Georgetown – 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)

Chasing a Squirrel

Maddie loves to go for a walk, especially if she can chase a squirrel. The only thing she loves more is a proper belly rub, on a certain Fleming of course.

Beaufort, NC

Our stop in Beaufort (pronounced “no” in North Carolina) was a great chance to reconnect with fellow Maine Event boaters from Treble in Paradise, NP45.

Hi Tom and Faye – safe travels on your slow journey back to Florida!

Wrightsville Beach, NC / Harbor Island

Kiss Her Too, iii is another beautiful North Pacific 49, hull number 4. Several months ago we saw this boat from a distance, at Spring Cove Marina on Solomon’s Island. What a surprise to find her tied up just a few boats away.

On board are Tony and Judy Kuester and their two dogs. Can you believe she is a 2015 model?! So gorgeous.

Back at the Marina, Maddies was on a quest for cookies, alas, no luck.

We took on fuel at Wacca Wache, a teeny tiny marina on the Wacca Maw River.

Georgetown – Fresh Shrimp

Thanks Gail for the suggestion to buy fresh shrimp in Georgetown. A short walk from the Marina, this place was amazing; the shrimp dinner we made was absolutely delicious.

Breaking News for our Sports Fans

Did you know the rivalry between the Giants and Dodgers began in the late 19th century when both clubs were based in New York City? The Giants played at the Polo Grounds in the borough of Manhattan and the Dodgers played in the borough of Brooklyn.

Ryan Mendoza, Matthew Valdez, and Javier Angulo

So proud to know these men! Friendly rivals reunited at the ball game. Oh yes, the Dodgers got to celebrate the win!! Tony and Taco were dancing in the streets. Sorry MV, it was an amazing game!!

Georgetown

Back to Georgetown – we left BEFORE dawn, surrounded by calm waters.

Engine Room Inspection

Some tasks on board require an extra set of eyes. Thus, Maddie often supervises Capt. Rick’s engine room duties.

Everything seems to be in order, are you coming up soon?

St. John’s Yacht Harbor, John’s Island

Another early morning departure rewarded by a gorgeous sunrise.

Beaufort, SC

We greatly enjoy Beaufort (pronounced with a “view”). It’s a town with great little shops and award winning restaurants. Scroll back in our blog to read about our stop heading north.

Look Craig and Maureen, we got to eat at Old Bull Tavern, at 5:30 pm! Check out this lamb-a-saurus. That’s a happy Capt. Rick.

The city of Beaufort, SC knows how to enjoy life. These popular swings, found on the promenade of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, have a spectacular view. Their slogan is “Swing, Stroll, and Stay a While.”

Sniffing is almost as good as chasing squirrels.

Hilton Head, SC

Bruce Peck, Beverly Abel, Capt. Rick and Mary S. Dinner at Ela’s

Reunited with Sea Trek, we dined at Ela’s. Enjoying a Lemon Drop Martini, continuing a tradition with Bruce Peck.

Celebrating the Norths

Congrats to fellow NorthPacific owners, Dr. Patricia North (recently retired) and P. Jeffrey North, Esq. It was spectacular finally meeting you! Long Cove Club was lovely.

The Norths recently opted to down-size their land base (congrats on the sale of your house) and up-size their water home. Owners of an NP43, they are now busy customizing a new NP49 euro, scheduled to arrive in 2022.

The challenge of selecting a clever name is in progress, contenders include “Just a Splash”, “Copycat”, or “Patty’s Way”. With two gorgeous German Shepherds on board, I am suggesting they call their next boat “Good Shepherds”.

That also reminds me of the 2006 movie “The Good Shepherd” starring Matt Damon and Robert De Nero, with scenes filmed at Yale (for Ryan). Worth watching again.

We look forward to cruising with them in Florida and in the Keys this winter. Thanks for the amazing wine.

For Mija and Ynot

We leave you with a rhetorical question (that’s for Jeff). Did you know that the IATSE strike was averted? Hooray!! With a strike off the table, Taco is extremely relieved Alisha and Tony will not have to cut back on his rations.

