10/31/21 ~ St Johns to Beauford SC ~ Another Lengthy Stay

Sunday, 10/31/21 
Today:           63.5 miles           9.6 hours           ICW ST Mile: 472.6
Total:           683.5 miles      193.85 hours

     Departed a little before 7:30, sunrise shortly after. In another two weeks we will be adjusting our clocks and sunrise will be earlier. . .but so will sunset! Cruising in the fall, we have to deal with days getting shorter. Cruising in the spring means longer daylight, which is easier on the planning.
Today's temps were in the mid-50’s and breezes light from the SSW; clear, with just a few light clouds. Quite a few cruisers were on the move heading south. The two northbound boats were probably locals on weekend excursions.
     A sports fish slowed twice in area where aids moved courtesy of Bob’s Tracts. The tracts  previously that appeared to for travel over land for a brief period of time after turning into Edisto River.
     It was a day of “Push me – Pull you” between all the inlets. Watts Cut was the shallowest with 1.3 under our keel at dead low tide. Ashepoo Cut Off was no lower than 12 feet (of course it was at a much higher tide.) Today the current gods were kind.  After the first 2 hours of doing 6+ mph, we caught most of the currents and enjoyed cruising in the high 7's and low 8.  We did hit 9 mph for about 10 minutes, but it still felt great!
     A little further south, we passed Morgan Island, which NORTH STAR was going to anchor off of. We never knew it was locally known as “Monkey Island.” The following is from The Charleston Today’s website:

  
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3,500 Free-Ranging Monkeys ~ The story of S.C.’s Monkey Island
AUG 21 2018 / Jen Ashley
     Picture this: It was the summer of ‘79. Jimmy Carter was president; Margaret Thatcher had just become the first female Prime Minister of the U.K.; + Pink Floyd was getting ready to release, “The Wall.” Oh, and 1,400 rhesus monkeys were shipped to an island in South Carolina.
     Those monkeys (or their descendants, rather) can still be found on Morgan Island, which sits off the coast of Beaufort. Today, the colony’s population has grown to nearly 4,000. The primates enjoy a lifestyle, not unlike that of Charlestonians: their population is female-dominant (it’s 75% ladies on Morgan Island vs. 52% in Charleston), they can often be found on the beach (except when it’s too hot outside), + they’ve witnessed the property value of their home skyrocket in recent years (the island sold for a staggering $20.5 million in 2002– though we’re told the monkeys were not on the hook to pay for it).
Why’d the monkeys come here in the first place?

     The colony came from a primate research center in La Parguera, Puerto Rico, traveling 1,300 miles to Morgan Island, S.C.– where they were re-established as a free-range colony, and bred to fulfill the needs of biomedical researchers.
     Before the monkeys relocated, various social groups existed within their colony. When they were shipped, those social groups were broken up. But get this: after arriving on the island, the monkeys proceeded to re-establish those same groups. In other words– even monkeys know how to keep in touch with their loved ones, so you have no excuse… Call your mom.
How can you visit Monkey Island?
      Here’s the thing: the first rule of Monkey Island is that you can’t actually visit Monkey Island. This is an important rule to follow, for a few reasons:
     - The monkeys prefer to enjoy a natural, undisrupted habitat
     - Humans are gross– a.k.a. they may be carrying diseases that could potentially be transmitted to the monkeys
     Monkeys are wild animals– and although they may seem cute– they can pack a serious punch (and getting attacked by a monkey isn’t a cool scar story when said monkey weighs 15 lbs.)
     If that doesn’t sway you– those who get caught could be arrested for trespassing.
Says who?
     Says the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The department owns + maintains Morgan Island. It was acquired as part of a collective effort to better protect natural resources along the ACE Basin, called the ACE Basin Project.
     Morgan Island is about 4,000 acres in size. DNR leases 400 acres of that to Charles River Laboratories, Inc.– and that’s where the monkeys live.
     While CRL takes care of the monkeys, the colony is actually owned by the National Institute of Allergy + Infectious Diseases (which is part of the National Institutes of Health). The monkeys used as part of research aimed at developing preventions + treatments for diseases affecting the public. None of that research takes place on the island, though.
So… is there any way to see them?

