Our Final Day at River Dunes

     The rental car needed to be returned by 2 PM today, so we had to run all our errands before. Pete, Maureen and I headed out with our lists and did a decent job of aiding New Bern’s economy.  Target, West Marine, Staples, The Hair Cuttery, and a great food store called Harris Teeter. We were able to get almost everything on the list except for a couple of items at West Marine.  Maureen was glad she was able to schedule a hair cut betwixt our errands.  As we were exiting the last store, we were greeted by John and Betty who were just arriving back from Annapolis.  They too needed to return the car and be driven back to River Dunes.  Thankfully, the rental agency had a large van.  Between the 3 of us, our purchases plus John & Betty and all the stuff they brought back with them, the van was very full.

     Once back, Pete was able to create a stern light that sits on the dinghy davits.  The dinghy when it is in the davits, blocks the current stern light.  Since we plan to be traveling at night, this is a very important modification.

     This evening, our group was joined by Dan’s brother and his wife, Jay and Pegg, plus Dan’s mom for dinner at the big house.  We were also joined by Marjorie and Gill Gottle, or the SV Jubilant from Deltaville, and Phil and Nikki Hoskins, of the SV Ajaya from Portsmouth, UK.

    The final chore that needed doing before our departure was laundry.  Unfortunately, the dryers are both still out of service.  The parts needed were improperly shipped last week and the box arrived today at 4 with what they hope are the right parts so they can be installed tomorrow.  However, that won’t help me.  The staff allowed me to use the washer and drier in one of the rental homes. I had two loads so my last load came out of the dryer at 9 PM.  As I was walking back to the boat, I was captivated by the heavens.  The waning moon has already set, there are no clouds, and as Carl Sagan would say, “billions and billions of stars!”  Even with the lights of the resort, I can see the Milky Way. It has been years since I have been able to see it so distinctly.  I wish I had remembered my star charts.  I will have to put it on my list to bring back to the boat when we run home for Thanksgiving.

     We are all antsy to be on our way.  Our plan is to leave tomorrow after topping off the tanks and settling our bills. We will head to Beaufort and decide on the way whether to continue straight on to Charleston.  The weather window is very good right now.  It is also a good maiden jump for an overnight passage.  Listening to all the experienced cruiser this past week, this is very doable.

                                                          ~  ~ (\_~ ~ ~     Kathy and Pete