It’s been two and a half months and more than 1,500 miles since I left home.
Today I find myself in the relatively warm city of Charleston, South Carolina, enjoying the Southern culture. I like the palm trees and the accents, and enjoy the way strangers call each other things like sweetie and doll.
The placards about the civil war are different than what I learned in my New England school but I enjoy seeing all sides of history.
Charleston, specifically, is full of wonderful architecture and a rich sailing background. As I admired the long porches and magnificent churches, I also stopped to – literally – smell the roses. I’ve heard from reliable sources about the temperatures in Maine right now and I’m thankful that I’ve sailed to a place with flowers blooming.

Sailors can get a close up view of this sinking ship on ICW in South Carolina. Sally Gardiner-Smith photo
As I move further south I encounter an increasing number of cruisers. Most of them are traveling as families or couples or on a crew. They inquire as to what I do all day, as a solo sailor. The answer is primarily to sail and navigate. However, I have become adept at entertaining myself and finding comfort in solitude. I’ve become an avid reader. I like to watch for dolphins or birds. I try to teach Elli new tricks and usually end up giving her treats for a solid effort. On calm days I’ll give myself a manicure.
On days like today, I spend my time exploring new places and relishing in the short-lived relationships that I make everyday. I have found that the world is full of intelligent, interesting, kind people. I count myself lucky to be able to meet so many of these people, but I also miss the comfort of long established relationships.
It is difficult, as many of you probably know, to go a long time without seeing your family and friends. I think, however, it’s something that every person should attempt in his or her life. I have developed more confidence in myself and learned more about my country, as well as delighted in the countless personalities I’ve met and beautiful scenes I’ve seen.
I am close, finally, to Florida and should be there within the next week or so. Hopefully I will be rewarded with warm weather.
The further south I go, the less pressure I feel. No longer does the temperature drop below freezing! I wouldn’t classify the weather as warm, but I have taken my shorts out of storage in preparation.