     Up close, maybe not. But, if you’re going bananas over the idea of seeing Monkey Island in person, you can always boat to the area.
     According to Bluffton resident + self-proclaimed Monkey Island guru Matt Richardson, your best bet is to launch from the Eddings Point Boat Landing on St. Helena Island. It’s less than 5 miles away from Morgan Island + open to the public year-round.
      Pro tip: Consult a local tour guide or beforehand. They may be able to go with you to make sure your expedition goes off without a hitch.

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     We passed through the Ladies Island Bridge around 4:30 and tied to the main dock by 5. NORTH STAR is at the opposite end. It turns out, Mary & Bill were sitting on the swings along the water front and have video of PEKABU exiting the bridge.

  After straightening up and making the log entry, we sat in the cockpit talking to dock mates as they passed. For the first time in many, many years, we had a family of Trick-or-Treaters! A family from Montreal in costumes (including the dog) was heading into town for Beaufort’s Halloween Party on Main Street. I was so glad we keep a bag of Milky Ways on board! 

Our favorite Trick-or-Treaters back in PA!
(Thanks, Kel!)

          We are looking at weather ahead for our planned jump around Georgia on Wednesday and it looks like our window is closing. We discussed options and will check again in the morning. If it’s a no-go, we will stay here for the week. For some reason, there are no vacancies south of here for the next few days. Going through the Georgia’s Sounds, so close to the ocean, with winds 25-30 mph, is no fun at all! Pete made sure he discussed our observations and concerns with Bill & Mary. They head out in the morning for Savannah and will probably hang out there more than the 2 days that were planned. We’ll be touching base periodically during the week.

Monday, 11/1/21 Beauford ~ Day 2 ~

     When Pete walked the dog, he had a chance to speak with the dock hands about staying for the week. One will get back after checking with the harbor master.
     Around 11:30, we moved to the inside of the dock as the pervious boats left. So, we are good for the next week and reservations for Harbortown and Fernandina were cancelled. We’ll watch the weather and remake the reservations later in the week.
     I did chores while Pete worked.
     Just before dinner I was able to catch a magnificent sunset~

 

 

Tuesday, 11/2/21  Beauford ~ Day 3 

    Sky were pretty cloudy when we got up. As the morning progressed the clouds disappeared. Temps rose into the mid 70’s, with the breezes barely present.

     After taking care of a few things on board, I left to take a walk while Pete and George worked. I found Beauford River Glass, which has an amazingly colorful, and diverse items . . .All in glass; Hand blown Christmas Balls from Kitras, wall art of layered glass that create scenes, The ceiling is covered with blown glass plates. The store is full of glass cutting boards, bowls, mugs, pen holders and of course jewelry.
    I was checking out a kitchen supply store when Kay returned my call. Somehow, we couldn’t hold onto the call by the shops, so I walked to the water front, claimed on off the swings, and we spent a good 45 minutes catching up. By the time we said out goodbyes, it was lunch time.  I headed back to the boat knowing that Pete would be too busy to think of lunch.

  

      After lunch I settled in the cockpit with my computer and updated the blog without photos.  I am still investigating what the problem might be.  Hopefully, tomorrow I will be able to upload them, or at least continue trying to find the problem. Truthfully, I think it might be the iPhone photo format even though they have been saved as a jpeg.  Again, research continuing.
     Dinner was the wonderful salmon I bought in Georgetown. I made it with the peppers, dried apricots, onions seasoned with Maple Syrup. It is one of our favorite dinners!

Wednesday, 11/3/21   Beauford ~ Day 4
     Today I got my exercise in. I exercised onboard in the am while waiting for temps to climb into the 60’s. Then I cleaned & polished all the stainless. It took all afternoon.
     Pete is still swamped with work,

Thursday, 11/4/21   Beauford ~ Day 5
     The temps dropped into the mid-40s and breezes increased 10-15 mph out of the NNW. It was raw outside. Not many people where on the move. Only the bigger yachts with the crew moving the boats south for the winter.
     I spent the afternoon working on photos. Was able to upload only a few, before Pete had problems with conferences. Photos are organized. Hopefully, I’ll be able to weed and process the majority of them tomorrow and upload on Saturday, when Pete doesn’t need the band width. Marina has WiFi, but it has a major problem with service to our dock right now.

