Beaufort is probably the nicest stop on the ICW! The Municipal Marina is showing a bit of wear (which should be fixed), but the very-nearby walkable town is fantastic.
Bring your wallets guys, the ladies will love emptying it! This town rivals Annapolis with interesting stores and restaurants, all within a five minute walk of our moorage. Beaufort is a definite two-night stop for ICW travelers. This is author Pat Conroy's home town - He lives nearby and often hits the local drink-a-terias. You know his works; Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, etc. If you have read any of his books, you'll feel so at home here!
Supper tonite (Coooked aboard by HIMSELF) was shrimp sauteed in wine, spices, and olive oil with garlic, onions and orange peppers; eaten with more italian wine! Oh, my word - delicious. Now, we're off to town to enjoy the pre-Christmas celebration. It was over 70 today, but the night-time cool-off has dropped the temperatures 20 degrees and brought in a bit of fog. Next week's temps are forecast in the high 70s.
Off to Hilton Head tomorrow - we'll see how the "swells" live, thanks to our good friend Don Moon, a superb mariner and a very gracious host. All I have to do now is not run aground in Georgia's 8' Tidal range. Don would never forgive me!
At the Beaufort Christmas festival, we met Sallie Ann Robinson, who has written two Gullah cookbooks. She autographed her most recent book for us. As a teenager on Dafuskie Island, Mrs. Robinson was one of Pat Conroy's students. He taught school on the island and wrote his first book, "The Water is Wide" about his experiences. It later was made into the movie "Conrack" starring Jon Voight. She consulted on Hallmark's TV re-creation of the story in Conroy's book. A very delightful lady ... as was the town festival. Beaufort is truly a wonderful destination!
Ebb Tide II underway
