Day 22, Sunday, November 18, 2007

Up at 0530 for coffee and breakfast. Walter and Maggie get underway at 0630 and we are right behind them at 0645. The tide is almost out, but still has about 1 hour until full low tide. Donna wants to run the helm this morning. Its nerve racking for her and me as we run through skinny water. Our depth gauge hits 3.9’ and 4.4’ several times which means our keel is pushing mud. We slow down to a crawl in the really shallow places and get even further behind Day-O. Larry and another boat are following us so if we screw up and run aground they were likely going aground too. So the morning went! Angst upon more angst. We finally reached some deeper water and were able to exhale. Once we were in the Mackay and Brunswick Rivers we made good time with the current helping us. Passing through Mud River and Jekyll Creek was a little scary as they have notorious shallow spots and were also near low tide.

We passed through St. Andrew Sound and found it “unusually calm” according to Walter. Day-O got held up by a nuclear submarine leaving Kings Bay so we were able to catch up to them in Cumberland Sound. We departed the ICW and anchored off Cumberland Island about 1345.

Maggie has a friend who works as a ranger at the Cumberland Island Park. We dinghied ashore around 1500 and the ranger gave us a personal tour of some of the islands best features, wild horses, the trees, the Carnegie Estate and much more. After the tour we went to Whisper for cocktails and noshes. After that it was back to our boat for cleanup and bed.

Location: Cumberland Island, GA anchorage at ICW MM 711. Today’s progress: 42 Statute Miles

Day 21, Saturday, November 17, 2007

I’m up at 0630 and get the coffee going. Its cold and I can see frost on shore. Whisper and Ninkasi get underway at 0745. According to the GPS, it turns out to be 8.2 miles back to the ICW. Day-O was about 11 miles ahead of us when we got back to the ICW. Later we caught up to them when they had problem with their fuel filters near marker 653. We all pushed on until sunset and anchored in the Frederica River near the ruins of the old Fort Frederica. Ninkasi traveled 57.8 miles today according to the GPS. Everyone is tired.

Donna fixed hamburger helper for dinner and we retired early.

Location: Fort Frederica, GA. ICW marker: 669. Today’s progress: 57 Statute Miles

Day 20, Friday, November 16, 2007

It got darn cold and stayed windy all night. The space heater had run all night and I still woke up cold. There was ice and frost on Ninkasi when I went on deck.
I went below, cleaned the galley and made coffee. Larry came over for coffee around 0830 and said the damage aboard Whisper was not as bad as originally thought. There was some cleaning to do and the battery charger was shorted out due to water immersion. After disconnecting the battery charger, the engine alternator was charging the batteries ok.

On board Ninkasi, damage assessment found we had lost the AM/FM Stereo, the laptop computer and possibly the Sirius radio module due to water intrusion as we pounded into the waves and rain coming up the Medway River.

We talked with Walter and Maggie via phone and they have had a rough night too. The decided to go to the Kilkenny Marina that morning, get the boat squared away, get some rest , stay overnight and start south again tomorrow. We agreed and planned to rendezvous at MM 620 tomorrow.

Elaine and Barney Maley are the marina/restaurant owners. She is the ex-sister-in-law of my old coworker Peggy Maley. Elaine came and visited a while this morning. She took Larry, Donna and Judy into town that afternoon for supplies and repair items.

While they went to town, I cleaned and straightened the boat. Later Donna and I took showers in the Maley’s pool house and then went to dinner at the restaurant with Larry and Judy. The food was great and everyone had a great time.

Afterward, we went back to the boat. Judy and Elaine visited with us while Larry went back to Whisper to do some reading. After the girls left , Donna and I watched a little TV and then went to bed.

Day 19, Thursday, November 15th, 2007

A sleepless night with all the casino boat traffic. Ninkasi’s anchor dragged sometime between 0200 and 0600. Fortunately it reset somewhere mid channel and the traffic had died down. Anyway, I awoke at 0600, made coffee , started getting the boat ready, and weighed anchor at 0640. We led the group out of the anchorage. Larry passed us and made the Causton Bluff Bridge first.

