Depart: Pungo River anchorage NC 8:10
Arrive: Private Dock, Fairfield Harbour, near New Bern, NC 3:30
Distance: 58 nm
We traveled a bit further than planned yesterday, so this morning we got to lounge in bed for a few extra zzzzzz's. To visit our friend, Ralph, we detour off the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and navigate up the Neuse River. Just before turning off onto the Neuse River, we passed ICW MM 160 - (indicating we are160 statute miles south of Norfolk)!
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| S/V "Idlewile" |
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| Small sailboats near shore |
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| Trawling vessel on the Neuse |
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| Ferry crossing the Neuse River |
We arrived at our friend's dock just before 3:30. Ralph had work today, so we docked without his assistance. A neighbor, Chuck, saw us working our lines and ran over to give a hand. It is a tight squeeze to fit our wide boat in Ralph's narrow dock space. (He has poles that lie on both our port and starboard sides.)
His dog, Chewy, passed away a week ago. He was one of my best doggy friends, and we all miss him very much! He was so much fun to walk and play with.
Shortly after Ralph came home, we piled into his car for a trip into New Bern for dinner. He took us to a place we had not visited before called "Michael's Pub and Patio". He said it is a place locals go to as it is not on the "main drag". We had a lovely meal with a very friendly and adept server.
On the way back to Ralph's, he stopped at the local Food Lion so I could get some essentials like more bread. Afterwards we drove to his son's house to swap vehicles. His son had borrowed Ralph's truck in exchange for a car, and Ralph was anxious to "get his wheels back".
While at Ralph's son's house, I got to spend time with Scarlet who is one of Ralph's granddaughters. We immediately hit is off as we have a common interest in knit and crochet. She showed me how to finger knit and introduced me to a product I was not aware of, which is snap on plastic eyes for crocheted animals, etc. Scarlet is very outgoing and smart. Spending time with her made happy and sad as it made me miss my own grandchildren very much.
No travel!
Our plans for today did not include boat travel! Yay! Ralph had the day at home and was scheduled for work in the evening shift. Tonight he was assigned to security at the airport.
While we sat and talked, I got to do my laundry. I find there is nothing quite as satisfying as getting to start fresh with clean laundry while boating. Such a relief to get that out of the way - if only for a few hours until it starts to pile up once again.
Besides Ralph, we have another friend in the area that we met while boating America's Great Loop. Pat came over to visit late afternoon and drove us to the local pizza / Italian place called "Sara's" for dinner.
Depart: Fairfield Harbour NC private dock 8:55
Arrive: Town Creek Marina, Beaufort, NC 1:40
Distance: 34 nm
Ralph and his friend, Helen, had plans for a trip to Raleigh today. Before they left in their car and we in our boat, we chatted for a while. Helen brought her dog, "Sissy", with her. Ralph's neighbor agreed to take care of Sissy while Ralph and Helen were away for the day.
Sissy and I quickly became best friends. As soon as I sat on the sofa, Sissy came over, sat next to me, and then rolled over to get a big belly rub!
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| Helen and Ralph at Ralph's house |
As everyone was anxious to get going on their day's travels, we said a quick goodbye and got underway.
Unfortunately, we got the current heading against us in Adam's Creek and had a slow ride to Beaufort. Our friends, Beverly and Dave, live in Beaufort and kindly beckon us to come for a visit as we make our way north / south each season.
Clark made a reservation at Town Creek Marina where Beverly and Dave came to collect us for some chatting at their house followed by dinner at the restaurant "34 North". We have eaten together there several times, and the food and service do not disappoint. We had a very friendly waitress tonight.
After dinner, they dropped us off at the marina in time to see the sun setting over the water.
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| Sunset at Town Creek Marina |
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| Kitten in front of Town Creek Marina |
After that, it was back to the boat to work on the blog.
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