Ahoy, With polished fuel and a nights rest we will start up once again for Florida. For a mere $380 they circulated our fuel through a filter and told us we shouldn't have any more problems. We shall see. At least we made it through the 3 or 4 bridges and the locks with no trouble. I think we only have two bridges tomorrow. I failed to mention the dolphin escort we had the night we motored into Norfolk. I was surprised by a rather large sploosh next to the stern. It didn't seem likely that it was a rogue wave or the wake of some mystery boat, but darn if it didn't happen again. LeRoy saw the dolphins. I just saw the splashes. It has been so long since we had the pleasure of their company, and at night it was a real treat. So let's see, a midnight run into Norfolk and today a gale force wind as we maneuver into the River Forest Marina in Belhaven, North Carolina. We stayed at the Alligator Marina last night and discussed whether we wanted to wait out the front that was coming through today or journey on South. Belhaven was only 50 miles south, so I figured it would be a fairly easy day. A front of sorts did blow by with torrential rain and gusts up to 28 knots. We were in a wide channel in a wide river so it wasn't a big deal. Going through the long canal wasn't a big deal either. The winds were blowing from 20 to 25 knots, but we had some protection from trees and it was a straight run. Then we came to the big Pungo River. Well let me tell you, the wind kicked up to 35 knots jumped up to 40 knots and pretty much stayed there until we were tied up at the Marina. The waves built to 4 to 6 feet and were not very far apart. Waves split by our bow, splashed over the deck and windscreen. Thank heavens I always prepare the boat for the worse case scenario when we cast off, because this was the absolute worse storm I've been in yet. We were creeping along so that the ride wasn't any rougher than necessary, but it was like riding a frisky Mustang. I felt sorry for LeRoy at the helm. I helped spot markers, but mostly I stayed out of the wind. LeRoy was trying to keep us in the narrow channel and spot the markers leading us into the marina. Wouldn't you know that the rains became a deluge as we approached the dock. LeRoy knew he couldn't turn the bow into the wind as it was blowing between 35 and 40 knots. He was able to back into the wind, so that is what he did. We had about 8 boaters helping catch our lines and help us into the slip. Once we were settled, LeRoy noticed we only have 5.4 feet of water here. We draw 5.6 feet. Glad he didn't have that on his mind while we were getting into the slip. I wasn't much help with the lines. I had things ready for a bow in, port side tie up. We backed in and the wind was off our starboard. I usually have all the lines ready, just in case, but this time I waited until the last minute so that I wouldn't get blown overboard in the rocking waves. A breakwater smoothed out the water, but didn't leave me a lot of time to adjust lines. Anyway, I was busy rigging lines and tossing lines and basically scrambling in the torrential rain. Water stings at that wind speed. Now I am safely ensconced in my snuggy cabin. What a relief. LeRoy just told me he was thinking about our fuel and wondering if the bucking was going to stir up enough left over scum to block our filters again. Poor guy. Imagine trying to stay in a narrow channel and then come into an unfamiliar channel to the marina, while planning how he was going to change filters if the need arose. My only concern was how was I going to use the head, while the boat was lifting and dropping about 10 feet. It takes quite a bit of concentration, not to mention dexterity and timing. LeRoy just had to hold his water until we got tied up. I offered to give him a potty break, but he turned me down. I could have handled the waves. I was too dumb and excited to be scared. I was having fun. I'm not sure the Captain shared my joy. Wonder if the Captain is thinking about vaulted ceilings and swimming pools with spa features. I just learned when I got on the computer to send this update, that my nephew, Cory's, little girl has broken her leg on a trampoline. Now that is trauma. I would much rather be fighting a gale than have one of my kids hurt. Katelyn is the prettiest, sweetest little girl. Please add her to your prayers. I'm pretty tired, so think I will crawl under the covers and watch TV. Good news, our Follow Me Direct TV satellite dish stood up to gale force winds. I asked LeRoy if we shouldn't take it down off our radar arch until we got to Florida. He said it would be fine, and by gosh, he was right. I'm proud of my captain. He got compliments on bringing our boat into the slip. Well gotta go write to Katelyn and Cory, stay safe and dry. Drenched in Belhaven, Charlotte [permalink][comments?][Karma: 2 ( + / - )]
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Atlantic Yacht Basin