Wayne Stinnett, Author

Wayne Stinnett, Author

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Moving Sucks, But it Beats the Alternative

I've been a lot less present on the interweb for a while. We've been busy. In early October, we went to Beaufort and looked at houses. We found one we all liked and made an offer.

On Friday morning, December 18th, we got word from our Realtor that we could move in and began packing. Four days later, the movers arrived on Tuesday morning and we took down our Christmas tree. They were fast and efficient and we had everything pretty well packed, so the moving van was on the road before noon and we spent our first night in Beaufort in our new home, after a 250 mile drive. With three dogs. And six parakeets. The next morning, I went out and bought a new Christmas tree and celebrated Christmas in our new home two days later.

I had to go back about a week later, because the movers couldn't transport live plants and to pick up my motorcycle, which they didn't have room for. I rented a U-Haul trailer and got my bike and all the plants aboard, plus a bunch of other little things we didn't get packed, then did a thorough cleaning of the old house. It's for sale and the price is low, if anyone's interested. I'll even knock a little more off, if need be.

We now live on one of the sea islands on the coast of South Carolina. Lady's Island is east and south of Beaufort and across Port Royal Sound from Port Royal, with Parris Island just beyond. To the southeast is St. Helena Island, then Hunting Island, then the Atlantic Ocean. The boat ramp three miles from the house is only about seven miles from open water. 

So, I bought a boat. Nothing big or flashy, just a good solid used 1995 Grady-White center console. It's one year newer than my pickup, which will be pulling it. I've wanted a Grady ever since I was a kid and within about ten days, it'll be parked in my driveway. It's in really good shape for a twenty year old boat and the engine is a 140 HP 2002 Suzuki, with very low hours. My youngest daughter and I took it out for a sea trial this morning. It was 35* and the wind was out of the north at 20 mph, creating white caps in the creek where we launched. Out on the river, seas were 2-3 feet and choppy. The boat handled it smoothly and we didn't get wet. Well, except for the occasional snowflake. Yes, I chose the worst possible day for a sea trial. It hadn't snowed here since the Grady was new.

I made an offer before the sea trial was over. It's on consignment with Butler Marine in Beaufort and if the owner accepts my offer, the dealer is sending it to their larger shop in Charleston to have a T-top and some new electronics installed. It should be back by the first of February. By the time it gets back, temperatures will be in the upper 60s and we'll be out on the Sound enjoying our time aboard "Gravity Storm".

Up in northern Greenville County, where we moved from, they got a half inch of freezing rain the night before last and four inches of snow yesterday. Power is out at our old home and not expected to be restored until Sunday.

So, what's all this got to do with writing? Well, I'm paying cash for the boat, just like I did my pickup, and the new home is a huge step up from where we lived. None of this would have been possible if it weren't for Jesse McDermitt.

The old man has returned to the sea. I think I'm gonna like it here.

Semper Fi,
Wayne





10 comments:

  1. Wonderful post ! Happy that Jesse McDermitt has helped to make your wishes come true - he's quite a guy and we're looking forward to seeing what he's up to next ! Congratulations on your Grady White - great name for it too.
    Julie & Jay ( Lady's Island)

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    1. I'm still not a hundred percent on the name. I chose Pescador. Gravity Storm was my daughter's choice.

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  2. Wayne, those great stories rollin around in your mind while your big rig was rollin down the road needed to get out in the world and be shared. How fitting that your greatest fans ( Gretta & Jordy) now get to enjoy your success with you back by the sea

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    1. Thanks, Jamie. I'm hoping that bouncing across Port Royal Sound will jar a few more stories loose. Jordy's really excited.

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  3. Mr Stinnet, I just read all the Jesse McD books - couldn't put them down. Can't wait for the next ones. Going to start on Charity now to hold me over. I love when authors break out interesting characters and give them their own stories. I can certainly see a lot of people in your books who have stories to develop into books for you to sell and us to read- after all, you probably need a wave-runner for quick trips to town, some new fishing gear and an sea plane right? But please don't forget about Jesse and the team.

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  4. I wanted to share my experience with moving that will really make you grateful for your situation. I had to move myself from New Jersey to South Florida. Wife took baby by plane, I had to pack huge moving truck, and take 2 dogs in cab with me over 900 miles. I still do not know how I made it through Maryland.

    Hayden Farley @ Malibu Real Estate Agents

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  5. Great blog, really enjoyed reading it. It has kind of inspired me to go and buy a boat. Love fishing and the outdoors so I think its perfect for me. We live in Savannah, Georgia and have access to really nice lagoons filled with fish and all sorts of cray fish and shell fish. Great blog, keep it up. Thank

    Martin Moran @ Buyers Agent San Antonio

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  6. Wayne, just wanted to comment on your book series. Have made it through the first 6 books and can't think of one that I did not like. I especially like the characters you bring into your writing. All seem real and well suited to their roles. I suppose part of my interest in your writing comes from being a fellow Marine. Interestingly enough I served with 1/8 Marines on a Med deployment in 1970 before heading out to WestPac. Was NCOIC of the Naval Gunfire School at Subic Bay and also deployed with an ANGLICO team to 'Nam. Interesting times!!! Keep up the good work. Semper Fi!

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  7. I'm on the 4th book in the series and each one is better than the previous one. I have a very hard time putting them down to go do whatever needs doing that day! I'm from Savannah and have lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains for 13 yrs. I suppose we all have a place that will always be "home" in our hearts, no matter where we live. This is it for me and has been since I was 12. Grew up on the water and lived on the water (Vernon River) most of my life. Plus I was married to a surfer. When his knee finally gave out after 30 yrs of long board paddling, he said it was my turn and we moved here. Can't imagine anyone leaving by choice but home really is where the heart is. Enjoy your new home and I'll keep enjoying your books!

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  8. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. moving companies in pasadena

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