Charleston SC to St Elizabeth NC

M

maryvmcclain

New member
Hi,
I posted in the topic about the NC loop cruise but I thought I'd post a general question also.

If everything goes as planned, we will be starting to cruise from Charleston SC (or nearby...suggestions?) in early May and were wondering how long it would take to go to St Elizabeth NC. How long should it take? Where would you stop along the way? We won't have a dingy but will bring bikes. What is interesting to visit along the way (assuming we have time).

If the weather in May is going to be a problem, then we may trailer it (or some of it), but it seems like a good idea to leave the car and trailer in storage near Charleston because we're going to need to take a flight back to get them at some point. We're thinking of finding a U-Store Lot near the Charleston airport because of that.

We begin our trek east in about 2 weeks... first to Lake Martin,Alabama... probably stopping at Wefings in FL to get solar installed, then to Charleston/Savannah mostly to sightsee. Will come home for about a month an a half then return to Charleston to continue.

Lots of miles to cover. All suggestions appreciated!
 
In 2012 we went from Oriental, NC to Charleston, SC in 5 days with stops at Beaufort, NC; Wrightsville Beach, NC; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Georgetown, SC. Most days we traveled from 50 to 80 statute miles and had time each afternoon to explore each destination and had dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants along the way. This pace was good for us, however there is a lot to see and you may want to go slower.

The distance from Oriental, NC to Elizabeth City, NC is about 140 statute miles and can easily be done in 2 days in reasonable weather. In high winds there are 2 areas on this route, (1) where the Neuse River empties into Pamlico Sound and (2) crossing Albemarle Sound, where you may want to hold up for a day due to very rough seas.

In the May along your route you still may encounter a cold front or fog which can affect you schedule.

My wife and I have found this area for cruising to be very interesting and rewarding. Have a great trip!
 
Hi there,

We haven't done the trip in a C-Dory, but have transited the area several times in our trawler. Our speed in the trawler was about 7.5 knots, so our rate of travel was pretty relaxed. We averaged between 20 and 30 days based on different routes and the time we spent playing at various stops. Send me an email and I can send you more specifics or you can check out our blog for lots of info and pictures (May 2010 and May 2011 at: http://gletzold.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html

For more current info on various stops, check out Active Captain for the most recent information from people who are out there doing the trip.
https://activecaptain.com/index.php
 
We live 30 miles south of Charleston and recently anchored off Bulls Island in Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge. There is a public dock you can use during the day. You can use your bikes as well. Larry and Christine.
 
I took this from cruisersnet.net. I've been wanting to do this for awhile. I think it's about six miles up the South Santee river. They have a restaurant there also. If you're not familiar with the site. It's very useful. They have an electronic chart that you can scroll like google maps. People put their favorite anchorages and attractions on there. It's great for route planning/dreaming. Have fun.

"Just west of the U.S. 17 span, Hopsewee Plantation is clearly visible on the northern shore. Hopsewee was the one-time home of Thomas Lynch, a fierce patriot of the Winyah district. His radical stand against England during the Revolutionary War period immortalized his name among South Carolina’s great patriots. Now, his plantation is open to the public and is well worth your time. Tours are currently conducted Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., March through October. Call 843-546-7891 for more information. Seldom will visitors find such a beautifully preserved house of this age open for all to enjoy."
 
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