Windy

We stayed another day in Belhaven. There was a storm Monday night. Thankfully, the most severe of it skirted us but we were still wide awake in the middle of the night with a bouncy boat and an eye on the radar. There was a tornado watch as well.  Just a bit scary!

We were able to catch some sleep but woke to strong winds on Tuesday. After a little talk on the docks with the harbormaster and fellow boaters, we determined it was too late to start a 50 mile trip to Oriental, NC.  We still needed to stop for fuel and that usually chews up a bit of time.  The day ended up to be beautiful, windy, but sunny and 70. We took Coconut for a long walk around the waterfront enjoying more beautiful homes and water views. You can see lots of damage left by Florence. There are piles of construction debris, some boarded up homes, construction and closed businesses. We had lunch outside the local hot spot, Farm Boys — we only saw girls running it. 😏   The onion rings were to die for…..

We had an early night with dinner on the boat and catching up on the series Ray Donovan.

Woke up to a cold boat!  We didn’t think we needed the heater when we went to bed but it was 49 outside when I got up.  About 55 in the boat.  Brrrr.  Sending sandals and tank tops home…..

We are kind of shaking out heads about installng a $1,000 windlass and not anchoring out over night yet. We have stayed where electricity is available so we can run our heater. I know, last night we were just dumb.

So, its now  Wednesday and we are heading to Oriental. Some of you may remember Cori & Dale from Bayfield. They moved away from MN and were live aboards near Oriental in Morehead City for about 10 years.  They have cut the lines and the boat is now in Trinidad.  Their blog is called Hiflite.

We filled with fuel and again pointed South. Thankfully, this should be the last cold day for awhile. We did get a slip for tonight right in the center of town–should be a fun stop.  We need to reprovision soon.

Trumpy Yachts continue to be part of our adventure. A fabulous speciman just cruised by us.  We think she is a 103 footer named Freedom built in 1926.  Such a small world, we recently received a note on our blog from Bobbi who we met last Spring in Deltaville on their Trumpy, Madison Grace. A 57 Footer she and her husband Donovan are continuing to restore. We enjoyed a few cocktail hours on their boat and hope to see them again.  An hour or so later, another large wooden boat came by but it was not a Trumpy.  Her name is Olympus and she was built by the Launch and Engine Company in 1929.  These boats are so spectacular when you see them on the water.

We are now on the Pamlico Sound. Another large body of water. Luck is with us again; the wind is behind us.  We continue to be amazed at how shallow the waters are here. Maybe averaging 12′ – no wonder there are choppy waves.  On the other hand, there is so much water here in the Bay’s, rivers and backwaters, it is hard to imagine the water raising 3-4 feet during the hurricane.

At this time, we own a Searay boat.  Right now the really big Searays and Sports Fishing boats are getting bashed on the Loopers website emails we get daily.  They are THE Boats causing ALL big wakes and ANY trouble. Kind of funny but kind of been true on our short trip.  Our Searay friends are troublemakers for sure!!!!

Our SR boat is an 80’s model built during a time when they didn’t have the greatest reputation. We fixed some leaking windows last spring but now see a wetspot on the ceiling in the v-berth in strong wind with rain. Its not dripping or anything, just water migrating on the ceiling fabric. We thought either a stantion post was leaking or a cleat where it attaches to the deck. Joe was able to get some silicone underneath and was tightening the nuts while I held the screws on top. But, when we really looked at it from the inside, we saw that the interior fabric was sandwiched right into the seam of the fiberglass! Yikes! great quality control SR. So, we cut away the fabric and sealed it all up with silicone. Ahh, the joys of boat ownership!!!  I have learned that a weak mixture of water and vinegar and a damp towel removes the water stains.  Amazingly simple.

Update:

I jinxed our peaceful ride!  Our luck ran out!   Once further out on the Pamlico Sound, a Nor’easter kicked up.  Worst possible place as there is little protection from the Atlantic Ocean.  Quite Unpleasant and not in the forecast!  We are now safe and sound in a very nice Marina, with a pool and Tiki bar! Not likely getting much use today!!  There also is a restaurant and bar – we will check it out.  Looks like we’ll be here a few days.

Windy!