Morehead City To Duffy's Creek- Two Days

SM 200 just north of Morehead City

We were gone by 7 this morning. The current gods helped a little, but it was a long day. The winds were none to light for most of the day, but around 2 kicked up. The Neuse River was very calm.

     
     While motoring across Pemlico Sound in confused seas with 15+ mph winds, we somehow got air in fuel line. Pete was able to bleed the line, but noticed drip from water pump went from 5 sec drop to 1 sec. Once on our way, Pete called Duffy's Marina, requested a recommendation for a mechanic and extra day. We went straight into the inside slip by the gas dock.  The winds 15-20 from SSE and it took 2 sets of hands to pull us to the dock.

Pines lined up like soldiers along the Pongo River

     It is a cute marina, sociable with a pool and new restaurant coming soon and very convenient to the Alligator Pongo Canal, but it is away from downtown Belhaven and open to the east and south.  We rocked most of both days.  The mechanic came around 11 on Saturday to remove pump. Even though Pete has everything needed to replace it, the information on YouTube, insisted that the bearing needed to be banged into place.  The mechanic laughed, agreeing with Pete that banging is very bad!  He used his home press and returned around 5:30 to install. Pete was very impressed with him. An Island Packet stopped for fuel, sang praises of Danny. He custom fit a new engine into the boat last year. Great recommendation indeed!
    We discussed our plans and rather than head up to the Alligator River Marina, that is open to the East and SE, or try to make it to Coinjock, where the winds are supposed to be the highest, we will head back to Belhaven Marina, where it is protected and a very short walk to get Bailey ashore. Pete made the call and has reservations for 5 days.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K