Windmill Harbour Marina, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

March 22-24, 2017

Miles Today:  35.9 NM
Total Miles:  421.9 NM

Before setting out each day, we do our ‘homework’.  This involves plotting our course using paper charts and our chartplotter and reviewing the route online on Active Captain; making notes of recent local knowledge and comments about any upcoming hazards.  Of course in this section of the Loop, we must consider tides and currents a lot. We also read Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob publications and search the AGLCA forum for observations and advice about the section of waterway we are going to traverse.

These resources provide excellent information but at times it can be overwhelming!  I have to admit that some comments put the fear of God in me (more than in Jim).  And, although we’re still in the beginning stage of the Loop, we’re (I’m) learning that some of the time the warnings are worse than we encounter.

Such was the case for crossing the Savannah River.  We were ramped up to cross a very wide river, encounter huge container ships, rip-roaring currents, and impossible shoaling on either side.  Now, I’m not discounting being prepared for all that – it makes us better boaters.  And I know we will be facing these challenges on the Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sound, Delaware River, etc.  But it can be a joy when none of the doomsday events happen!

Savannah River turned out to be a positive crossing.  It was more narrow where we crossed than expected and the current was not too swift.  The river was empty.  We did run into very shallow water as we entered the waterway on the opposite side but quickly turned starboard to find deeper depths.

Overall, it was a pleasant trip up to Hilton Head.  

Beautiful homes

and more beautiful homes

We actually went through our very first lock to enter the Windmill Harbour Marina – which is nestled inside a enclave of beautiful homes and condos.  We treated ourselves to dinner at the South Carolina Yacht Club there on the marina grounds.

Lock entrance to Windmill Harbour Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC

Windmill Harbour Marina

View from inside the Marina - lovely and peaceful

Spent a day sightseeing - taking an Uber ride down to Harbour Town.  Lunched at The Quarterdeck Restaurant on the patio, overlooking the horseshoe harbor.  We would have stayed there, but the Harbour Town Yacht Harbor was still closed from Hurricane Matthew’s damage to their docks – which were all pushed up like an accordion against the retaining wall at the back of the marina.

Harbour Town Lighthouse

Shops of Harbour Town

We jumped on the free “green trolley” out to Salty Dog Café at South Beach, quenching our thirst and sweet tooth on their outside deck. The Salty Dog has a webcam set up and we were able to text our son, Ryan, to get online quick enough to see us waving to him!

Parrots and patios down at Salty Dog's

Jim also bought his requisite souvenir t-shirt.  (I wonder where he’s going to store all the t-shirts he plans on buying.)