The weather report was calling for a strong front to arrive during the afternoon and the weather to turn really foul with high winds, small craft warnings, etc. Day-O needed fuel so we tried to find fuel and slips for the evening in Thunderbolt, GA. Fuel , yes, but slips were not to be had. Some sport fishing tournament had all the slips full for the next few days. We were given the name of a marina several miles away on the Medway River. Larry called and got us slips, but they were about 40 miles away and the storm was coming. We pressed on but the weather started changing in the late afternoon. Day-O decided to stop at a small anchorage in Kilkenny Creek, MM 613, as Whisper and Ninkasi continue on.

When Ninkasi turned off the ICW and started up the Medway River at MM 620, Whisper was about 3 miles ahead of us. Now the wind was dead on our nose blowing 25+ and gusting. The combined effect of the wind and river current reduced our headway to 2.6 mph up river. Thinking we were almost there, we called Larry for directions to the marina only to have him tell us he was hard aground. When we got closer to Whisper, our chart plotter showed us he had taken the right side of the river and hit a bar that would have been passable at high tide. We took the left side of the river and passed within 50 yards of Whisper. We were in 33 feet of water and cannot get to Whisper to help. Whisper was lying on its port side with the tide still going out. A classic example of tide timing combined with wind had Whisper sitting on a now exposed bar.
Larry said he was going to wait for the tide to return and for us to continue to the marina. So, we pushed on and made it to the dock just as it got dark. Boy was it nice to be tied to a dock! We connected the shore power, started the heater, began to dry out and waited to assist Larry when he arrived.
The winds began to die down some and the tide was coming back in. Sons of the marina owner went out in small boats to assist Larry. There was some water intrusion into Whisper through the sink seacock in the portside head. They had forgot to close it and approximately 200 gallons of water got inside before they realized it. They were able to get the water bailed/pumped out and when Whisper was floating normally made it to the dock shortly after 2100. After we got them tied to the dock, Larry and Judy went to the restaurant for warmth and dinner. It had been a rough day for all. It’s after 2300 as I write this so I’ll sign off for today.

Location: Sunbury Crab Company Marina, GA (Eight miles off the ICW up the Medway River). ICW marker: 620. Today’s progress: 50 Statute Miles

Day 18, Wednesday, November 14, 2007

We’re up at 0500. We do a big breakfast with lots of coffee. Underway at 0730. We would like to stay another day and really visit the town, but the rest of the group is moving on. Maybe we will visit longer on the return trip. Day-O seems to be moving slower today so Whisper and Ninkasi lead the way, swapping the lead about halfway through the day. By 1300, Day-O is running about five miles behind. Larry called on the VHF and suggested we stop at MM 570 and anchor so Day-O can catch up before dark. Day-O, listening in suggests we push on to an anchorage at St. Augustine Creek, MM 578. My Skipper Bob (SB) guide does not recommend the anchorage and despite my objection the decision is made to anchor at MM 578. BIG MISTAKE!!! Ninkasi and Day-O have trouble getting anchors to set as holding is poor and current is strong. Commercial traffic mentioned in SB guide are large casino boats. It’s too late to try for another anchorage so we reposition close to the banks, put out lots of lights and hope for the best.

Location: St. Augustine Creek, GA just south of the Savannah River. ICW MM 578.Today’s progress: 42 Statute Miles

Day 17, Tuesday, November 13, 2007

We’re up at 0500 expecting to get underway at first light, but fog has set in and our departure is delayed. It was just as well because our anchor line had wrapped around the keel during the tide/current change overnight. I somehow got lucky and spun the wrap free by swinging the boat around . It only took about 20 minutes to clear the wrap. Once the line was clear, I hoisted the anchor and proceeded slowly out of the creek. When the others caught up, we picked up the pace and headed toward Beaufort. We cleared the Ladies Island Bridge around noon and then stopped at the Downtown Marina for fuel and slips for the night. The current was strong and docking was tricky.

Everyone hit the showers and then we all went to lunch at Luther’s Rx restaurant about 1400. It’s a warm day and we eat al fresco. It feels good to just sit in the sun. It’s a glorious day.

After lunch, Donna and Judy took the courtesy car to the grocery store. I worked on the boat and started doing the laundry.

It’s 2045 and I’m falling asleep as I make this entry. Time for bed. Walter wants to leave at 0630. Goodnight world!

Location: Beaufort, SC (pronounced Bewfort) ICW MM 536. Today’s progress: 20 Statute Miles

Day 16, Monday November 12, 2007

We’re up at 0600 hoping we can catch the 0900 opening if repairs are complete. Larry calls and tells us the bridge is operational and will open on request until 0900. Everyone rushes to get moving and we pass through the bridge about 0740.

