vine Street. How can I tell which house is mine?” Come to think of it, this book might be banned in Florida, since the theme is embracing diversity. So add it to your library! Click Here! A Florida retiree (ironic), Leonardo Pine (Kessler) passed away at the age of 101 in 2022.

Wacca Wache, South Carolina

You are right Tumbleweed, it’s fun to say! It’s like a blend of wack-a-mole and Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida. Boater’s Tip: Fuel up! The price of fuel is low due to a friendly rivalry between Wacca Wache marina and the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club.

This marina has the best shade trees!

Boater’s Tip – the water is a little skinny, but the dock hands are experienced, just go slow.

Georgetown, South Carolina

Georgetown is a walkable town with plenty of small shops and eateries. At dinner I spotted this sign. The mantra is perfect! Life is full of noisy distractions, but if you focus – inhale, then exhale deeply – you can enjoy what is happening in the moment. Be present! (Thanks, MO)

Charleston, South Carolina

The structures in downtown Charleston are stunning.

We introduced the lovely Hotel Bennett heading north.

During a walk about, in front of the hotel Gail and I discovered a line-up of vintage cars. Craig Adford can probably name all of them.

The lead driver from Whip Dash said they were there to pick up a party of 21 southern belles. https://www.whipdash.com/ An elegant way to tour Charleston!

Gail and I wondered if the ladies got to choose the car to ride in, or, if it was going to be the luck of the draw. Do you have a favorite? Perhaps Rolls Royce or Bentley? Gail said “no thanks” to riding in the Mustang. The Chevy Bel Air is for my cousin, John.

Beaufort (sounds like view), South Carolina

With a little extra time to unwind, Gail and I visited our favorite nail salon – Nail Bar on Bay (843) 379-3456. Open 7 days a week, walk ins are welcomed.

Welcome back to Old Bull Tavern! Consistently amazing, our favorite server, Ashley, remembered Rick’s drink and menu choice!

Total YUM!

Consistently the BEST Old Fashioned, ever!

Boater’s Tip: Request a table in the pizza room – it’s a perfect place to watch the magic happen!

Hilton Head, South Carolina

It was splendid to reunite with our sweet friends Jeff and Patty North, M/V Lady North, NP49 euro style.

Clockwise from the top: Capt. Rick, Mary S, Dr. Patty North, David and Gail Bernstein, and Jeff North.

They both looked fabulous. Recently retired, we can see they enjoy life on the water!

Savannah, Georgia; Isle of Hope Marina

Tonto’s Reward and Exhale settled in for a well-deserved break while the humans and one very spoiled puppy went Off to the Races! (see the last post)

Tonto’s Reward, David and Gail Bernstein

Richmond Hill, Georgia; Kilkenny Marina

After we returned from the Formula One races we headed to one of our favorite stops, Kilkenny Marina. It turns out Richmond Hill and our home base in Fort Myers have a very special connection – Henry Ford!

In 1916 Henry and Clara Ford purchased a winter home in Fort Myers, next to Thomas Edison.

Roughly 20 years later Clara determined Fort Myers was “too crowded”. Really? Let’s research that: Wikipedia reports the population was 3,678 in 1920, bursting to an insufferable 9,082 by 1930, okay … Apparently, Clara wanted a more private location, to escape the hustle and bustle. The world’s first billionaire solved that problem for his pretty wife: Ford acquired 85,000 acres in the low country, covering 120 square miles, then he immediately commenced building a new community.

By 1937, Clara was enjoying a 7,000 square foot mansion overlooking the Ogeechee River. Maybe she just wanted a bigger house, with a pool and a massive lawn, who knows.

Known as the Uncommon Friends, Henry Ford, John Burroughs, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison were reported to take fishing trips together on the Ogeechee River.

Now, for a small fortune, you can rent the historic venue for a destination wedding or special event.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

We love this little pub, the staff is super friendly!

and the mascots dress up with the season!

