Onward from Myrtle Beach!!!!

Hello everyone!  I wasn’t expecting to take this long of a break from blogging - glad you could join us again as our journey continues.  

SIDE NOTE/TECHNICAL CHALLENGES:  I have tried to adjust the settings on my blog so that y’all get email notifications when I post an update; however, I don’t think this is working.  I’ve heard from people who have tried to post comments, but I can’t see those comments at all.  Also, I have not been able to figure out a way to put a map (tracking our progress) into my blog but would like to.  If anyone has any advice on any of these issues, I would love to hear from you!  (email is sherylmerrick@gmail.com).  Thanks so much for bearing with me!!!

Now on to our update:  we spent 9 wonderful days at Osprey Marina in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, which is on the southern end of Myrtle Beach.  My parents live about 20 minutes away, so we were able to spend some very relaxing time with them.  Gotta give a shout-out to my Mom for doing our laundry (is there an age limit when that should stop?) - very much appreciated!!!  It was also a lot of fun getting my mom going on her first “smart phone” - she even managed to take her very first selfie LOL (if you know my mom, this is big news for her!).

My awesome friends also made the trek to Murrells Inlet (by car), and we had a great time visiting, catching up, and doing some dorky touristy things.

After all that fun, Mark and I left the comforts of the marina and camaraderie of family/friends and set sail once again on Monday, November 14.  Back to the reality of water-soluble marine grade toilet paper (I won’t elaborate, but I’m sure you can imagine) and conserving power and water.  We passed offshore of Charleston (see picture) but the view was very hazy due to smoke from the wild fires in western North Carolina.  

We have anchored for the past two nights in random places along the way - both spots were pretty isolated and therefore extremely quiet and peaceful.  The types of trees/plants we are passing by have changed - notice the palm trees?  The nights have been on the cool side (mid 40’s), and this only strengthens our resolve to continue rapidly southward.

And I had to throw in a picture Mark took of me relaxing in “my spot” on a day when it was too cold to drive from topside.  Not looking too stressed, am I?  

The only maintenance/repair issue has been a small oil leak around the engine valve cover - Mark has (of course) tried tweaking the tightness of the bolts, but the oil continues to outsmart him and escape.  I believe a new gasket is being delivered to our next destination, though - hopefully that will solve it once and for all.  All other systems functioning nominally, knock on wood!  Next stop will be Beaufort, SC for a day or two - will update next from there.  Take care, y’all!