The plan was to spend a day in Charleston and let the girls visit the city. Unfortunately there were no slips available when we arrive around 0945. We decide to push on southward. We make it a 55 mile day and anchor at sundown in Rock Creek. Everyone is tired so there is no pot luck dinner tonight.

Donna fixed a great pork roast with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Destination for tomorrow is Beaufort, SC where we will be in a marina. Yeah,…a long hot shower.

Location: Rock Creek, SC. ICW MM 516. Today’s progress: 55 Statute Miles.

Day 15, Sunday, November 11, 2007

Our destination today is Charleston, SC. Since it is only 30 miles south, we took our time getting underway. The anchor was up around 0830 and were back in the ICW about 10 minutes later. It was cold, with the temperature about 40°F and the wind made it f eel even colder. The word for today is “layers” and lots of them.

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Charleston. The Ben Sawyer Bridge, an older swing type, just north of Charleston had some type of mechanical problem and could not open. We ducked into Inlet Creek, MM 461, and anchored with a dozen other boats around noon to wait for the repairs to be completed.

A Coast Guard Auxiliary boat came by around 1400 and told us the problem was electrical they were still working on repairs. They hope to have repairs completed overnight. That gave us a little time to rest and work on little things to keep us busy. As the day passed, more and more boats joined us in the anchorage and it got quite crowded.

We decided to do pot luck dinner on Whisper that evening and plan our visit to Charleston.

Location: Inlet Creek, SC north of Charleston. ICW MM 461. Today’s progress: 22 Statute Miles

Day 14, Saturday, November 10, 2007

We got underway about 1000 as planned. We departed the Wacamaw River and entered Winyah Bay as we passed Georgetown, SC. We passed a working hand ferry as we departed Winyah Bay and entered the Estherville Minim Creek Canal. After that there was a series of cuts between the North and South Santee Rivers before we finally passed McClellanville, SC. The current helped move us along and we still covered almost 45 miles even with the late start. The day was pretty uneventful otherwise. We pulled into Graham Creek and anchored for the evening in 7-9‘ of low water. It was another quiet anchorage.

Location: Graham Creek, SC. ICW MM 439. Today’s progress: 44 Statute Miles

Day 13, Friday, November 9, 2007

We’re up at 0530 and Donna fixed a big breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash brown potatoes. Walter is underway at 0630 and we follow at 0700. Our delay was a good thing as it allowed a tug and barge to get ahead of us going through the “Rock Pile”. We caught up with Walter at Bucksport Landing where we all stopped, refueled and got some of their famous sausage.

We got some tidal current assist in the Wacamaw River and made good time for a while. We finally lost the currents help about the time we pulled into Jericho Creek around 1530. We found plenty of deep water right up to the banks of the creek so we anchored for the night. It was a quiet place although three small boats did come by us before dark.

The plan is to use the outgoing tide tomorrow, so we do not have to leave at first light.

Location: Jericho Creek off the Wacamaw River near Hagley, SC. ICW MM 395. Today’s progress: 41 Statute Miles

Day 12, Thursday, November 8, 2007

It got bitter cold last night, colder than the night before. Hot coffee hits the spot this morning. Dressing in layers, we hoped to lessen the agony.

Walter is away from the dock at 0630 and we soon follow. It might be sunny, but it’s a very cold day. We pushed on all day, fighting tidal current all the way to Barefoot Landing (Myrtle Beach). We tied up along side, hooked up the shore power, and plugged in the space heater. Everybody but me went shopping at the outlet shops and stores. I cleaned up the boat and then gave myself a sponge bath and washed my hair (no showers here either).

Later we all went over to Larry’s boat. The space heater on his boat had the cabin toasty warm. We all enjoyed the warmth, wine and dinner. Around 2030 everyone went back to their boats for the remainder of the evening.

Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC. ICW MM 354. Today’s progress: 45 Statute Miles

Day 11, Wednesday, November 7, 2007

We’re up about 0630. It’s darn cold! Temperature in the boat is 47°F and the wind is 10-12 from the north. Hot coffee and oatmeal are the first order of business and then we get underway.

