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)

GeorgeTown Mantra
Turtle Time

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! 

Ashley

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.

stock photo, Ford’s “Mango home”

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.

Stock Photo – Richmond Hill mansion

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”. 

Exhale, Bertha; Kilkenny marina

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)

Creative Exceptions

Kilkenny is timeless, by design. Situated in Richmond Hill, Georgia it was a good reminder to slow down, and not be so stressed.

Marker 107, Kilkenny Creek, GA – May 8, 2021

Thankful for the trees

Spanish Moss, Richmond Hill, GA – May 8, 2021

Kilkenny Creek Marina

The narrow floating docks are wobbly and plagued with intermittent gaps (Maddie refused to walk), but the folks working at the Marina were wonderful.

Thunderbolt, GA

Thunderbolt Marina was a short drive from Savannah. Look at these beauties.

Exhale and Treble in Paradise, Thunderbolt Marina – May 9 & May 10

Hello Savannah, GA. You could spend a full week in Savannah, and barely scratch the surface!

Savannah, GA, Riverwalk District – May 9, 2021

American Prohibition Museum – Did you know the 18th Amendment did not make it illegal to drink alcohol during Prohibition? Instead, it made it illegal to buy or sell; a devastating blow to vendors. Yet, the creative, flexible entrepreneur prevailed. In 1919 a small drugstore, with 20 stores in Chicago, capitalized on a CREATIVE legal EXCEPTION – “prescription” whiskey. In a brilliant partnership with the federal warehouses, more than 8 million gallons of “seized” whiskey was repackaged, and sold by pharmacists nationwide. The drugstore’s name? Walgreens.

The story resembles the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 as bars were forced to shut down – dramatically impacting the spirit distillers – we saw retooling of nationally recognized factories who could rapidly produce – and cleverly brand – hand sanitizers. Most notable was Anheuser-Busch, who brilliantly used alcohol that was already in the distillery.

APM, Savannah, GA – May 10, 2021

Nice Try … Then there was Yuengling Ice Cream, made in Pottsville. Can you imagine buying Ice cream from a Beer Manufacturer? It is no surprise, the product failed.

Harbour Town Pier, Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head – May 11 & May 12

Hilton Head is renowned for its golf courses. For me, the most phenomenal, and truly memorable experience was dinner at the Links at Sea Pines.

Beaufort, SC

Hello again to Beverly Abel & Bruce Peck (B & B) from Sea Trek, and sister-in-law Marie. Thanks to Beverly, we offer a way to distinguish Beaufort SC from Beaufort NC. Spelled the same, but pronounced differently. Starting in the south, say “Bew or Biew – fert” which sounds like view or beautiful. This view is officially preserved.

Bew with a View – May 13 & May 14

In the north, remember No Bo, or Bo knows diddley. No is also the abbreviation for north. In the north they say bow (like bow and arrow), or Bo-fert. If you want more explanation, check here :-)

While in Beaufort, take a long walk. The historic homes are breathtaking. This one is for my AK family, a very blue house – familiar fantastic color.

CA 1887, Beaufort, SC – May 14, 2021

Historic Beaufort has lots of restaurants to chose from. My favorite was Lost Local – taco extraordinaire, and unexpected Hockney Magic – for Alisha!

David Hockney, 1981 – Beaufort, SC

Lost Local

Special Tribute to Aunt Dianne Gill. Born in Hollywood, CA. Mother of 7 (two of my cousins, Frank and Kathryn, born in AK),  20 grandkids,  and 29 great grandkids.  An incredible legacy from an exceptional woman who was 92 years young. Thanks for your unconditional love.

Dianne Gill, 1929-2021

Milestone: Before we go, Congrats to Danielle and Sandra who closed on their first home, in Cleveland, OH. So very happy for them! Thanks Jamie and David, Uncle Scott and Aunt Cindy for making the move go so smoothly.

Next Stop: Steamboat Landing anchorage, roughly 30 miles south of Charleston Harbor.

Special Shout Out. DougAndDanaAndABoat, looking foward to your NPY4906 reveal. Thinking of a classic Audie Murphy (Jim Harvey) movie …