LAT: N 33° 48.1'
LON: W 78° 44.8'
SLOW TIMES in the sun,
on the flybridge
today's sunrise
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Off Season Cruising

Captain's Log

750 - Slid out of Minim Creek.
915 - Passing Georgetown.
1104 - In the Waccamaw River passing Cow House Creek.
1255 - At the Socastee Swing Bridge.
1402 - In Myrtle Beach by the Rock Pile.
1519 - Pulled up at Barefoot Landing.

Arggg me maties, can aye have me pink condo gift wrapped?

Grub Report

For our supper tonight we went to T-Bonz. We ordered up a few T-Bonz brews: The Cooper River Red which was quite good, the IPA and the Nut Brown Ale, which were both better than we expected. We meant to only have one half priced appetizer of 12 hot buffalo style wings (fairly meaty, not especially hot). However, we also decided to order an onion flower, as we had never seen one before. (And will probably never willingly see one again.) This explosion of multi fried onion did us in. Though the honey mustard dressing was flavorful, we only finished half of the flower and our appetite did not return for the rest of the night.

Arggg... Aye love me Slowly apron.


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Ent-like Cypress on the banks of the Waccamaw River.

Myrtle Beach


It Puts the Kitch in Cypress Swamp


the Earl of Grey - Guest Editor

We took off this morning in cruising mode. It's amazing how easy it is to be back in the groove. We were quick to get on the fly bridge and start relaxing. We knew we were going to have a full day. Both the Waccamaw River and the Pine Island Cut were going to hold our attention. The former is known for it's windy ways through the cypress swamps, the latter for it's rocky and narrow shores.

While we drifted with the current in between the leaf-less (But then how will you make the tea? -Ed.) trees we came upon some coasties taking down a large nest that had been built on one of the markers. We also saw some tow boat U.S. folk taking care of a boat that looked like it had crossed paths with Trogdor the Burninator. But for most of our morning we just sat back and smiled.

After awhile of sky gazing and taking turns on the helm we passed by some boats with ideas of style that are similar to Slowly's. Soon after, we passed through the Socastee Swing Bridge which took us into the 20 mile run of the ICW known as the Rock Pile. The Rock Pile is a bizarre section of the ICW surrounding Myrtle Beach (which is bizarre enough alone). It raises the stakes of running ground because the sides of the waterway are composed of sharp rock edges.

Myrtle beach is a trip though. And it's on the up and up! They are clearing the way and rolling out fresh turf over this mess all the time. Just ask this guy.

Half way through the rock pile, the good people of Myrtle Beach have provided a free dock for cruisers called "barefoot landing." Its a long dock right alongside the ICW. First, we pulled up behind the Jungle Princess, but after scoping out the scene we moved the boat to a nicer spot with a fantastic view. With Slowly settled down and looking oh so sharp we headed out for some real action and adventure. Actually, we spent 50 cents for some animal feed and gave it to some coots. After a little more entertainment and window shopping, we headed for T-Bonz where we tasted beer and ate our snacks as described in the Grub Report.

All in all, we were left with no complaints. it was a comfortable berth at no cost besides the money we felt obligated to invest in beer and wings. We can only imagine what this place is like in the summer! Here's to off season cruising.

Fun Fotos!

Welcome to a new section. Since shrinking the image format on the main page, you can now click on any photo to see it big!

Today we were entertained by the new developments on the banks.

for the ladies...


and the lads...


blue tile lovers...


and fans of cement...




Animal of the Day


The Domestic Muscovy, Cairina moschata, is a mottled version of the wild Muscovy Duck. The common black and white domestic duck is bulky and awkward looking and has yellow legs and a bright orange bill. Domestic waterfowl are found in urban areas like city parks and on farms. Interbreeding creates a variety of colors and sizes, some very different than the parent species. The parent (wild) muscovy is quite dark except for white on the wings and a green sheen on it's plumage. It is only found along the Rio Grande in Texas.

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