Pulling up the anchor again is a big chore. I need to get a nose piece and bow roller made and fitted to the boat. Today’s destination is Southport. We’re underway about 0810 and fight the current in Snow’s Cut as we head toward the Cape Fear River. When we reach the river, the current there helps push us along at 9-10 mph. We reach “The Provision Company” dock where Walter and I dock our boats. Larry continues on to Southport Marina where he takes a slip so his sister who lives close by can visit.

We all did lunch at the Provision so we “qualified” for the use of the free slips. The “Free” slips are really in need of repair and there is no shore power or shower available. After lunch the girls decided to walk to the local Wal-Mart. Walter and I returned to our boats to do some repairs while waiting for the girls to return. The girls did not enjoy the two mile walk! After completing their shopping, they called for a taxi to bring them back to the dock.

Donna bought a large frozen lasagna dinner, cooked it in the oven and everyone came over to our boat for dinner.

Location: Southport, NC. ICW MM: 309. Today’s progress: 14 Statute Miles

Day 10, Tuesday, November 6, 2007

We’re underway at 0630 as planned. We’re fighting tide and wind at times, but we manage to make the 9AM opening at Surf City Bridge. Still pushing hard, we manage to make a 1230PM opening at the Figure Eight Island Bridge. From there we either fought or rode the tidal current at Mason, Masonboro and Carolina Beach Inlets as we continued south. After passing MM 295 we turned into an anchorage behind Pleasure Island just north of Carolina Beach. The main anchorage area was already crowded so we opted for the alternate anchorage and dropped our hooks.

Everyone was tired and a weather front was coming so we decided remain on our respective boats and not to socialize that evening. Donna and I settled in for the evening as the wind increased to 10-15 with gusts to 20. After the Hurricane Noel experience in Broad Creek it seemed rather tame.

Location: Carolina Beach, NC. ICW MM 295. Today’s progress: 49 Statute Miles

Day 9, Monday, November 5, 2007

We got up early hoping to get underway with the other boats, but waiting until morning to get fuel was a big, Big mistake. None of the fuel docks opened until 0830. When they finally opened we took on fuel and water and got underway about two hours behind the other boats. Today’s destination is Swan Point near the New River Inlet. As we entered Bogue Sound we pushed the motor hard and used the jib to try and make up some of the lost time. Passing through Swansboro and some of the shallow water there was a hoot. Despite being a weekday, there were small fishing boats everywhere and the word “channel” meant nothing to them as they anchored or drifted where ever they pleased.
We finally pulled into Swan Point Marina and found the others doing showers and laundry (last in line again). We took quick showers and rushed to fix our contribution for the evening’s pot luck dinner. The dinner was aboard Whisper and the food and company were great.

After dinner the discussion turned to the plans for the next day. We were going to have a brige schedule problem. Figure Eight Island Bridge only opened 11AM-1PM and after 4PM as it was undergoing repairs. To make the midday opening we needed to hit the Surf City Bridge at the 9AM opening. We scheduled a 0630 departure and returned to our boats for the evening.

Location: Swan Point, NC. ICW MM 246. Today’s progress: 41 Statute Miles

Day 8, Sunday, Nov 4, 2007

We’re up and moving early. Destination is Morehead City. We departed Broad Creek, headed back into the Neuse River and passed Oriental. We entered Adams Creek and saw a sunken sailboat with only its mast showing where the creek joins Cedar Creek. Found out later the creek junction is a popular anchorage and the sunken boat has been there about two years. We managed to motor sail with the jib. When we reached the Morehead City there was room for all three boats at the Sanitary Restaurant dock. We needed fuel, but decided to grab the $10 slip space first and get fuel in the morning. Docking was tricky at the fixed dock as the current was running strong. After docking, everyone went separate ways. Donna and I went to Capt. Bill’s Restaurant for lunch (it was not the best choice). Afterward we started walking to West Marine (WM) which was about 6 miles away. Using the Garmin Nuvi for direction, it took us down a route that bypassed all the businesses. We asked for the quickest route for walking so it gave us the route with sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Donna was not wearing good shoes for the trip and finally about a mile of so from WM we decided to split up. I charged onward trying to reach WM before they closed. Donna slowly continued to follow. I reached WM about 7 minutes before they closed and purchased a new inverter so we could run/charge the laptop and a new starboard navigation light for the bow. The WM folks were kind enough to call a taxi for me and Donna arrived just as the taxi came. We decided to take a taxi back to the boat rather than walk another 6 miles. Best $7 I’ve spent lately.

