Charleston, SC!

 We haven't had internet for some time, thus the delayed postings.

Eagles that are hard to see

We're anchored in Ashley River on the west side of Charleston. It's a bit rocky and there's a little group of six small sailboats racing around between and around the boats anchored here. They are apparently student sailors as they have two power boats with them directing traffic. We stayed in the ICW again today due to the forecast of 8 foot seas offshore. It was a pleasant day inside on the water, motor sailing through miles of marshland. Saw eagles and dolphins.

Bridge to Mt Pleasant

Charleston waterfront

As we were not very busy, I was thinking about all the different personalities of sailors we have run across. There is quite a variety out here. While waiting on bridges or listening to the radio chatter, you begin to see a pattern develop. For example, there is always one guy who likes to lead the pack and radio friendly directions to others following in his wake. He has a great speaking voice which we imagine he has practiced a bit at home. He personally welcomes boats from other countries and never fails to issue courteous warnings regarding shoaling in areas that we might (but probably won't) come across. It's reassuring to know he is out there looking out for us. Kind of like a benevolent father figure.

Then there is the one who wants to get to the bridge ahead of everybody Not quite the same as the first personality type, you might say he is a bit pushy. This is usually a power vessel and you can somewhat excuse his behavior since you know he will move faster than you. But not always. Sometimes this is just a rude sailor and you have to just let him go and hope he gets his “comeuppence” sometime in the future.

We've also seen the exceedingly polite boat captain. He waits for you to go first, to the point of being a bother. “You go ahead.” “Oh no, after you.” “But you were here first.” Etc. etc. It can really cause delays in moving forward. The is the type that really bothers my captain a lot.

Finally, there are the boats traveling together in a pod. They talk among themselves en route, anchor together, party together, and are a little like the “in crowd” in middle school. You wonder if they are talking about you. You would like to be their friend but it's obvious they are not interested. This is the type that bothers me the most. I'm not going into the psychology of this.

There probably are lots of others but these are the ones that have come to mind today. Kind of like life at home I guess.