 We
anchored around 1620 at MM 103.2 on the Alligator River near the
beginning of the Pungo River canal. There was plenty of water
here (7 1/2 feet). The sunset was absolutely beautiful. Bob
wanted some liquid refreshments so I fixed us all a drink and
some snacks . We spent the evening out in the cockpit just
enjoying the view and silence. We had three other sailboats at
anchor with us. Bob and Toby went inside to watch Wild Wild West
while I fixed dinner (Mac and Cheese with hamburger in it). We
don't have a generator on board so we can only watch TV or DVD
for two hours at the most. I decided to go to bed at 1945 - 0500
comes very early. Bob checked our e-mail messages and Toby worked
on a new lanyard.
 Day
6 we started the engine at 0600, 4 November. Nothing happened!!!
Battery 2 was dead. Bob switched to both batteries and tried to
start the engine again - NOTHING!!! We all panicked but soon
realized that the great captain had put it in the off position
and not both. We tried it again and we were up and running. I
guess we watched too much TV last night! We checked the rest of
the systems and noticed the topping lift to the main boom was
jammed. We used a hammer to fix that and pulled anchor at 0624.
At 0655 we entered the Alligator River - Pungo River canal.
Temperature was 53.2 degrees. At 0835 we passed through the
Fairfield Bridge. Had to wait because it did not open on time. I
made breakfast and washed the dishes. Boy it sure would be nice
to have someone on board that would help with the cooking and
cleaning. Bob as usual dumped his coffee all over the starboard
seat cushion. I believe this is the 3rd time since we left. I
must find a way to prevent this in the future. At 1037 we arrived
at the Wilkerson Bridge (63' vertical clearance) that leads into
the Pungo River. We met the sailboat that had hit the bridge
light before in Coinjock, NC. He could not go through the bridge
since his mast was too high. He will have to turn around and go
back to the Albemarle sound and go out the sound and come down to
the Neuse River to enter again. At 1530 we arrived at R.E. Mayo
Co. in Hobucken, NC. This is a small shrimp boat dock that lets
people tie up for the night if there is room. Very interesting
place and cheap! We only paid 12 cents a foot for dockage and 10
cents a foot for electricity. While I fixed dinner (Beef tips in
beer sauce) Bob and Toby took a dock walk at their own risk.
There are many board missing on the dock and at places only one
board in place. The head is a out house behind the main building.
I decided to use our own facilities.
 It
rained all night and when the alarm went off at 0615 we decided
to stay in bed and remained at Mayo for the day. An hour later we
were all up and since the rain had stopped we decided we would
leave for Beaufort, NC. Bob took the trash we had on board to the
dumpster and the $12.00 for our stay. Made a pot of coffee and
tea for our trip and at 7:43 the engine was started and we were
off. Winds were 10 kts so we left the engine on and put up the
mizzen and jib and we were going 6 kts. At 0930 we entered the
Neuse River. Winds were now 11 kts and seas 1 foot and Ann was at
the helm. We turned the engine off at 1030 when the wind
increased to 13 kts and sailed with jib and mizzen alone. At 1122
the winds went from 14 kts to 28 kts in seconds. Ann tried to
hold the helm but Bob took over and the winds immediately went
back down to 13 kts.
 We
have had dolphins every day swimming with us. Ann tired to get
them on film but they were too fast. We arrived at Beaufort Docks
at 1615. We put everything away and had another boater take our
picture on the boat. After cleaning up we headed to the marina
bar for a celebration drink. At the Beaufort Docks Marina they
give you wooden coins for a free beer or wine for staying there.
We had our drinks and dinner at the outside tables over looking
the marina. While sitting there a 57-foot schooner Bonnie Lynn
arrived. The crew came to the restaurant to spend their wooden
nickels. We met the captain and crew of 7. They had a young girl
on board as their first mate. Well, Toby became very interested
in meeting her. She did come over and join us at our table. After
a while Bob and I decided to leave the two alone and head back to
our boat. We learned latter that the Captain 'rescued' his First
Mate from Toby.
|