Friday, 11/5/21 Beauford ~ Day 6
 

Screen Shot
from WINDY

   Windy (10-20 mph) cloudy and raw. Temps in low 60’s, but it feels colder. Windy App shows red (40+ mph) close to shore and a definite “no go” for Monday. I was able to move reservations at Hilton Head and Fernandina, extended at Beauford. I am sure hundreds of other cruisers are doing the same.

     Pete worked all day. I just processed photos.

 
Saturday, 11/6/21 Beauford ~ Day 7
     Rainy, windy, raw again. Winds 35-50 just offshore, with wave heights 10-12 feet. I found out that the starboard window is still leaking. I will have to wait until things are dry before doing a patch again.
     We pulled up the flooring so that Pete could clean the bilge. He also cleaned the sea chest and checked engine.
     I was able to process and started posting photos to the blog, FINALLY!!! I have found out that for some reason once I finish with a post, I need to close and reopen the blog to post photos to the next entry. I promise I won’t complain as I can finally finish up the previous postings.

Sunday, 11/7/21 Beauford ~ Day 8
     I investigated & ordered groceries from Publix to be delivered. The cost of an UBER, if we can find one, is more than the slightly inflated prices and minor delivery charge. It was definitely a win-win for us. There were a number of things we would have run out of if we didn’t provision now.
 

  
30 minutes after high tide

 

   I also did laundry. While walking up the dock to land, the ramp was a step up and then a step down onto the raised access on land. It was an extremely high tide that over ran the sea wall and flooded the parking lots. Thankfully, it was already starting to recede, and I was able to walk on non-flooded surfaces in a very round-about fashion.
     By about 4 the clouds cleared, winds abated greatly and the waters returned to normal levels. Offshore remains a mess. Pete changed reservations again. There is no way we can safely make the jump around Georgia. As a result, we start heading through Georgia tomorrow. We were lucky on reservations as everyone is backed up. The Alligator Bridge has been closed since Friday due to winds. Coinjock is completely full on both sides of the canal. There has also been a closing on the RR Bridge in Norfolk that has backed things up in Norfolk.

 
5 hours after high tide ~ 9 foot less water!

     Pete was able to spend the afternoon reading after checking the engine. I worked on posting photos to the blog.

   Around 5, we walked over to the main street. The water height was much different than when I came over to do laundry. Now the dock was about 9 feet down from the top of the sea wall. We enjoyed a great lasagna dinner at Hearth Wood Fired Pizza. The place was packed when we left at 6:15.

     After dinner I was able to do some more. I have put up photos through Southport! By 10 pm, I have only 5 more entries that need photos inserted. Now, I wait for good internet to continue posting. It will probably be a while.
     With the time change last night. We are both tired. Tomorrow is an early departure.

~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Isle of Palms to St John’s Marina, SC ~ Another 3-Day Stay

Today:           16.0 miles              8.4 hours           ICW ST Mile: 472.6
Total:            620.0 miles        108.85 hours