Seeing Double

Welcome to the North Pacific family, Greg and Ellen. Joining us at Jekyll was the newly launched M/V Bertha, another 49 euro style, she’s an Exhale doppelgänger. In the words of Oscar Wilde, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

Enjoy your beautiful new home on the water!

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Crossing the invisible state line, we are BACK in Florida. Tom and Faye, M/V Treble in Paradise, you should be here!

Hey David B, did we go on another Bird Walk?

Celebrating Milestones.

October 29, Jo Callaway; October 30, Lana Savona; November 1, Sandy Houlder; November 3, Gail Bernstein; November 5, Cindy Ginsburg

Happy Halloween!

Coming Up: St. Augustine, Florida, Conch House Marina (October 29)

A little Sunday in the Carolinas

I am resending this post, after learning it got caught in spam by many of our followers. Happy Monday everyone.

Charleston, SC

The historic port of Charleston dates back to the 1670s. Our blog entries from earlier trips offer a few fun facts about some of the historic buildings, dating back more than 350 years!

Hotel Bennett, 404 King Street

Located in Marion Square, the Hotel Bennett appears to be a meticulously preserved structure in the heart of Charleston. Capt. Rick guessed the spectacular 9-story building would date back at least one hundred years, similar to the Francis Marion Hotel, built in 1924.

Guess again. The former site of a county library, the 5-star hotel was completed in 2018. You read that correctly, 2018! Giving significant credit to the architects Fairfax & Sammons who designed this gem.

Magnificent spaces with a historic flare, crowned with the modern touch of a rooftop pool.

Halls Chophouse, 434 King Street

Thanks for the recommendation, Tracy and Tim Harris, the steak at Halls was so tender you could cut it with a fork. Note, the prices are not for the faint of heart, but the portions are large, so sharing a REALLY delicious meal is strongly recommended. Oh, and a star sighting of Stanley Tucci was neither confirmed, nor denied, by the maître d’!

Georgetown, SC

One of our favorite stops is Georgetown. The abundance of Shrimp Boats at the dock is a reminder that a short walk with Buttercup – to the Independent Seafood Market and Shrimp Dock at 1 Cannon Street – would lead to a spectacular meal on Exhale, with Gail and David.

If you heard rumors about the market closing, don’t worry, they are just relocating to the opposite side of the river.

The smell of a paper mill is NOT a pleasant experience, but International Paper has been operating steadily since 1937 and it currently employs ~ 700 people.

And, we did enjoy an exquisite Sunset.

Wacca Wache Marina

located at ICW Marker #383 on the Waccamaw River in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, this remote little spot is often the lowest fuel price in the region. We paid $3.34 per gallon for diesel. Both Exhale and Tonto’s Reward filled up their tanks.

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club

Finally, a lighthouse photo.

Southport, NC

We reunited with Tim and Tracy Harris, NP45 Golden Ours, in their homeport of Southport.

What can we say – Buttercup was spoiled rotten at the Lola Harris Doggy Resort.

Words cannot describe the decadent southern hospitality of our hosts, Tim and Tracy, who invited us and the Bernstein’s to stay in their little slice of heaven. The meals prepared by the Harris duo were phenomenal (better than any restaurant!), and the company was even better.

It was an AMAZING respite, thank you AGAIN. Bonus shot for Mija, jasmine at the entryway of the Harris resort.

Introducing the e-Moke

This electric moke was spotted in Charleston.

Fun fact: Formula 1 drivers have recently been seen transiting the tunnels of the Hard Rock stadium in Miami – headed to the winner’s podium – via electric mokes! Last year, a fleet of 20 electric mokes were customized – one for each of the FI qualifying drivers! Click here for a picture of Max at the Miami Grand Prix in 2022. Don’t worry Gail, it’s from Last Year!

One more fun fact: An F-1 can exceed 230 mph, an electric moke tops out at 25 mph.

Celebrating Milestones:

Anniversary: May 7, Ray and Caryl. Birthdays: May 8, Danielle Ginsburg; May 11, Michele May Jackson.

