We left Hilton Head late in the day on Wednesday (7/15) for the short hop up to Beaufort SC. It was an easy and beautiful voyage to the Downtown Marina of Beaufort where we were greeted by the helpful dock hand. That evening we ate onboard then took a quick tour of the waterfront which was just steps from the marina. Music from the local restaurants could be heard from our marina slip at just the right volume.
Henry Chambers Waterfront Park 
Relaxing on swings at the waterfront park
The next day (Thursday 7/16) we rented bikes for the week, and started a full day tour of “The Point” – the historic district where there’s lots of antebellum old homes and churches. (many movies were made here such as Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Great Santini, Full Metal Jacket, Jungle Book, The Fugitive, A Perfect World, GI Jane, Forces of Nature, The Prince of Tides, and more).
We saw the First African Baptist Church with the grave of the first paster out back and oldest church in Beaufort = St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, and then went to the new church catholic church on Lady’s Island Sunday morning.
Historic St Peter the Apostle Church 
Graveyard at St. Peter the Apostle
On Friday we re-positioned the boat to Port Royal Marina just 3 miles down the Beaufort River toward Parris Island (home of the US Marine Corp Recruiting Center) which we could see from our boat, but were not allowed to visit due to COVID. From the boardwalk in the Port Royal Marina you can see the bridge that Forrest Gump ran across in the movie right next to us. After settling in to the new marina, we took the bikes and went to the YMCA for a dip in the pool.
Saturday was a very busy day, starting back at the YMCA for morning workout, then biking to the local Farmers Market (two of Mary’s favorite things to do). We also stopped in at the local Piggly Wiggly and wine store to grab a few items for dinner. On the way back we found a local seafood market that had ‘oysters’ that Larry could not resist buying. Mary made an awesome shrimp dinner Saturday evening.
On Sunday we were up early for a 4 mile bike ride to St Peters Catholic Church, which was followed by another 4 miles into downtown Beaumont to enjoy an excellent Italian meal at Panini’s on the Waterfront.
Chicken Salad Pannini and Pizza with Arugula 
End of another Gorgeous Day !
Following lunch we were still ~5-6 miles from the boat by bike so we mounted up and rode a good portion of the Spanish Moss Trail that terminates near downtown Port Royal (very close to the YMCA pool, which was a perfect end of day activity after 14 miles of biking in >90 degree weather).
Monday thru Thursday were spend biking, exploring historic Port Royal including Cypress Wetlands, Sands Beach and the Historic Port Royal Foundation Museum.
Cypress Wetlands Trail in Port Royal 
Church Lady said supposed to be a huge alligator in there… 
The only museum we found open (due to COVID closing everything else) was the Historic Port Royal Foundation museum. The two people were so nice and told us all about the area with stories about people they knew from the last 60 years!! Port Royal flew 7 different flags during its history. Finished the day with planning and charcuterie back at the boat.
We rode most of the Spanish Moss Trail from Port Royal up to Merritt Field home of the Marine Corps Air Station just past Beaufort, SC. Daily you can hear ‘the sound of freedom‘ roaring across the sky as F/A-18 Hornets, F-35B & F-35C Lighting II fly their daily missions.
Spanish Moss (SM) Trail = 14.9 miles 
Free Books in old warehouse on SM Trail 
Seen from Spanish Moss Trail 
Marine Corps Air Station 
Fun place for Egrets on the SM Trail 
Bike Tunnel on SM Trail 
Lots of Plantations in South Carolina 
Pick Pocket Plantation in South Carolina
We did find a couple of local restaurant gems: The Carolina Tavern & Agave Mexican Grill
Agave plant at Agave Mexican Restaur. 
Check out this Maserati !! 
“The Best”! Fajitas and Margaritas 
Our Table at the Carolina Tavern — Good Draft Beers and Nachos and Wings!
Friday morning we depart early for Bohicket Marina for a 1-night stay en-route to Charleston for 6-days.
Larry & Mary’s Great Loop Blog 
So glad you guys are having a blast! Looks like great fun. Safe travels.
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed Beaufort and Port Royal guys! Great pics posted! Have fun in Charleston! Stay safe!
LikeLike