Sail off anchor 7:35, 1.5 with a gentle ebb tide and light west wind. Cool, clear. Just a few minutes to turn into the cut to the Coosaw River, motor sailing at idle speed between Beet and Ashe Islands.
A great blue heron stands motionless next the the tiniest of drains running out of the marsh. With a splash it grabs a baitfish for breakfast.
Slip out onto the Coosaw River 8:10 at red marker "184," sailing at 2.5 with a nice breeze. A toot of a horn and friendly wave from a passing trawler.
Beautiful morning, nice breeze and making just over three knots against the ebb tide. Could not ask for a better morning.
8:50 better wind off and making 3.7 with wind after of starboard beam. Think of turning south towards Morgan Island but don't want to give up on this beautiful sailing. 9:20 making 4.0 off Parrot Creek. Use the VHF to call a tug coming up the channel, confirm a port to port pass. 9:50 can see the entrance markers for Brickyard Creek.
I recall that a year ago I had received an invitation to visit Lady's Island across from Beaufort, but cannot recall who sent the invite. I check my emails and find it was from Adam, who runs a canvas shop at the marina. I text him and quickly receive an invitation to Lady's Island. He's arranged a slip for me, and I offer to treat for dinner.
Wind falls off turning into Brickyard Creek, motor sailing. 11:20 wind returns, sailing on the ebb tide at 2.3. Beautiful creek and a lone dolphin parallels SPARTINA in the shallows along the mud banks just off the marsh.
12:25 rounding Pleasants Point green "229a" shows we now have a flood tide. 1:15 turn to port into Factory Creek that runs between the marsh and Lady's Island. Find Adam and his wife Susie waiting to grab the lines, docked at 1:30.
Adam has been interested in the Pathfinder design for a while and wanted to see one in person. I give him a quick tour of the boat, it doesn't take long, and then he and Susie give me a tour of Journey Marine Canvas, their shop Lady's Island Marine. Adam agrees to meet for dinner, then I head back to SPARTINA to stow away gear and set up the boom tent.
I had always bypassed Lady's Island on past trips, instead heading to better known Beaufort just across the river. I am pleased to find a quiet little community. There is a nice little cafe/sandwich shop right next to the marina, a restaurant called Lady's Island Dockside on the marina grounds and a dive bar - The Fillin' Station - a short walk away. How nice!
I've got to catch up on my logs so I head to the dive bar, a five star dive bar they proudly say, to get out of the sun, drink a club soda and fill out the log.
I have an enjoyable dinner with Adam at the Dockside restaurant, and thank him for his hospitality. It is always good to meet new people along the way.
17.9 NM
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