The storms have passed and the day started out cool and sunny as we left City Marina in Charleston. We were instantly facinated by the Charleston Lighthouse on Sullivan's Island as we had never seen another light house like this one. It resembles an air traffic control tower more than a traditional lighthouse. The tower's unique triangular shape, with a point toward the ocean, allows it to withstand winds of up to 125 miles per hour. Originally painted red, the color scheme proved so unpopular that the tower's daymark was soon changed to the current black-top and white-bottom. As the last major US lighthouse to be constructed by the federal government, it was activated in 1962. While the design does not quite represent southern charm or architecture, it does have some redeeming qualities. Inside the tower, the keepers of the light are treated to air conditioning and an elevator that offers a leisurely, 74-second trip skyward. After the elevator ride, it is still necessary to scale a 25-foot vertical ladder to reach the lantern room, where a powerful light source is housed.
As we made our way north along the ICW we saw just tons of dolphins and gorgeous homes. Then we came upon the following example of why it is ALWAYS important to read the charts carefully and stay within the channel markers.
We stopped to see if we could lend assistance but with humor and good spirits, our fellow mariners said that they would just wait for the tide to lift them. In the meantime, they would use this opportunity to clean the barnacles off their boat’s bottom. 
The month of July is going to be pretty much anchoring out as we much as we can. We have gone over budget with our trip home to the Midwest and sightseeing in Savannah and Charleston. There is not a whole lot of money left for marinas until our next retirement payday. Really I think this is a blessing in disguise as anchoring out is my favorite thing to do as the sunsets are always the best. 
Hours on the water: 7.5
Nautical miles traveled: 48
Number of bridges to be opened: 0
Time spent waiting at bridge: 0
Next Destination: Osprey Marina
What we listening to: Finished To the Nines and started Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
What we watched: The Sunset
Lesson for the day: Always stay within the channel markers
Obligatory knitting report: Scarves & hats for the Wunder Kids
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