     We slept in until 7:45. We immediately checked weather radar. The arrival time has been moved up by about 2 hours.
     We were able to depart by 8:40 and the bridge and another sailboat waited for us to open. We continued onto the Ashley River. The number of vessels were substantial. There were 6+ dredging vessels, 2 of which were on the move; an outbound, loaded, container ship; another ship coming down the Cooper River, also out bound; 2 tugs and 6 or so cruisers! The most busy we have ever enountered.
     There were 4 other sailboats waiting for the Wapoo Bridge. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait that long. The current pulled me south towards the bridge at 1 mph  while I was in neutral and the opening occurs at a curve in the river. Once through the bridge at normal speed I had to idle down so I could keep a good amount of space between our boats. Even in idle, I cruised through Elliott’s Cut at 8.4 mph! I proceeded to turn and dance in the current below the Cut’s southern end while waiting for Pete’s call to be over.
     Once done, he steered while I prepped the lines while it sprinkled and we were quickly tied to D- dock’s T-head. Pete just made it back from walking the dog and paying for the slip, when the heavens opened and the winds kicked up to 25+ mph. We needed extra fenders, tightened the lines somewhat and still hobby- horses for a while.
     Pete returned to work while I made lunch. Spoke with Mary and offered to drive them over to Charleston around 3. We’ll meet them later at The Fleet Landing for dinner. On the way home I picked up prescriptions.
     We received a notice from Safe Harbor Narrows Marion (our summer home) that the power was being cut to the marina. Flooding tides may reach 5-ft above high, inundating most of the marina including the parking lot. So glad our car isn’t there!
     On the ride over, Mary mentioned checking the shallow areas from here to Beaufort. I asked Mary & Bill if they checked Windy for tomorrow. Lots of open fetches that might get sporty with winds above 20 from SSW.
     No traffic problems returning to downtown. Lots of construction right next door to the restaurant. Once again the food was great. Stuffed giant hush puppies, crab cakes, Tilapia, Tilefish and Cream Brylee and chocolate cake.
     NORTH STAR will be staying put tomorrow and will head out Saturday.

Friday, 10/30/21 ~ St. John's Day 2

     Slept in again and it felt great. Between leg cramps and upset stomach I was awake for a good part of the night. Today will be a “take it easy” day.. Pete was busy with work all day.
     After dinner, we did a provisioning run between Walmart and Harris Teeter. Walmart foods were pretty decimated. Harris Teeter had some low supplies, but a much better selection & stock.
Once things were unpacked and put away, we read for a short period and headed to bed.

Saturday, 10/30/21 ~ St John's Day 3

     Pete had a very productive day. He changed the oil, replaced the engine temperature alarm, ran a few errands, dropped the old oil off for recycling, and sent out invoices. I wasn’t as productive. I only  stripped the linens, did laundry and a few other chores.
     Pete finally had his favorite for dinner: hamburgers and salads. He planned to have every time we ate out, but it wasn’t on the menu!

Georgetown to Isle of Palms

Today:           16.0 miles           8.4 hours           ICW ST Mile: 472.6
Total:           604.0 miles      100.45 hours

     We pulled away from the dock at 7:30 as planned. Temps were in the low 40’s, some clouds, but humidity was low and the breeze just barely there. Sunrise is definitely the preferred time for boats to depart. There were 6 of us heading down Winyah Bay. Once they passed us in the Esterville Minim Creek, there were at least 6 more boats that passed us.
     Pete had a 2 hour conference scheduled, but the T-Mobile signal disappeared as the call was to begin. In the outlying areas apparently signals differ widely between carriers.
     Just south of McClullenville, we had 2 feet under the keel. Since we are a foot from high tide, this would definitely be a problem at low tide. With a 5- foot tidal range, this would impassable:

     2 foot under keel + 5 foot keel + 1 foot additional tidal rise = 8 foot at high tide.

     8 - 5 foot of normal tidal range = 3 foot deep at low tide

Yep! Definitely a problem!!!
     Traveling through the marshes north of Charleston was beautiful. At high tide we look over the marshes to the trees. Unlike when at low tide, the 9-foot tide would expose and we would look up at the stoney embankment with oyster colonies attached unable to see the marshes.
    Two eagles and a few dolphins were seen along the way. We have been surprised at how few dolphins we have seen compared to past trips.
     We were a bit surprised by our dock hand. She must have been new. She had no real idea how to secure a boat. A 10-minute procedure was closer to 30, but we were finally secure.
     The other surprise was the amount of small boats who don’t slow down on the ICW as they pass the marina. We were rocked quite a few times prior to the onset of darkness.
     Betty e-mailed once she received our SPOT message. She wondered if we were hunkering down for tomorrow’s storm. We have been watching the timing. Right now it appears as if the rains and winds should arrive by 1pm. We should be at St John’s before it.
      Pete worked until 7, when we broke for dinner. George and he worked until 10 in order to have things ready for tomorrow’s 9 AM conference call. Talk about being whipped!
      It is definitely time for bed. Good night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

Osprey Point to Georgetown, SC ( 3 Day Stay)

