We had a wonderful time at Tanya’s Aunt and Uncle’s house in the Wilmington area. They are wonderful hosts and Thanksgiving dinner was amazing (thank you so much)! We always have a great time there and hate to leave.

From Wrightsville Beach we took Motts Channel to the ICW, headed south, across Snow’s Cut and into the Cape Fear River. From the Cape Fear River we headed outside into the Atlantic and southwest to Charleston SC.

Motts Channel from Wrightsville Beach to the ICW:

Dunes along the ICW just south of Wilmington:

Some areas along the ICW are pretty remote, others not so much:

Turn into Snow’s Cut toward the Cape Fear River:

Snow’s Cut:

Bald Head Island Ferry:

Mouth of the Cape Fear River, Atlantic Ocean beyond, down and to the right:

Traveling with our Canadian friends on Zen:

Our trip from Wrightsville Beach NC to Charleston SC was about 30 hours. We didn’t feel there were any noteworthy pictures out in the ocean, lots of water and no dolphins. The wind and seas were with us so we spent most of the time surfing the boat. We sailed for over 24 hours with no engine! Around midnight the temps dropped into the 30s and the winds picked up but we survived.

Charleston inlet breakwater in the distance:

Fort Sumter http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Sumter :

Ashley River anchorage:

Anchorage next morning:

The huge Charleston City Marina:

The main dock, Megadock, is over a 1/4 mile long:

Bridge north of the anchorage:

Dea Latis:

Dolphins feeding under the bridge:

Boats that stay in one place too long:

Charleston is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. We found the free shuttle bus which runs three routes around and through the city. Tomorrow we are going to the historic district to look at the old southern mansions, then maybe go over to Fort Sumter. We are not sure when we are leaving but probably Thursday or Friday. We will update again soon!