Milestones:

Birthdays – Bushranger, Mark Rutherford – the month of celebrating continues! October 14: Linda Matlock; October 15: John Buckendahl, Jr.; October 22, Kelly Thorn-Hiebert

Next Stop: Kilkenny, GA

Swamp Swamp

Since European Settlers in the 1700s referred to swamps as “dismals”, wouldn’t that suggest the Dismal Swamp is really just a Swamp Swamp? I say, yes, yes! But, we’ll get back to the story of the Great Swamp in a moment. First a beautiful sunset from Georgetown, where we anchored out with Treble.

From Georgetown we traveled to Myrtle Beach. Destination: Barefoot Beach Marina. You were right, Beverly and Bruce (SeaTrek), don’t waste your time or your taste buds at the marina restaurant.

Myrtle Beach

Looking for Real Estate in a Super Charged COVID market? Location is key. Celebrating Tiny Houses!

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Anchored out with Treble we were delighted with a spectacular sight – the end of the ILCA Atlantic Coast Regatta, 113 Lasers registered, plus all of the coaches and judges. Here’s to Gail, who is a former Certified Judge of that regatta.

Wrightsville Beach Anchorage – May 22, 2021

Beaufort, NC

Welcome back to Beaufort – that’s No Bow in North Carolina, of course. With easy access from the Town Dock, this quaint little town is home to some of the very best fresh crab. We highly recommend walking off the beaten path to the Beaufort Grocery Co. When it opens at 5 pm there is a line, for a reason.

Belhaven, NC

Welcome aboard Jim and Susan Merritt. While the boys were doing yet another boat project, Susan and I got a private tour of the River Forest Manor, built in 1899. The dockmaster, Henry, is one of a handful of local residents who had the heart and vision to restore this gem into a magnificent wedding destination. The interior is stunning – check it out here: River Forest Manor

Elizabeth City, NC

Thanks to Gail Bernstein who encouraged us to progress on, we docked at the Mid Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City. The small dock located at the university was very accessible.

Mid Atlantic Christian University dock, Elizabeth City, NC

Trust me, you won’t find Sarah Palin here. This vibrant city is home to Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, and a growing number of trendy restaurants, romantic outdoor seating strung with Edison lights, all surrounded by exquisite historic buildings. REM – you would love the redevelopment!

Spectacular Super Flower Blood Moon – May 25, 2021

Dismal Swamp, Visitors Center – giving thanks to George Washington

In 1728 William Byrd II named this coastal region the Dismal Swamp on a series of survey maps that established the boundaries of North Carolina and Virginia. Here’s a random factoid – although known as a scandalous philanderer, the well established lawyer and politician was admired for his early advocacy of small pox inoculation. Consider this a shout out to all of you who are now fully vaccinated!

In 1763 an opportunistic George Washington saw the potential for development. Originally more than one million acres, the canal section, connecting Elizabeth City, NC to Norfolk, VA was completed in 1805.

Dismal Swamp, connecting NC to VA – May 26, 2021

We docked at the Dismal Swamp Visitor’s Center, a familiar and fabulous stop. Ynot, there is another turtle bobble coming your way.

Be forewarned, the swamp has a plethora of snakes crawling around – Tyler will tell you definitively, “Grandpa doesn’t like snakes“.

Smokey the Bear says, watch out for snakes!

Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend

It is with great respect that we remember those who fought to give us liberty and life, and we thank those that made the ultimate sacrifice for us. You shall never be forgotten.

Thanks to my WWII veteran father. This is for you.

Waterside, Norfolk VA – May 27 and 28

Norfolk, VA is home to the WORLD’s largest naval port. Fathom this military power: 75 naval ships, 134 aircraft, 14 piers and 11 aircraft hangars. The extremely active training center boasts 275 flights per day, the equivalent of one every six minutes.

Battleship Wisconsin – BB64

Is it just me, or does this look like a Pixar character? Comments encouraged!

Nauticus Museum, Norfolk, VA – May 28, 2021

More Pixar inspiration

Sunrise, Norfolk, VA – May 29, 2021, 6:11 am

Goodbye and thanks to Susan and Jim Merritt, Gold Loopers, who traveled with us from Belhaven, NC to Norfolk, VA. Looking forward to seeing you later this summer!

Capt Rick, Mary S, Susan and Jim Merritt

Milestones: May 28 – Happy Birthday to Scott Ginsburg and Miss Brennyn (5)

Congrats to Danielle, Sandra, Abbey and Leo – on the road.

Next stop: Windmill Point, VA. Roughly 8 miles north of Deltaville.