Belhaven ~ Five Days

TS Arthur's possible path~
It actually came slightly more west 

     Since we missed our window to get to Coinjock, we moved to Belhaven Marina on Sunday. Tropical Storm Arthur will brush the Outer Banks tomorrow and two additional lows will bring winds and heavy rain for most of the week. Belhaven Marina is much more protected. Apparently, we were not the only ones seeking safe harbor, we got the last dock space reservations. By night fall, there were 7 other boats tied to the docks.

      Since it is impossible to buy surgical face masks, which are required when in public, Pete had bought me a new lighter weight sewing machine.  I was able to sew 3 of the 6 masks, but machine had problems with the multiple layers. We though with the lesser weight we could keep it onboard.  After some discussion, I will bring my 40-year old White sewing machine. It is only about 5 pounds heavier, but a real truck when sewing. I will be able to sew anything but canvas.  I will leave those canvas projects for the summer, when we are on the Chesapeake and close to the storage garage. I will finish the rest of the masks once home. 

Views around Belhaven Marina ~
      

          

    We had heavy rains with winds from 15-30 and gusts much higher for 4 days. We actually had waves in dock, which is out of the long fetch in the harbor and very protected.  We spent 2 nights rocking. It was great for sleeping. During the day, Pete had work, we both read, I made big pot of Tuscan Ham and Bean Soup, plus Garlic and Cheese Muffins. we also did laundry (which is free!), spoke with fellow dock mates, had delicious hamburgers, great onion rings and strawberry milkshakes from Farm Boys,(which everyone rightfully praises!) food shop (driven there by Greg, the harbor master, who told Pete about the closing of the hospital.)  The hospital was suddenly closed one year.  It stood vacant for another. Then one night a crew showed up and knocked it down, leaving just the rubble for folks to see in the morning. Apparently before the hearing could stop it.  They needed to build a new 20 bed hospital that handles simple things.  More complex cases are set to the larger hospital.

     Some boats left on Friday, when winds were still out of the north at about 20 making the Albemarle Sound crossing a bit more challenging.   Most of us will leave tomorrow.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K