Yin and Yang

Sitting in Katahdin's cockpit at the Wacca Wache Marina near Murrell's Inlet, SC, I find myself divided in a couple of ways.

First, it is an absolutely gorgeous spring day--64 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and the leaves display those lush light greens showing the promise of youth and the summer to come.

Spiritually, i couldn't be better. Physically? Well. Yesterday the Admiral and I said enough is enough. The respiratory virus definitely had the upper hand. I had bronchitis, the worst sinus congestion ever, and a deep cough that wouldn't quit. The Admiral's cough was less severe but her nose, throat and sinuses pained her greatly. Both of our energy levels had reached a low ebb. At 7:00 in the morning, we got an Uber (poor guy) and went to the McLeod Seacoast Hospital ER. What a special place. Early on a Saturday morning, it was quiet, clean, modern and staffed by the friendliest, most helpful and understanding people you'd ever want to meet. The triage nurse took our BPs, oxygen levels, and temperatures. Within a single digit, we were identical on all of them. The doc came in and did quick but thoughtful exams. He prescribed steroids and cough syrup for each of us and an antibiotic for me for the rattle low in my lung. Seeing the Admiral looking left out, he offered her antibiotics too. For the steroid, he said we could have a shot or pills. Unwittingly, we each selected the shot. He left and the nurse came back with two bottles and two syringes. I started to roll up my sleeve. "Oh no," she says, "This is a butt shot." So there we were, two in a row, both of our trousers exposing a naked upper cheek. A first for us and a first for the nurse. Maybe just a bit too much togetherness? At least one of us didn't cry. Well, that was a long way of saying, spiritually this gorgeous spring day has me exuberant, but physically, though better than yesterday, I am still low energy, still coughing though not as much. And, while I write, the Admiral is enjoying a much needed nap.

I am also divided because our days on our first Katahdin are quickly coming to an end. The Admiral and I are very excited about the new boat. Her hull's been painted the Admiral's flag blue and her bottom will get a coat of antique red early next week. She is starting to look truly lovely.

However, we are realizing that soon we will be leaving the vessel which has been our full time home and transportation for the past nearly eight months. With some minor glitches here and there, many of which were our fault, she has served us extremely well. We will miss her dearly!

While we took yesterday off for medical care and much needed rest, both the day before and, especially, today offered spectacular cruises. Back south far enough, the number and variety of birds around us have just exploded. Today (Louise Lopez pay attention) treated us to three swallow tail kites--two soaring over and around us a couple of miles upriver from our destination at Wacca Wache and one sitting in a branch of a tree just across the marina from us. So special! We also observed numerous osprey--now actively fishing to feed young, kingfisher, great blue heron, great white egret, brown pelican, black vultures, and unknown swallows. The skies are full! Day before yesterday (though not today) we also encountered dozens of dolphins. They are so fun and almost always swim over to say hello and to determine whether we have a surfable bow or stern wave.

We also had the pleasure today of two swing bridges that had to open for us. We reached the Little River Swing Bridge a few miles after leaving the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. When we arrived, it was already in the process of opening for another boat and with the approval of the bridge tender, we scooted through on his stern. The Little River Swing Bridge, built in 1935 and originally swung by donkeys, opens more than 2000 times a year--more than any other bridge in South Carolina. At the Socastee Swing Bridge, we had something of a wait. But, as always, the bridge tender responded quickly and kept us informed. Our interactions with these folks who are on station day in and day out are interesting, fun, and almost always a real pleasure.

We have a short day tomorrow going to Georgetown where the Admiral has a favorite restaurant from our last time there and the next day we'll make our way back to Charleston--a slightly longer trip and our last voyage on our first Katahdin.