Today was one of those
"interesting" days on the ICW.
We left Coinjock, NC this morning around 7:15am
with the sun slowly burning off the morning fog and dew. The winds forecast was
for 8-12 knots out of the SW which meant we would facing head seas the entire
day.
Sure enough, as we entered Albamarle Sound, we
were looking at 2-3 foot seas on the bow for the 20 mile crossing. I can't ever
remember a time when this crossing was a "pleasant" experience and
today was no exception.
As we continued our travels through the
Alligator and Pungo Rivers, the wind persisted in providing a considerable
"chop" along our route. We finally turned into the Neuse River
and our planned stay at River Dunes, just east of Oriental, NC. Upon arrival
however, and needing about 200 gallons of fuel, were informed that they had not
received their diesel shipment and only had about 75 gallons remaining in their
storage tank. That meant, either sucking fuel off the bottom of their tank or
finding an alternative to refuel and dock for the night. I opted for the later
and we pressed on to Beaufort, NC.
I have wanted to stay here for a number of years
but the time and timing never worked out. This time it did and despite having
to dock the boat in 18 knot crosswinds, this is a lovely little town right at
ocean's edge with a rich history of pirates and Queen Anne's Revenge. After an
amazing dinner at an old converted grocery store turned restaurant, we are in
for the night and looking forward to our next day of travel to Wrightsville
Beach.
Tired, full (of food and wine) and ready for
bed...
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| The open and beautiful ICW |
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| Beaufort, NC |
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