GOODBYE, NORTH CAROLINA

Tuesday, May 19th, we woke early in the morning and started to get ready for our departure. We left the dock in Swansboro,NC, with 15 knots of wind, a little choppy, but the Summer Wind was ploughing along with no problem. Heading for Beaufort,NC, Inlet, I (Elle) was a little concerned because we had to traverse across the Inlet before making our turn towards Adams Creek. Well, all my worries were unfounded because the wave action wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. We rounded the corner and turned toward Adams Creek. The wind had picked up to 15-20 knots and there were some gusts even higher. Dick reassured me that once inside the creek there would be little or no wave action because the creek narrows. He was right. The path was smooth, even though the winds were howling. Our plans were to cross the Neuse River to make Oriental,NC, however there was not even a thought of attempting that today. At the end of the mile creek there is a very good anchorage called Cedar Creek and its very well protected. So we tucked ourselves close in to land and dropped the hook. We were not alone in this anchorage, several boats that we heard travelling joined us. There were however a few brave souls that attempted to cross the Neuse River. The wind howled for 2 days before we could move across and finally on Thursday May 21 we made it across to Oriental. Even though the winds were calm there were good size waves. We contacted Annette and Jim Schneider and made arrangements to get together that evening. Of course before the fun, work had to be done. Dick pulled out the hose and bucket and I threw in the laundry and cleaned inside. The Summer Wind was now somewhat presentable, even with her moustache. Both of us were itching to get off the boat, so off we went to explore and find the post office. Both of us commented how weird it felt to be on land. In this tiny town, there is a small post office and would you believe they close for lunch?? Dick and I chuckled because we can't imagine a small town having a rush. As things happen, conversation started up with the gentleman behind us named Bill. He and his wife are sailors and of course there was a great conversation. Dick shared his love of the Summer Wind and Bill was intrigued and asked to bring his wife to have a look.

Later that evening Annette picked us up, we took a tour of Dune Village Marina, very neat little community but its very isolated. Annette took us back to her house, first thing we're greeted by are Jenny and Buffy. We believe Annette and Jim were Eco savvy before it became cool. Jenny and Buffy are very cute goats and hey, we all know what goats can do..mow lawns!

Annette told us she made us a surprise and to tell you the truth it was heavenly. She made a delicious dinner which included her own homemade sausage,,,YUM!!! She had also made fig bars from the figs from her trees.Heavenly!!! Dick has always told me how wonderful Annette could cook and yes Annette it was fantastic!!! For you Harlemites, Jim surprised Dick with Hungarian Bulls Blood dark red wine and it brought back memories for them. That evening all three shared wonderful memories of Harlem with me. Jim and Annette look great and it was wonderful seeing the both of them. Thank you so much for a great evening.

Our next stop was going to be an anchorage in the Pungo River. Before leaving Oriental, muffins were to be had. So, I (Elle) went over to the local coffee shop called the Bean. Great little place and believe it or not before 7am was filled with not only transits but locals with their dogs in tow all enjoying breakfast. The conversation was fast and furious and wittingly funny and the muffins and bagels were fresh. So, with breakfast in hand, back to the boat. It was a great trip up the Neuse river, and across the Pamlico River. Seas were calm and many boats were travelling. We found our anchorage and by the end of the night there were 7 boats sharing the basin. That evening we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

On Saturday, May 23rd we pulled up the hook shortly before 7am and would you believe we were almost the last to go. This time we were to traverse up the Alligator Pungo canal. As we were travelling we noticed that there had been a clean up of the dead trees all along the canal. Usually you can't see the green because of the dead wood, all that remains are stumps. Below is a picture of trees waiting to be removed.That evening we pulled into Miss Wanda's Alligator River Marina. Several boats pulled in that afternoon, there are not great anchorages in that area. One of the cruisers arranged a bocce ball and cocktail gathering. We reunited with several cruisers, including a couple we had met last year on our way home. They remembered us and asked us if we married, and then congrats were going around. It was great fun!

I didn't think we'd voluntarily get up at 6 am, aren't we retired??? Could not believe we were on the move by 6:30, and so was everyone else. There were forecasts of possible t-storms in the afternoon and Dick wanted to get across the Albermarle Sound because its wide open and can get nasty. At this time, cruisers have a choice as to which route they'd like to take, either the Virginia cut or the Dismal Swamp. We had decided maybe next fall for the Dismal, and found there weren't many cruisers going our way. Early that afternoon we pulled into Coinjock. It was a race with the clouds. We had just tied up and the rains began to fall. Although there were no t-storms, it would have been uncomfortable travelling. That evening Dick treated us to Coinjock's famous prime rib dinner.
This is our last stop in North Carolina, Virginia here we come,, to be cont'd