Today:           29.7 miles           5.6 hours             ICW ST Mile: 402.9

Total:           529.8 miles        83.55 hours

     Pete took photos while he walked Bailey. It was clear, still, with temps in low 60’s, and very high humidity.  Waited for fuel dock at 9 and were underway by 9:35.
     It was relatively quiet with the small boats on Sunday. We saw only about 10 and they gave us a wide berth.
     The Waccamaw River is one of our favorite rides. It beautiful, tree-lined banks extend into the water. What was very noteworthy was that there was very little green to be seen. Most of the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Very few osprey nests can be seen. Usually, we have seen 50 or more on our journey, but today we only found 8. And there was a distinct darker coloring on the lower 6-7 feet on the entire forest. This is probably due to flooding caused by the hurricanes and tropical storms during the summer.
     There are many more ancient trees on the northern end, that have witnessed much in their lifetimes. What is so unbelievable is the hollowed-out tree or just a partial piece of the tree wall can still support life.
     Temps climbed to the mid-70s and the wind’s freshened by midafternoon as the river widened. There are still lots of the flotation plants, but not as healthy as they are in the spring. We caught sight of a few turtles taking advantage of the sun. The large schooner that normally sits at anchor is now docked at the marina.
      An anomaly we encountered for the first time yesterday, repeated a number of times while we were underway. The engine almost dies. Pete throttled back and I switched the Raycor filters. He was then able to throttle back up to cruising speed. The dirty filter in the closed position, was changed (it had some debris but not that much) while we’re ran on the clean one. It might be the fuel injector or the filter on the engine. It’s a mystery. Pete reduced power so we could limp into Georgetown. We docked around 3. After the bill settled and Bailey walked, Pete went down below to check engine. He changed out the filter on the engine itself. Bailey was being supportive, but was also in the safest spot to put the removed filter and diesel. Well, you know what happened next. . .The container was knocked over and fuel was now sinking into the bilge and under the flooring. The next hour plus was spent cleaning up that mess. After all that - the engine still wouldn’t turn over. So, here’s the good and bad news. . . Pete has the part on board, but now for the bad: we need to find a mechanic who will come sooner than later! The mechanics recommended by the dockmaster one doesn’t answer his phone and v-mail isn’t set up while the other’s voice mail is full!
     In between all this aggravation, Pete is also dealing with mega email problems. He has been trying to resolve them since Thursday. He cannot send or receive on his work email.
     After dinner, we escaped into another episode of Discovery.

Monday, 10/25/21 ~ Georgetown ~ Day 2
 

     Well, the rains came during the night as predicted. Unfortunately, yesterday, when I was prepping lines for docking, I checked our window that leaked. I wanted to re-tape it once docked. By the time I cleaned up the cockpit, Pete had removed the stairs and was involved. I just figured I would wait until he was done then do the re-taping. Of course, I got involved and promptly forgot. We’ll, it did leak. Now I am waiting until it dries out so I can repair it.
     I walked up to the bathhouse and grabbed mechanics’ cards so we can call. The first was very nice, but is currently in the mountains with family. He texted the name of someone else. Pete contacted him and since he is in Myrtle Beach today, he will be here in the morning. Fingers and toes are crossed!
     The windows are done. Dockage here for the next 2 nights are made and paid, reservations at Isle of Palms and St John’s have been moved and confirmed, and weather reviewed. Right now, Sunday night looks promising for our jump around Georgia.
     Bill & Mary arrived around 3. Once they were all secure, Mary and I walked over to Independent Seafood for some great shrimp and salmon. We are going to eat very well! However, not tonight. We walked over to Root for dinner with Mary and Bill. Root was closed on Mondays as was The Big Tuna.  Instead, we went to The River Room Restaurant. We had a great time and excellent food.  From Black Bean Soup, to salads, Pecan Coated Goat and Strawberry Salad, Flounder, to McCllenville Crab Bite,  all were delicious!

