Like I said " stay tuned ", so I will bring you up to date. we travelled on to Morehead City. When we got close to our anchorage a group of dolphins came out to meet us. They followed us for over a mile. With all the boats of all sizes, it's a wonder that they are not frightened by sound of the motors. This is a very busy harbour with Beaufort, NC. just 2 miles away up a different inlet.
We turned towards the ocean inlet and anchored beside the Coast Guard station. There were a couple of boats that we had met earlier who were also there. They planned to use the inlet to gain access to the Atlantic, so they could travel on the ocean south to the next inlet. Doing this supposably you cut off some miles.
The next day, getting a early start, this is something we have got accustomed to, we set out for Mile Hammock Bay. Not even 5 miles, just under 1 hour, and we were aground. The wind came up and spun the boat around, and we under way again without much delay. It only takes a few seconds of not paying close attention to the markers, and you get into trouble. Much like subways which I haven't thought too much about.
Mile Hammock Bay, is a small anchorage, favourite amongst experiened cruisers, inside Camp Lejeune military base. They allow you to anchor there, but at any time, day or night you may be asked to leave due to manoevers by the marines stationed there. Lucky that didn't happen, they would have worked really hard trying to wake us. Probably would have taken explosives, never know.
We had a beautifull night at anchorage and up early again, for another day of travel to Wrightsville Beach known for beautifull white sand beaches. The white sand and the turquoise water were amazing, but so were the thirty mile an hour winds that kept Muriel awake all night checking that we were not dragging our anchor. Most of the boats in the anchorage had dragged during the night and Muriel was getting more nervous. Finally, daylight, we thought we would never get the anchor out, with the wind blowing at thirty to thirty five miles an hour. But it wasn't too bad, we managed, with Muriel at the helm and me yelling which way to go while dodging other boats. Only casualty, King Neptune stole our winch handle to bring up the anchor. Thank goodness the anchor was almost aboard.
Dave and Haila on Traveler called us early, we agreed to get to South Port that day. This is where they are ending their trip, and finally home. It was very important to leave that day because the winds were going to increase but the tides and current were going to be in our favour for the CAPE FEAR RIVER. We would not be able to move for days if we didn't go. We braced ourselves for a bad day.
On our way we heard lots of boats calling for assistance, but we were fine. It was a really good day. Cape Fear river,...... another fear conquered.
Spend two days with Dave and Haila, getting some boat chores completed including a new handle. We said our goodbyes, then moved along alone. We will miss them they have became good friends.
We made it to Myrtle Beach, but what do you know?........... another storm.
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