Well, many weeks have gone by, and in retrospect it has become a blur. Lots of wildlife thru GA and SC. The usual ICW trouble spots, some of which have been dredged, and some of which we confirmed that out-of-the-channel "detours" work well. Thanks to Bob Scherer, who posts on AC as "bob423', and was about 4 days ahead of us through this section.
We spent a week in Beaufort NC, being loaned a slip (at no charge) by a friend of my dad's. We spent 7 days with family, enjoying air conditioning, showers, and ice, not to mention my dad's pool and hot tub. It was cool to be back in the summer stomping grounds of my youth. Also had a blast one afternoon playing catch with my dad (who is about to turn 83), my wife, my stepbrother, and his son (age 11). Everybody also took a turn at bat. It was bittersweet, with 3 generations, involved, but also with the knowledge that the likelihood of playing catch with my dad again is pretty low.
On Wednesday, we motored to Oriental, "the sailing capital of NC". Tiny little town, but we had two days on the free town docks. There is a marine consignment store within walking distance of the docks, but I couldn't confirm it was open, so I didn't get to go. I have a list of things I'm looking for, but the next store may be Bacon's in Annapolis.
We are anchored tonight a few miles east of Belhaven, in Scranton Creek. Hoping for a good star night, as the light pollution should be minimal. We will stop short of Albemarle sound tomorrow, as it will be a little bumpy, then aim for Coinjock on Sunday, arriving late afternoon. Should be in Norfolk on Monday afternoon if all goes well and the bridges and locks don't conspire against us.
We spent a week in Beaufort NC, being loaned a slip (at no charge) by a friend of my dad's. We spent 7 days with family, enjoying air conditioning, showers, and ice, not to mention my dad's pool and hot tub. It was cool to be back in the summer stomping grounds of my youth. Also had a blast one afternoon playing catch with my dad (who is about to turn 83), my wife, my stepbrother, and his son (age 11). Everybody also took a turn at bat. It was bittersweet, with 3 generations, involved, but also with the knowledge that the likelihood of playing catch with my dad again is pretty low.
On Wednesday, we motored to Oriental, "the sailing capital of NC". Tiny little town, but we had two days on the free town docks. There is a marine consignment store within walking distance of the docks, but I couldn't confirm it was open, so I didn't get to go. I have a list of things I'm looking for, but the next store may be Bacon's in Annapolis.
We are anchored tonight a few miles east of Belhaven, in Scranton Creek. Hoping for a good star night, as the light pollution should be minimal. We will stop short of Albemarle sound tomorrow, as it will be a little bumpy, then aim for Coinjock on Sunday, arriving late afternoon. Should be in Norfolk on Monday afternoon if all goes well and the bridges and locks don't conspire against us.
cheers and salut.