We passed through Beaufort, SC, yesterday afternoon and considered stopping to enjoy the fireworks planned later in the day, but in view of the hundreds of small boats already anchored out in the ;prime spots, we kept on going and anchored up the Bull River. Had hot dogs and chili to celebrate while watching the Capitol Fourth on TV (a bit of a let down).

Charlie needs to depart on Friday morning, so we’re going to pass through Charleston SC in a few hours and anchor out tonight, then go into a marina at Georgetown SC tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. I’m going to arrange for a mechanic to come aboard and check out the oil leak after we arrive. We’ll have real showers in a marina and eat dinner in a restaurant that night, Charlie will depart by rental car the next morning, and if need be, we’ll stay another day or two to get the oil leak fixed.

Weather has been a little hot, although there are showers forecast for this afternoon along with a cold front, so we might get some lower temps. Nothing as hot as last year, however.

If we don’t have to delay more than a day or two to get the oil issue fixed, we’ll still make the Cape by the 20th by boat!

Khepera has been venturing out from under the covers on the bed while the engines are running, and now lies on the floor on the starboard side of the bed – it’s much cooler there and not over the engine room. Julie stays there, also, during most of the day. He still doesn’t come out to eat during the day, but waits until the engines stop at the end of the day’s run!

Hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July!