     

Tuesday, 10/26/21 Georgetown ~ Day 3

     Pete had a rough night. His allergy to soap flared up last night causing him to be super uncomfortable. He was awake from about midnight on till about 5 this morning, took some Benadryl, use CBD cream as his hands simultaneously itched, swelled, and hurt. Finally, it was the ice in water it worked as he soaked his hands. I dozed while keeping my ear tuned should he need something.
     This morning he took the dog for a walk while I emptied out the back cabin. The mechanic showed around 10 and, surprise, surprise, He was done at 10:20! It wasn’t the fuel injector that was a problem. It was a broken wire. Apparently, the reason she’s been running rough on start up for so long was because of the wire. Now she runs great. YES!!!
     I did laundry and did some reading while waiting, then headed back for lunch. Pete had a busy afternoon with work.
     I tried making dinner reservations for 4 at The Fat Hen, for once we get to Charleston. Mary and Bill plan on joining us to celebrate Pete’s birthday. The phone number was out of service!?! Checking Google revealed that the owners/chef retired in April and sold to another restaurant in Charleston. We didn’t realize that they were closing when we stopped there with Ann & Howie last trip down. Instead, we will meet Mary & Bill at Fleet Landing in Charleston on Thursday. No problems calling for a reservation.
     After peeling the 2 pounds of fresh shrimp, I made Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp and Veggies. Yum! And . . .there is enough for leftovers tomorrow! It will be a long day, traveling from Georgetown to Isle of Palms. It’s great not having to prepare dinner once docked after a long day on the water.
     As the day progressed, Pete’s inflammation and "itchies" remained tolerable and thankfully, diminishing.
     It was an early night.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P

Southport, NC to Osprey Point, SC

Today:         73.9 miles              9.9 hours                     ICW ST Mile: 373.2
Total:         500.1 miles           77.95 hours

     We had no problems slipping the dock. However, the small, private fishing boats were all heading out to the Cape Fear River in droves. If we saw one, we must have seen 40, including the 3 boats that were net fishing in the marina prior to heading out. We met NORTH STAR at 7:40. Their marina was about 2 miles south of Southport Marina.
     Currents fluctuated all day due to the inlets. We were against the currents, again!
     With it being a weekend, there were lots of folks racing up and down the ICW. For some reason, they don’t care about personal space. Some fly by only 10 feet or so from our boat while others give us 20.
      We passed through The Rock Pile at high tide, so passage wasn’t too scary for the first timers aboard NORTH STAR. We continue to call out bridge clearances when noted on the fixed bridges.
     Bill and Mary headed into Grand Dunes Marina for the weekend to spend some time with family and friends in the area. We’ll catch up at St. John’s mid-week.
     We continued on to Osprey, getting in at 5ish. We knew they added a long dock out to the river. What was supposed to be for transients looks as if it is full of live boards. The marina looks the same as 10 years ago, but now most slips are full. Plus, there is now 2 huge dry storage, boat racks, one external and one housed boats inside the building. All toll, they probably hold close to 200 small powerboats, and 2 boat fork lifts. We were there as they were shutting down operations. It was amazing to see how quickly the boats are jockeyed to the lifts and put away.
     The marina still gives out goodie bags. Ours contained a cup koozie, whistle, key float, hot pepper jam, crackers, package of cinnamon rolls, pen and pad.
     While we were watching TV, something found its way into the kitchen drain opening. The sporadic gurgling initially was a bit unsettling, but stopped after about 15 minutes. That was definitely a first!
     When Pete walked Bailey around 10, he said that there were either large fish circling on the top of the water, or possibly alligators in the marina.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P

Hempstead, NC to Southport, NC

Today:            42 miles              8.5 hours            ICW ST Mile: 309.3
Total:         426.2 miles           68.05 hours
 

     NORTH STAR left the work dock on New River at 6:39 and promptly found a sand bar. Thankfully, some fishermen helped them off.
     Pete and George put in a few hours before NORTH STAR approached our marina, around 10:15. We were waiting in the ICW.

Departing Harbor View Marina

     Once reunited, PEKABU and NORTH STAR continued south, just missing 11 opening of Figure 8 Bridge. Had to wait 25 minutes. Then, due to the current again against us, we had to wait 50 minutes, dancing in the wind and current, for Wrightsville Beach Bridge.

