Beaufort, SC to Dewees Creek, SC August 25

We departed Beaufort, SC early—about 0700—as we knew we had several shallow areas to traverse and were timing the rising tide.  We passed Brickyard Point into the Coosaw River about 0800, and by about 0930 entered the first area predicted to be difficult.  It was the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, and though we had no problems at about ½ tide, it would have been too shallow with any lower tide.  We cleared Watts Cut about 1100, passed through the other shallow areas north of there, and entered the North Edisto River about 1145.  We moved along well, but the plethora of small motorboats, many operating wildly and recklessly, was amazing all the way to Charleston.  We turned into Elliott Cut just south of Charleston at 1420, and by 1440 we were entering the Ashley River.  Since we had thoroughly toured Charleston about 3 years ago when I attended a meeting there, we had decided to forego sightseeing it again.  With that decision, we opted to get north of all of the Charleston Harbor entrance traffic today, and thereby have a fresh start in the morning.  Charleston marinas on both the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers have ferocious tidal currents.  By 1515 we had entered the ICW north of Charleston Harbor, but terrific currents and many shallow spots were a challenge for the first few miles.  We found a delightful anchorage in Dewees Creek, and dropped anchor there about 1630.  A FULL day!

Charleston, SC Marina

Charleston Historic Area

Charleston Historic Area

Charleston, SC

One delightful surprise of the day was the cool front that passed through Beaufort during the night.  Wind was from the north, drier, and definitely milder!

Fort Sumpter, SC