Morehead City to Mile Hammock Bay, Camp Lejeune, NC

Today:      42 miles      5.3 hours            ICW St M “244.5”

Total:     423 miles    69.9 hours

Damage to warehouse next to marina

     When we left the marina, we had a push from the outgoing tide. We were cruising at 8.4 mph . . . for a whole 10 minutes! Then we crossed the inlet and lost 4 mph, quickly slowing to 4.2 mph.  It took another 2 hours to be back up to cruising speed of 7 “ish,” but it didn’t last long. We were against the current for most of the day.

Re-positioned by Florence

     Approaching Swansboro, we saw lots of damaged roofs as well as damaged docks.  There were also a lot of debris on the undeveloped shoreline.

     It was an uneventful trip and we had access into Camp Lejeune.  It has been closed for hours on Thursday.  Boats had to drop anchor outside the flashing lights.  We did hear over the VHS, a warship working with landing craft for much of the day.

     As we entered Camp Lejeune, we passed the marshes. One area we saw a doe.  She pranced off into the deeper reeds. A short while later, Pete spotted a red fox emerge from the reeds to walk along the waters’ edge then return from where he came. On the western shore we could see the armored vehicles that are used for target practice.  It looks like if they had been replaced as they are in better condition than the last time we passed this way.

    The Oslow Bridge in Camp Lejeune is currently in a fixed open position, but many boats, not knowing this, still call out requesting to keep the bridge open so they can pass.  The bridge tender simply plays along and tells, them to “just keep coming!” 

. . . and no waders!

     There were plenty of fisherman along the western bank of the ICW.  The eastern side was noticeably deserted, especially the military campground and lodges.  Even the staging area for equipment was empty. I guess they prepared for the hurricane and have remained in that status.

     As we approached the final curve before Mile Hammock, we were able see the ocean. The dunes that used to block the view have disappeared.  It is the first time I realized just how close to the ocean we really are in this area!

Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

~ A Shannon Boat ~SV MOON TIDE

      By the time we entered the anchorage, there were already about 15 boats, including SV MANANA and MV MISS DEB.  By the time the sun set, there were 23 of us at anchor, one of which was a Shannon Ketch from Rhode Island.  She is so roomy, I doubt that things need to be moved multiple times due to storage issues!

  

     As we readied the dinghy to take Bailey ashore a final time, the skies were astounding.  Dark, clear and with no moon; one could almost pluck a star.

     We have 3 bridge schedules to make tomorrow so we need to get an early start.  That means tomorrow, Bailey needs to go to shore and back, and the dinghy raised before we can pull anchor, but more importantly, a 5:30 wake up call.  Once in bed, we remembered that we had an extra hour’s sleep as tonight the clocks fall back! 

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~      K & P