Grey Skies, Changing Currents and Challenges

     We were out of the dock at 6:45 AM. We could feel the strong current as we left the protection of the marina.  It pushed the boat sideways.  We then proceeded the 11 miles south on the Cape Fear River.   Just like the last passage north through this area five years ago, there were storms to the west of us all morning.

River traffic

     About halfway down the river, we saw a tug move from pulling the barge to doing a hip tow.  It was a little disconcerting when he began his maneuvering, but very interesting to watch. We also passed the marina that also serves as the ferry terminal, complete with outgoing ferry.
     We finally caught up with BRUNELLE, RAGTIME, and SEVILLA about 4 miles south of their marina. We mistakenly waited at the wrong marina.


Hints of fall on the banks

     Once again, Pete never saw the scenery as he was focused on work. I had the helm for most of the day.  It’s definitely is much harder to take advantage of photo ops.  I try to fill in with my trusty camera phone.  I really does a great job.

Coast Guard wrestles a buoy ashore

     We had checked out the reports of shoaling and thought Folly’s Landing would be a problem.  A cruiser ahead of us radioed back that the day markers were repositioned in the past day or so. We just need to follow the markers and the water depths are good.  As we approached this area, Martha and Dan switched navigating and Dan lost his bearings.  That resulted in being hard aground for 45 minutes, requesting passing power boaters to create a wake as they passed (a very unusual request from sail boaters!) With their help and the rising tide, BRUNELLE was free and we continued on.
 

Important warning, especially during low water

    It rained on and off from here on. The notorious Rock Pile was a non event due to the high tides. In Pete’s research, he learned that this area is not as wide as the rest of the ICW.  When they were creating the canal, they hit a bedrock shelf. Since they ran out of money they didn’t blast to make it wider.

Barefoot Landing

Martha, as we wait
our turn docking

 


    We pulled into Barefoot Landing Marina just after 3. It was fun to see the precision docking of all four boats.  We all needed to tie up to a single, very long dock. Once everyone had their lines and fenders ready, each boat took their turn.  He dock crew was great.  The four of us, plus one additional sailboat were secured in less than 30 minutes.

Martha, Jeanne and a friend from
SV MAGIC, another Catalina

 












     Martha, Jeanne and I took advantage of the free shuttle and ran to the BiLo for groceries. We were ready for pickup in 40 minutes.  (I would have been done at the 30 minute mark, but had problems at the register.) When I returned with the groceries, Pete told me his Mom is back in the hospital. Unfortunately, we have to wait until morning for more information.



Dew stayed put even in the breeze

      While he continued on the project, groceries were put away and dinner prepared. I took Bailey for her final walk while Pete finally packed away his computer for the night. I was fascinated by the huge spider webs that were all over the fencing. Between the fog, mist and overhead light, the webs were golden.
     Then it was time for bed.
 

ICW Mile Marker    354.3

9.5 Hours       (Total 84.5 Hours)
57.4 Miles       (Total 525.0 Miles)