29 December - Day #27. Some days it's better not to plan--just go and see what happens. We pulled the anchor in Charleston, headed south, and had the current behind us almost the entire trip. Nellie D. acted like a race horse when she was pushed along at 9.6 knots in the N. Edisto River. It was all very relaxing with opportunities for naps and reading when not on watch. We saw only a few other boats along the way, including the "Earth Ball" which is pictured above. The skipper looks like he's one go wake away from swimming. I always wonder how close to cut channel markers. Do they mark deep water or shoals? The picture above gives me pause. As for us, we had no particular destination in mind, but with an average speed of 6.5 knots we were pleasantly surprised to be in Beaufort, SC late in the afternoon. Beaufort is another antebellum town with amazing houses and the biggest live oaks I've ever seen. Anchored off Beaufort, SC. 56nm today/624nm total. BJH
