River Dunes to Belhaven, NC.

Today:     41 miles, 6.8 hours, ICW

Total:     2476.4 miles, 386.1 hours

     We left River Dunes at 7:50 am. Skies were clear and winds light out of the SW around 10.  They continued to increase as we traveled down the Neuss River. The waves generated by these increasing winds made our turn into Bay River rather rocky. Once we were no longer in open stretches of water, we made good time and enjoyed the smooth ride. 

     While under way, we had a call from the hospital from the staff physician.  She said Mom heart is getting worse. We are strategizing as to the best way to get back fast.  Unfortunately, we will be traveling in areas where cell phone coverage is minimal at best and most times unavailable.  We are going to try to skip one stop in order to get to Norfolk a day sooner.

     Rather than anchoring and having to take Bailey to shore in the morning, then raise the dinghy before leaving, we opted to stay the night at the town dock.  $1/foot and $5/electric line is not bad, especially when Pete can walk the dog right next to the dock and then we can be on our way in the morning.

Belhaven Town Marina

     We were in Belhaven by 3 pm.  Pete walked over to the auto parts store 2 blocks away, but they did not have the oil Pete needed for oil change that needs to be done before we start heading up the Bay.  When he returned to the boat, the harbor master told him that there was another auto supply shop about a mile up the road.  He also said not to be surprised when folks stop and ask if they can give him a lift.  “People of Belhaven always come to the aid of cruisers.”  Sure enough. . . he had a ride to and another ride back!

     SV DEEGEE V is a day ahead of us.  Donna let us know that they had to wait at the Alligator Swing Bridge for almost an hour. The bridge tender was waiting for a bunch of boats to pass through at the same time.  After some additional research, the bridge is still undergoing some repairs. Since we are planning to bypass anchoring at the top of the Alligator Pongo Canal, it will be an 86-mile day from Belhaven to Coinjock.  A prolonged delay for the bridge opening will really mess with our time table.  We figure it will be a 12-hour day and Coinjock Marina staff leaves at 7 pm. With the boats so close stem to stern, it can be very tricky trying to dock without assistance.

     There was a lot of texting regarding medical treatment for Mom between family and a family conference call including Mom earlier this evening.  Things sound a little more positive, but we need to talk with the doctors.  We need to get to civilization and rent a car so we can go up and see Mom.

     We made it an early night.  We hope to be underway by 6 in the morning.

~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P