11/28/17  We have been awhile without WiFi and thus no blog.  I have posted some on FB.  When we left They pulled us at Hewitt Marine, discovered that yes our 30 year old original prop did need replacement.  We ordered a new Max prop and it was delivered to Hewitt the Wednesday eve before Thanksgiving.  On Friday after the holiday the mechanic at Hewitt informed us he did not want to install the prop.  Okay.  We called Anchor Marine down the road 20 miles and they arranged to haul us and install the prop the next day, Saturday.  And that they did and it was successful.  However, on our way to Anchor Marine we lost all our navigation.  No chart plotter, no depth sounder, etc.  It was the weekend.  We forged on to Barefoot Marine very carefully.  We were successful with lots of help to find an electronics guy to service us on Monday AM.  Barefoot was so much fun and everyone was so friendly and helpful.  Anyway, Tuesday AM we are off and running another 20 miles to Osprey Marina in Myrtle Beach.  The prop was running beautifully, the electronics were all working and the sun was shining.  Our short run was pleasant and confirmed all was well.  So tomorrow we are off to Georgetown SC.  We have learned that the East Coast of Florida received Irma's rath and we are moving slow to hope repairs are made.  We made need to go across sooner than expected.  April just went into cruise mood and has been so good. 

We had a very nice walk to downtown Southport and lunch at Fishy Fishy restaurant.  What a great time!  Dogs everywhere, all having a good time.  April spotted a King Charles and thought for sure it was Coco.  The place is lousy with squirrels, all of whom now know April. 

 

11/17/17  Thursday.  Turkey Day is one week away.  Yesterday it was COLD all morning but at least sunny.  We dealt with two swing bridges.  In Wrightsville Beach we had to wait an hour for the bridge to open.  Bet the boat being towed wished it had a sail.  We are staying in Southport today to provision and do laundry.  We will get a taxi as we need a good supplying.  Crossed fingers that it warms up.

Lily was April's birth owner.  She taught April how to be the crazy and love playing.  Also obedience.  I was thinking about that today. April and I have to take her toy out on the dock or nearby grass area and play crazy, with her leaping and throwing her toy and just being a nutting girl.  It gets those long legs moving and the need to play out of her.  Then we do an obedience routine.  She loves the whole time and I can't get away with not doing it -- not that I would.  I know I have said this before, but Lily you raised a wonderful dog.  Thank you.  Hope all is well with you.

11/7/17
Today we are about getting ready to head out tomorrow AM for Beaufort.  The weather is changing and the beautiful sunshine is about to leave for awhile, so time to head south.  Inland Waterway was just great finding us a dinghy and outboard and delivering it.  This is shrimping area and are they good!  And then looking across to Beaufort NC from Oriental.  Tomorrow's destination.

Sunday, 11/5/17 
Oriental is as beautiful and friendly as ever.  Wishbone is in a slip in front of the main office and that is where April has her meet and greet every morning.  We are doing some boat chores, supplying and enjoying our stay.  Found the best soft shelled crabs ever and have feasted twice on them.  The car goes back on Monday so today we are finishing up any running around for heavy supplies: water; dog food; fuel.  We were successful in finding a new dinghy and outboard to replace the runaways.  As always, we have met some very nice and interesting cruisers from all over the world and all walks of life.