Day #11: The day dawns clear and brisk. We're especially grateful to have escaped the Chesapeake and yesterday's snow storm. The routine of this cruise is comfortable: up before dawn; check the engine; plot the day's route; and enjoy the first cup of coffee. This routine was shaken-up a little when, right after weighing anchor, Nellie's engine started to hiccup. I hadn't noticed before but my heart rate and Nellie's are in sync. It was apparent today though; as her RPMs fluctuated, so did mine. Lack of fuel, either from a blocked filter or air in the line, is the first suspect in situations like these. Since Nellie was running ok, if not wheezing a little, we headed to Bohicket Marina on St. Johns Island (just south of Kiawah), SC. Once moored the investigation began. Sure enough, there was air in the secondary fuel filter. Changing the filters and priming the system was rewarded with a successful engine test run. Liberty was then announced and the crew, which hadn't been ashore in a week, headed to a pizza parlor. So, today wasn't quite the 'routine' we're accustomed to, but I must admit it was a very pleasurable diversion.
At the dock, Bohicket Marina, St Johns Island, SC. 10nm today and 574nm so far. DBH
