Cypress and sounds and friends...

Well back in Southport we were able to get the fuel cleaned out of the tank...all 57 gallons of it, and the tanks refilled with fresh fuel. The Yanmar Diesel is now working perfectly. We really we needed to head north again and make some miles if we want to get to Baltimore for Will's birthday. We waved to our patient friends as we passed them, Dick on a boat heading out to Bald Head Island, and Kerrie on their dock on the ICW taking pictures as we trekked along past. They have promised to sail with us one of these days...maybe when we get more practice with this boat! Most of the afternoon we had the jib (big front sail) up though. We do hope they will join us for some sailing on the way south!

We anchored with some challenge in a very windy Mile Hammock Bay in Camp Lejeune, a US Marine base where they were doing landing craft drills. We saw lots of military action on the water and helicopters in the air. We had never been exposed to this type of activity before. Bill was fascinated and had the binoculars out all the time we were there. They were doing practice training and maneuvers and had British troops there too. Didn't take any pictures!

We started a little late the next morning to catch the tide and the lift bridge at Onslow Beach following another boat Adventurous a large motor cruiser. The first part of the trip was lovely before we got to Swansboro, and we had the jib out as we had done the day before. The winds got to be a bit much and too challenging as the ICW wandered... so no more jib. We crossed the Bogue sound in a narrow channel and rough waters...not pleasant at all, but made it safely to Beaufort NC which is pronounced "Bofurt". Someone told us the difference between Beaufort SC and Beaufort NC is that they did not speak French in Beaufort SC which is our favorite city. We found a pleasant anchorage in Town Creek. We were very tired. That was probably our least favorite day of the entire trip so far.

Next morning we were going into downtown Beaufort and the dinghy engine would not idle! Another issue to deal with as we didn't want to continue without it working. We stayed another night, then were able to take it in to be repaired.

We moved into Town Creek Marina as they had a car and we could deliver and pick up the engine. Bill rowed the dinghy for the first time in wind and current. The engine was repaired, and needs to have the fuel bled out if we are not going to use it for several days. Another learning experience!

We left Beaufort after picking up the engine and a few groceries with the courtesy car, and doing a load of laundry. Marinas mean internet too!

We were able to get to Broad Creek, a lovely spot past Oriental, and anchored fine in quite shallow water. There were LOTs of dolphins dancing all around and very close to the boat as we went in. It was a lovely quiet evening with a beautiful sunset.

We had no phone service for 2+ days! I abhor ATT. We recently changed from Verizon and the service has been very poor to none most of the trip.

Up early with the reward of a spectacular sunrise.
On the way out of Broad Creek ...you guessed it or maybe not... we went aground. We called Boat US but some friendly shrimp fishermen came over, and two of the boats were easily able to get us free very quickly into 6 feet of water. That was the deep water there so there was not much room for error with our 5 foot draft!! Yours truly was behind the wheel this time. Bill said very little. Don't believe anyone who says that navigating the ICW is easy.

The rest of the day was wonderful but a long one. We cruised the Neuse River, Pamlico River, Pungo River and Pungo River-Alligator River Canal. Lots and lots of marsh and cypress trees alive and dead all along the rivers. We are not sure why so many are dead! We saw five Bald Eagles along the canal! They were wonderfully huge and distinctive. One eagle caught a fish right in front of the boat! Have seen turtles sunning and many nests of Osprey. In one, the almost grown chicks were flapping their wings and lifting up above the nest and then lowering over and over. PT for baby hawks!
We anchored in wide open Alligator River after we came out of the narrow canal in a bit of wind but deeper water where we felt comfortable. All these canals and rivers keep us inshore and get us past the Outer Banks in the Atlantic.

Next morning we crossed the Albermarle Sound in lovely winds right on our nose. Saw this tug from a distance and took a while to figure out what it was.

When you can sail and the waters are deep enough the wind doesn't cooperate. We have a new cooling trick during the day when we are very hot. Put on the swim suits and use the shower in the cockpit to wet down and cool off. It works very well to keep us comfortable. Also keep a wet t-shirt on to keep out of the sun has been working well too.
We stayed 2 nights at Midway Marina in Coinjock, NC. Easy docking ...our first time at fixed docks instead of floating docks. There is very little tide here and just a little current. What a treat to have such a gentle place to dock and a swimming pool too! Christine said it has been a while since we have fully submerged our bodies and not just showered and she is right.
Yesterday my Atlanta friend Laura, Sophia and Ben and David, who have been at Corolla on the Outer Banks this week, came to spend the afternoon with us on the boat! The kids had fun exploring the boat, and going with Bill on a dinghy ride. After lunch we were able to motor with them back up the canal and river. Just past the Coinjock bridge we saw another Bald Eagle! Laura spotted it and both kids saw it too. That was the frosting on the cake this afternoon. We came back and had a quick swim before they all had to leave. It was such fun to have them visit.

Bill and I had dinner out last night at Crabbies and it was delicious! The best seafood in Coinjock and we tried both places! Think is is the best I have had for a long time! There was musical entertainment tonight at Crabbies! Two doctors were playing and they were good. They call themselves "The Paradox". Midway Marina is a bit rustic, but we loved being here and having the pool too in this heat.

Unique things in Coinjock: A group of older men cruised by us on their personal water craft and pulled into the marina. We saw them later at the pool...then, when we went to eat they started to come into the restaurant and most had on t- shirts with "Bay Dogs" on the back. Guess the dogs cruise the waterways around here.

On the way back to the boat we saw a man on another PWC and did see a black dog on the front with him. It was a good sized poodle. He had another one on the other side and he slowly cruised off with both of them barking!

Talked to my brother last night, and sounds like all is well with them in Sutton, QC.

Best news we've had today though is that Bill's brother John in California had clear scans this week after his surgery and radiation for Melanoma. Thank you and keep on praying they stay that way forever!

We have stopped today at another marina as it is very hot and we wanted the AC on all night. We are just south of the locks at Great Banks, and will deal with that in the morning. They will raise us a foot in the lock which is mainly, so we have been told, to keep the Albermarle Chesapeake Canal from getting too brackish. Tomorrow will be our first time through locks. Something new all the time.