 

Images north & south of Wrightsville Beach Bridge

 

  

  

 

 

     Once through, the power boat in front of us decided to turn around at the bottom of the narrows, forcing the rest if the boats to stop. As he headed north, he ran aground. Hummm . . . .
     The inlets were a bit skinny, but, thanks to Bob’s Tracks, we had no problem.

 
Folly's Inlet

 

     Temps climbed up into the mid-70’s with the breezes from the SSW. There were storms to our west, but they missed us. The current was again against us for 80% of the day, adding a good 90 minutes onto our travel time.
     Snows Cut was low and about 18 inches of the rock was showing, but the current was changing so it didn’t rip through the cut.
     We had the current with us for the run-down Cape Fear River. The only rough spot was over a shallow area where the chop lasted about 30 minutes.

Sunset entering Southport from the Cape Fear River

     NORTH STAR continued to their marina. There is a restaurant on site that they are meeting friends for dinner. At Southport Marina, we had our choice of any open dock per the marina. Since they close at 5, we will call in the morning to settle up.

 

     After dinner we watched 2 episodes of Star Trek: Discovery’s (Season 3). It is hard to resist bingeing. They are so good!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P

Morehead City to Hempstead’s Harbor Village Marina

Today:          64 miles           10.3 hours           ICW ST Mile: 267.3
Total:       426.2 miles         68.05 hours.

 

     Left at 7:15 with an assist from Bill. They will leave once they refuel. They are heading to Swa Point Marina on New River (just south of Mile Hammock.) Harbor Village Marina is about 19 miles and 3 hours longer.) Winds were light, while temps started in low 60’s and ended in the high 70’s. Had to give tranquilizers to Bailey. She didn’t eat or drink all day.

 
Images from the harbor

Impressive cargo, yacht and USCG 626 with honors

 

THE shrimper!

     On Bogue Sound I encountered a small shrimper’s fishing vessel trawling in channel with his rigging extended. He didn’t answer radio and barely moved from skinny channel. I had to stop and let him pass, not knowing how far his nets dragged.

 

Camp Lejeune low dune to the ocean & amphibious crafts at Mile Hammock 

 

                                                 The Coasties attending a lunch meeting at Swan Point Marina

     Harbor Village Marina is a wonderful marina. It is a narrow entry from Red 94 on the ICW into a large, protected basin surrounded by beautiful homes and condos. A series of floating docks with close to 200 boats of varying sizes. Staff stays until all transients are docked then it’s a golf car ride around the basin to the office, ships store and fuel and then back. We were the last boat in at about 5:20.

 
Harbor View Marina

      Pete completed final map before dinner then we caught some TV.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P

Belhaven to Morehead City, NC

Today:           68 miles           10.0 hours           ICW ST Mile: 203
Total:        362.2 miles         57.75 hours

 

Belhaven Sunrise

   Departed Belhaven 7am as the full moon setting, but no photo as we were departing. About 20 boats departed at sunrise with us.
     Temps in 40s winds SSW about 10 mph. We were against current most of the day. Pete worked a good portion of the day
     For once, entry into Adams Creek wasn’t a problem, plenty of water AND had current all the way down. Finally, we actually cruise 9 mph! at least for a while.

 

 
Sights along Adams Creek. BTW~ The boat is called the "DEAD COW" go figure. . . .

 

   Morehead City Yacht Basin was very busy. We were able to fill up with fuel and leave A dock before the final big yacht arrived. There were also 2 Navy, small, fast boats at dock.

     As we docked, Pete noticed a Naval Amphibious ship docked at shipping dock on the other side of the road. Surprisingly, we heard her coming in earlier in the day. We just didn’t expect her to leave before sunset the same day.

     Bill & Mary rented the marina car (now $20/ 2-hour reservation) for around 6. Based on staff recommendation we headed out to No Name Pizza. I had a gyro, Pete had the calzone, while Mary and Bill had individual pizzas all great!
     Instead of Walmart, which was in the same shopping center, we headed for Lidl, which we passed while driving for the restaurant. It was a decent sized store that filled the shelves with a variety rather than copious amounts of a single product.
     Once back, provisions needed to be put away. Then it was off to bed- another sunrise departure in the morning.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P