Charleston, SC
Starting Point: Charleston, SC Estimated Mileage: 48 NM
ICW Canal connecting Pungo River with Alligator River
We were warned that the first stretch of waterway was known for scattered shallow spots in the first few miles, but we found none. As waterfront homes of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms slowly peeled away to reveal the quiet wilderness of the Santee Coastal Reserve, I thought, “This is the ICW I imagined.” Pristine, undeveloped and peaceful. In the coming days, I would learn this was only part of the story. We pulled into Georgetown for the evening, and our first day was behind us. With that came the simple lesson: the only way to get over the nervousness of a trip is to start the journey. We slept well that night knowing we had done so. Leg 1: Georgetown, SC to Southport, NC Estimated Mileage: 72 NM Leaving Georgetown and heading north up the Waccamaw River, the previous afternoon’s tranquility continued.The soft light over the marshlands showed that ours was the only wake in sight, save for a few passing southbound boats. It was an easy way to start the day. And then …Myrtle Beach ... on a Saturday... in June. The morning peacefulness gave way to a bustling stretch of waterway filled with all sorts of people enjoying the day — center consoles, water skiers, kayakers, stand-up paddlers, floating tiki bars. Mile after mile of developed waterfront checked
Beaufort, NC
27
SPRING 2022
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