Jim, Alex, and Su returned to Palmetto Moon around the middle of April and determined the winds were blowing and getting to Oriental would be delayed. We called our friends, MaryLou and Joan, who were planning to drive from Toronto to Oriental and suggested they drive to Myrtle Beach instead. Since they cruise, they understand changes in plans; furthermore, the shopping is better here than in Oriental!

On Monday, April 21, we watched an alligator swimming in the fairway and were surprised it was still around later in the afternoon taking its nap. I think you can see it better if you click on the picture to enlarge it. Jim thinks it was about 6 feet long.

On Wednesday, April 22, Su drove around doing errands while wondering what was causing all the smoke coming from the southwest...little did we know that a brush fire was out of control in Conway. We clocked winds of 17 mph on Palmetto Moon and gusts into the 30s. By 6:40 PM, this was the view from our flybridge.

By 7:20 PM, this was the view! We had no idea how far away the flames were but knew the wind was still from the southwest which meant the smoke was crossing the waterway north of us. We discussed where we would go if we needed the leave the marina. Fortunately, Adam, an employee of the marina, came by around 9:30 PM to tell us that the fire was at least five miles away and had not crossed Highway 31.

We determined that we do not like "f" words -- FLOOD in June 2006, FOG northbound trip in March 2009, and now FIRE!!! By the end of the week, the fire still smoldered and the results were: more than 20,000 acres burned destroying around 70 homes.

Alex assisted in making the guest berths forward, and once he was finished he collapsed in exhaustion. We couldn't resist taking his picture. MaryLou and Joan arrived on Friday, April 24 and spent three wonderful warm days with us. They shopped and shopped. We also spent time relaxing by the pool working on our tans...one of us was working on her burn. We contemplated why natural disasters seemed to occur when we are together! Dense smoke kept them here longer on Tuesday morning when they were trying to leave for Washington, DC.

As the month ends, we plan our trip north and compile our list of chores to do in Oriental.