We left Wrightsville Beach bright and early this morning in order to clear a couple of bridges before high tide set in. We came close to the first bridge, but after dropping our two VHF antennas on the top deck were able to sneak under with about 8 inches of clearance. The other two bridges had to be opened regardless, but timing the opening when they are miles apart is always an adventure. Bridge tenders don't tend to wait or give you much of a grace period. We made the Onslow Beach Bridge opening with literally just one minute to spare!
After passing that last bridge we entered the waterway running through Camp Lejeune, the US Marine military base which includes passing through a "live firing range" with targets near the water. I've never cared much for this even though they give you ample warning in event of an actual firing. I mean, what if someone is having a bad day or just wants to screw around with you???
As we entered Bouge Sound approaching Moorehead City and Beaufort NC, there was a ridiculous amount of small fishing boats (like 150 of them) heading toward us for what had to be over an hour. It seems today was a major charity fishing tournament and obviously the folks from North Carolina turned out in droves. Since Endless Summer produces a 4 foot wake and can create a fair amount of damage to smaller vessels, I had no other choice but to go slow and be respectful of the other folks on the water. Damn!
As we approached out final destination at River Dunes in Oriental NC, we were able to connect with a good friend and professional Captain Keith Mackey as they cruised down the Neuse River. It was a very fortuitous timing to meet like this after almost 6 hours on the water, but a fun opportunity to take pictures and chat on the radio about the day's travel.
Tomorrow, we head to Coinjock NC -- yes, Coinjock. But more on that later.
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| Camp Lejeune Firing Range |
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| Target Practice |
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| Really? |
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| "Southern Style" |
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