Next Up: Hempstead, NC – topsail beach, Moorehead City Yacht Basin, and then Oriental, NC (Craig, we wish you were here!!)

A Magical Concert and a BIG Tank of Water

Steamboat Landing anchorage – May 15, 2021

Did I mention how much we enjoy anchoring out? It’s peaceful and serene, with a little touch of magic.

Sunset Concert

Traveling with Tom and Faye Turke is like hanging out with Mary Poppins – they magically transform the flying bridge on their boat to accommodate a shocking array of activities: 1) a well loved exercise bike, 2) a top-notch pellet BBQ – to smoke a leg of lamb, 3) a professional quality sewing station – to design, sew and repair anything, and 4) a performance stage with high-tech equipment for a superb concert! In the words of our Grandson Tyler Jaxson – what the heck?!

Faye Turke, Musician extraordinaire – May 15, 2021

Craig, Maureen, Tom Turke and Capt. Rick

Thanks for another private concert, Faye :-)

Charleston, SC – May 16 thru May 19

A little Aquarium Magic

With so much time spent ON the water, we never tire of the majestic mysteries found IN the water.

Where is the Largest Aquarium in the World? Have you been there?

Singapore’s SEA (Southeast Asia) Aquarium holds the title of the largest aquarium in the world. It has over 12 million gallons of water and more than 800 species, with nearly 100,000 aquatic inhabitants in total.

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston

First some stats: The Great Ocean Tank holds 385,000 gallons of water, at a depth of 42 feet, over 500 native critters can be seen swimming around.

Mesmerized by the Great Tank, unexpectedly, I found myself responding to the questions of a confident four (4) year old, in search of the giant eel. Amused, but happy to help, I quietly wondered – when, exactly, did I start looking like an approachable Grandma? Meanwhile Craig had captured the attention of a staff member, who surprised us with the offer of a backstage tour. Meet Jaxon (pronounced Jackson) Visit SCA

Craig Adford and Jaxon – the dolphin shake – May 17, 2021

A rare treat, this video is taken from ABOVE the tank. Where they feed and care for the magnificent marine life.

video temporarily not available – check back later for this upload.

This is for Caryl

This is for Gail – Lobster tease – looking forward to Maine!

Caribbean Spiny Lobster, South Carolina Aquarium

Home of the Sea Turtle Care Center, if you are looking for an opportunity to support the rescue, rehab and release of Sea Turtles you should make a Donation to the South Carolina Aquarium. scaquarium.org. Make sure you mention that your contribution is in “honor of Jaxon“!

Ciao for now, Craig and Mo. On board from Fort Myers thru Charleston, Thanks for the Memories!

Let Your Nose be your Guide

My sense of smell is my super power. My husband is not happy about my hyper sensitive nose – pungent cleaning solvents are discouraged and verbally disparaged in my world – but he believes me when I say I smell a problem in the bilge, or spilled diesel, and will eventually find and resolve any leak.

For me, the best part of my super power is that I KNOW when I smell good food! With Rick working in LA for a few days, I got to meander on my own in the French Quarter of Charleston. Let me just share the Lunch Menu (click here) from this French gem. Gaulart & Maliclet Cafe. Mija, you would have enjoyed this, too! Te Amo!

Moroccan Lamb Stew with Couscous, Honeydew Melon and French Pressed Ice Coffee, Charleston, May 18, 2021

Special Visitors: Our last night in Charleston included a bonus visit from Leland and Karen McClellan (Gold Loopers, Tiki Queen). Thanks for the great stories and great food (May 19, 2021)- See you in the fall, maybe in McClellenville.

Goodbye Charleston – we shall return.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge – I26, Charleston, SC – May 20, 2021

Celebrating Milestones: Zachariah, May 25 – so Proud of you. “Life really begins at 40, up until then you are just doing research.” Carl Jung

Also May 25 – Happy Anniversary David and Gail Bernstein. We shall see you soon.

Taking time to stop and smell the flowers

Next Stop: Georgetown, SC