Captain and First Mate
Start Out
Following
their arrival in Morehead City and the boat-wash, the guys cleaned up
and we went for dinner at the near-by Ruddy Duck. We had a good
nights sleep (especially well-deserved and needed for Bob and John)
and then Bob headed home in the car I'd driven up from Hilton Head.
John and I departed on the boat. It was a gorgeous day, sunny, not
too hot, nice breeze. The trek across the Pamlico Sound was smooth
and easy. We arrived at our destination – Dowrey Creek Marina,
Belhaven, NC – around 3. The marina has a nice pool, so while John
opted for a car race on tv, I took a swim. One thing I really miss
while boating is the ability to get exercise, so for me a marina pool
is a treat and something I like to take advantage of .
I'm
not the only one that misses the ability to get exercise. Our dogs
miss the daily, long walks they get at home (and associated
opportunities to use the grass ashore, if you know what I mean!) On
the boat they're often required to “hold it” for more hours than
I'm content with. So this year, inspired by another boater's blog,
we brought along three pieces of sod for the aft deck. Previously
we've tried lots of techniques, but nothing seemed to work. Without
going into all the details, let me just say that we were successful
and there were lots of “good dog”s going on and treats
dispensed!! I think I'm more relieved about their good progress than
they were in accomplishing it!
Leaving
Dowrey Creek the next morning, we continued on toward Coinjock, North
Carolina. If you've never been there, and get out a map to locate
it, good luck! It's one of those “if you blink you'll miss it”
kind of places. But we have had some fond memories of past stops
there with our kids, and they do have a couple of fairly good
restaurants. Plus the two marinas there are eager for business. We
like to support the little guy. The day turned cloudy and a drizzle
became a downpour (with lots of yellow and green on the weather
radar). By the time we reached the marina in Coinjock not only did
I need my rain jacket, but my rain pants as well. The next morning
things were about the same. We opted for running from the pilothouse
and not the bridge. We don't have many days like this but when we do
we're always so thankful for our efficient, spacious, and comfortable
pilothouse. I wouldn't have a boat without one. Sailboaters that we
pass are crouched in their cockpit, dressed in their foulies, and
braving the elements. Better them than me.
By
midday the skies were clearing and it was back to the bridge, our
favorite place to be. After a stop for fuel we cruised into Norfolk,
Virginia. What an awesome spot this is, and seems like a huge city
after leaving northern North Carolina. There is a ton of river
activity, commercial barges and freighters, and most impressive are
all the naval ships, including the aircraft carrier, The George H.W.
Bush. Some friends had invited us to tie up at their dock in the
heart of town, just a block away from the recently retired destroyer,
The Wisconsin. I am a big fan of things military, so it's a thrill
to cruise through Norfolk. Tomorrow we are off to conquer the
Delmarva Peninsula.
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