Back at the boat it was time for cocktails on Whisper before we went to dinner at the Sanitary. The dinner was great but the fried foods worked on my system all night.

The plan for tomorrow is an early (0630) start.

Location: Morehead City, NC ICW MM 205. Today’s progress: 31 Statute Miles

Day 7, Saturday, Nov 3, 2007

I finally got up around 0900. Winds have dropped down to 12 mph but are still gusting above 15 mph. Donna fixed us some great omelets with leftovers and after breakfast we moved the boat back down to the mouth of the creek. The wind shift was driving water out of the creek and I didn’t want to get trapped in the creek. Larry and Walt moved a little later.

As time progressed, the day slowly evolved into a real beauty. The winds dropped off, the clouds disappeared, and sun began shining again. We dinghied into Paradise Cove for a hot shower and then back to the boat for a nap. Donna took Buddy out on deck while I slept.

Around 1730 we all dinghied in to Paradise Cove for the Saturday night pot luck buffet and karaoke. There were some good and bad talent and some really big egos. There was music, dancing, and drinking. We had lots of fun and there was a lot of good food. We went back to our boats around 2100 and turned in about 2130. What a life!

Day 6, Friday, Nov 2, 2007

I awoke around 0730, fixed hot oatmeal and coffee for breakfast as the temperature was down to 60 degrees and the wind was making it feel even colder. Around 1130 we dinghied over to Whisper and helped Larry and Walt work on the propane system. After we got it working, we all had coffee and cake, discussed the weather situation and decided to stay hunkered down until Sunday. I took Walt and Maggie back to Day-O, then Donna and I went back to Ninkasi to ride out the wind.

Around 1430 Whisper began dragging anchor and was drifting toward our boat. I was just about to call Larry when he came on deck and noticed the situation. The winds were 30+ mph and gusting above 40 mph. Larry got his crew on deck, retrieved his anchor and then repositioned Whisper and set two anchors. The anchors held for a little while and then Whisper started dragging again. Larry got the crew on deck, retrieved the anchors and repositioned Whisper south of Ninkasi. He deployed two anchors again and then waited to see if they held.
At 1800, Whisper’s anchors are holding firm but I’m still watching the situation outside as the winds are predicted to increase more before they subside. Watching the shoreline tree tops as the boat spins on the anchor makes me dizzy. Not having finished the anchor riding sail before we left home was sure gnawing at me even though I had never used one and was unsure of how it would help in these high winds.

It was a long, long night. The wind howled through the rigging and the boat lurched and heeled as I checked our position against lights on shore and the other boats. I was still awake at 0200 when things started to slowly calm down. I eventually fell asleep, but awoke again around 0400. I checked the boat, decided everything was OK and fell asleep again. I awoke again at first light and crawled into the vberth with Donna.

Larry’s wind instruments recorded sustained 42 knot winds overnight.

Day 5, Thursday, Nov 1, 2007

We slept late but were still up at 0700. Donna took the time to make a fabulous breakfast which we both enjoyed. The winds are predicted to be 30-40 mph and cause some wind driven flooding, so we moved all the boats further up the creek for more protection. The weather that day was the classic “calm” before the storm. The sky was clear, there was lots of sunshine and the winds were light. We visited the Paradise Cove again around 1600 and returned to the boats at 1800. At that time the sky was gray and the wind was increasing. Donna and I cooked a steak on the grill and turned in around 2130. Around midnight the winds were really up and I couldn’t sleep. I sat in the main salon and watched us anchor sail. I fell asleep occasionally, but the wind noise always kept me on edge. Near morning it had gotten pretty cold so I crawled back in the Vberth with Donna just to get warm and sleep a little more.

Day 4, Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007

Up at 0630 hours for coffee and a quick breakfast. Funny how instant oatmeal is so darn good when you wake up to a really crisp fall morning. We weighed anchor and began moving down the Pungo River past Bell Haven. Favorable wind piped up so we motor sailed with the jib. Had a little excitement when a fast moving motor vessel waked us hard enough to bounce the keel on the bottom as we entered Goose Creek. Later we passed Walter and Maggie in the Hobucken Canal as they stopped to “walk the dog”. The wind began piping up as we entered the Bay River and it got even rougher as we turned into the Neuse River. Around MM 174 we turned westward toward Broad Creek. We proceeded up the creek and turned into Burton Creek. It took two attempts to finally get a decent anchor set in 6-8 feet of water.

