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Shrimp Boat Country
We're in shrimp boat country! The first hint came as we went through Goose Creek that leads into the Neuse River. We came upon a shrimp boat (I think they're officially called trawlers) with his outriggers down, working. In order to let us pass he had to pull up the outriggers and turn side-on to let us and another sailboat pass. It's a tough enough way to earn a living, but to have pesky pleasure boaters in the way must be maddening. Tony's Grandfather was a North sea trawler man, they're a tough bunch.We had a great trip along the Neuse River until we got to the main channel into Oriental, when (confession time) we heard a huge bang on the hull and looked back to see we'd come into contact with a very large yellow metal can buoy! Purely a case of not paying complete attention. Turned off the engine immediately and checked everything, so far as we can tell, inside and out, absolutely no damage, we were very lucky it didn't go between the hulls as it would probably have damaged the prop. It bounced along the side of the port hull while we were doing about 7 1/2 kts.
So we made it in one piece into Oriental Marina, a very civilized place, with a good restaurant and all the conveniences, we were here 10 years ago when we last made this trip. I walked into town while Tony had fun servicing the Westerbeke engine. I think he was saying he was having fun anyway?? Add a comment
One Unique Gemini
We don't recall ever building a navy blue Gemini hull... ever... Still - Sue thinks it looks good... Check out our current location. Click on the photos for a larger version.
We managed to arrive in tonight's resting place in daylight! We are in Coinjock north Carolina. The strange thing about the ICW is that you're not sure what else the town consists other than the two marinas each side of the canal. We chose the first, Midway Marina. We were met on the gas dock by a dockmaster with lots of "character". Took it upon himself to educate us in the art of tying up a boat and many other marine skills that we apparently don't have.
Anyway, once settled and dieseled up, we went for a walk, and had a good dinner in "Crabbies" the marina restaurant. It'll be an early start tomorrow to see if we can make Bellhaven, quite a long way but no other communities between here and there. May just do another anchorage on the other side of Albermarle Sound. Small Craft Advisory here tomorrow, should be an interesting trip across the Sound.
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Add a commentFirst Bridge...
The bridge we delayed opening for is no more! Gone! This therefore is our first opener - one of many more, timing is a waterway art.
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Top of the Ditch
Wednesday 7 am. A popular anchorage in the heart of the city, great shopping! First bridge doesn't open until 8.30 am to let all those poor workers get to work.we're going sailing! Photos are all available in larger format - just click...
We'll have some more details on how we outfitted our Gemini soon - what equipment, models, why, and how...
Add a commentTony and Sue | Intracoastal
The weather forecast during the day before promised windy, stormy, small craft advisory, through slightly breezy in the afternoon. We decided to go whatever the forecast. As it happened it couldn't have been better, great WNW wind behind us gave us a fast, if at times slightly lumpy trip south, we decided to pass Solomans and go to anchor in Jerome Creek for the night. This was an interesting entrance, dark of course, spot light on markers, a spit of land almost all the way across the entrance, and no depth more than 5 ft inside. But it was quiet and sheltered from that constant wind, I doubt few other cruising boats could get in there. We were the only boat in there, dropped the anchor, and had a pretty good lamb casserole and brownies for dessert. Although the outside temperature was in the low 40s we were cozy with the heater on, and slept well. Only major problem so far was the case of the lost marmalade for breakfast, later found where it should be in the galley.
Got up and left the Creek at about 6.30am and the wind was still North West at 20 knts. so with main and screecher,and engine to make sure, we had a great ride to Norfolk at times touching 13 knts. The cockpit full enclosure worked beautifully, we had to turn the heater down eventually, shirt sleeves all day, felt almost guilty. Norfolk/Portsmouth is an interesting place to passthrough, lots of container ships, Navy ships, tugs, barges and the occasional pleasure boat, eventually worked our way through that lot and dropped anchor in the Navy hospital anchorage, about 6 pm. Not bad for 82 miles covered that day. Chilie for dinner, cabin heater cranking, and Tony cursing at the satellite TV that is only working intermittently - just like home! At least we're staying awake in the evening on the boat. (Tv seems to be okay now).Got to say the boat is incredibly comfortable, absorbed all the stuff we brought on board, easy for two old retired people to handle, and hopefully will be enough fun to attract other Smiths and Hershfelds to join us in Florida.
This is mile marker one, we'll be on the ICW tomorrow and on our way south. Add a comment
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