Depart: Ocracoke NPS Docks 8:15
Arrive: Manteo Public Docks 3:30
Distance: 60 nm
Clark said we had a long ride to Manteo. He was not kidding. We set out early for our long trip further along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and did not arrive until late in the afternoon.
 |
| Looking back at National Park Service dock in Ocracoke, NC |
 |
| Ferry Dock in Ocracoke, NC |
The Pamlico
Sound is a large body of water, where for many miles, we had no view of land.
Some areas where we did see we saw barren land.
 |
| View of sand bar from Pamlico Sound |
We arrived
at the Manteo public docks not knowing if they would have space to accommodate
our boat. When we called the dock master on the VHF radio and asked about
space, he replied, “We’re talking it over.”
After a while, since we only planned to stay one night, they came up
with the idea of having us dock at the “pump-out only” dock – the only place we
would fit.
As with the
situation in Ocracoke, we had wind pushing us away from the dock in Manteo.
With three strong men helping us dock, and Clark working the boat thrusters
overtime, we finally got the boat pulled in close to the docks. The
long-duration event made me think of wrestling an elephant to the ground.
Our helpers
were as different as could be. We had one who was an arrogant, a real “I know better
than you do” individual. Another, friendly one, told me, “I was in the Navy,
but I never learned how to tie a knot.” The third, though nice, seemed totally
clueless, tried hard to help, and made a total mess of the lines. I have
decided that my pet peeve when docking is dealing with extremely aggressive
“helpers” on the dock who treat me as if I am totally inept ... case in point, the guy who
“assisted” us today.
After
getting settled, we pulled out our bicycles to go for a tour of town. People on the docks quickly let us know that
today was “First Friday”. The first Friday of the month, the town comes to life
with activities and live music.
 |
| Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse Sign |
 |
| Lighthouse Replica |
 |
| Boats in Maritime Museum |
 |
| Downtown Manteo |
 |
| Live Music on the main street |
Besides live
music, an open-to-the-public, free fashion show took place. Before the fashion
show began, a young woman gave a hula hoop performance.
 |
| Opening Act for Fashion Show |
On our tour
of town, we saw …
 |
| Town Named “Manteo” after Indian Guide who helped Sir Walter Raleigh |
 |
| Fancy Sailboat – Elizabeth II |
Crossing a
small bridge, we entered Festival park.
 |
| Biking On Bridge to Roanoke island Festival Park |
 |
| Exploring the Park |
 |
| Manteo - Festival Park |
After our
tour, we returned our bikes to the boat and then walked back into town to eat
at a restaurant. From the on-line menus,
I selected the Lost Colony Pub.
 |
| Lost Colony Pub & “Beer Response Vehicle” / Beer Ranger |
We found ice
cream for dessert at “Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream” and then returned to the
boat for the rest of the night. Clark did not look for a sunset as he said the
setting was not conducive to a good picture.
No comments:
Post a Comment