When everyone had squared their boats away, Walter ferried everyone to the nearby Paradise Cove Marina. There we all enjoyed a few brews and snacks. We discussed the worsening weather driven by the combination of an approaching cold front and Hurricane Noel moving northward. The wind was predicted to begin increasing the next day so everyone decided to stay put in the creek a couple more days. With that decision made, we all went back to the boats for the evening.

Location: Burton Creek NC (north of Oriental) MM 174. Today’s Progress: 47 Statute Miles

Day 3, Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007

Up at 0600 hours. Enjoyed hot coffee and breakfast. Prepared to get underway and raised the anchor at 0720 hours. The plan for today is ambitious, make it to an anchorage at MM 127. We pushed out into the Albemarle Sound, motor sailing with the jib. The wind was up and there was a little chop. We passed through the Alligator Bridge with no problems and continued motor sailing all the way to the Alligator Pungo Canal. We got quite an air show as the Navy/Marine jets practiced bombing and strafing the bombing range east of the river. As we entered the canal, we finally lost the wind’s help and motored the rest of the day. We arrived at the anchorage at dusk. The place was already crowded with several boats so we got last choice on the best spots. We circled about watching the depth meter and finally picked a good spot in about 9’ to drop anchor. Larry put his dinghy in the water and ferried us over to Day-O for dinner. Maggie had prepared chili with real cornbread and even had chocolates for desert. It was a great way to end a long day.

Location: Pungo River, NC MM 127. Today’s progress: 67 Statute Miles

Day 2, Monday, Oct 29, 2007

Everyone enjoyed breakfast on their own boat and a laid back morning as the plan called for a short run to a nearby anchorage. All boats departed about 1130 hours with the current and wind helping to push us along at a pretty good clip. We only went about 9+ miles and then anchored in the vicinity of Lutz Creek. Water depth is about 7’ and winds are light out of the northeast. Larry launched his dinghy and ferried the others over to Ninkasi where Donna had prepared a taco dinner for everyone. Maggie brought a desert, brownies, which she baked while underway.

Location: North River, NC ICW MM 59. Today’s progress: 10 Statute Miles

Day 1, Sunday, Oct 28, 2007

At 0740 hrs, Ninkasi departed the Portsmouth Yacht Club with Dick, Donna and their cat, Smokey (a.k.a. Buddy), on board. They rendezvoused at Mile Marker Zero (MM 0) with Whisper and Day-0 and all began the trip southward. On board Whisper were Larry Bryant and Jeanne Steffanelli. On board Day-O were Walter and Maggie Short and their dog Toby. Our friend David Bennett aboard Aeolian sailed along with us as far as the Jordan Bridge. He then came alongside Ninkasi and passed over “Bon Voyage” bags for each of the boats.

Lifts at the Jordan and Gilmerton bridges went smoothly and we made good time until we reached the Steel Bridge on Dominion Boulevard. We had made such good time we arrived early and had to wait for the scheduled opening. The river was a parking lot of snowbird boats and tugs when it finally came time for the 10AM opening. After the bridge finally opened the race was on to Great Bridge and the lock there. Thanks to the use of both sides of the lock, seventeen boats were locked through and then proceeded to pass through the new bascule “Great Bridge”.

Jan Washbourne drove to the lock and passed over more “Bon Voyage” bags to Ninkasi. Don and Beryl Wade and Nana Leonard also drove to the lock and waved to us as we passed. Lots of the “Big Boy” cruisers passed us on the way to the Turnpike Bridge. We were moving slowly as we waited for Whisper to stop in Great Bridge and pickup a third crew member, Judy Rose. There was no delay at the Centerville Turnpike Bridge, but we were forced to wait for an opening at the North Landing Bridge. The delay there allowed Dick’s sister, Patricia, to arrive, waive goodbye and hold up a sign as we passed through the bridge opening.

Despite a couple of delays, we were still making good time so we decided to push onward for Coinjock, NC instead of stopping at Pungo. We arrived at Midway Marina in Coinjock about 1730 hours. The wind and current combined to make docking exciting, but we were able to dock without incident. After docking we delivered the “Bon Voyage” bags to the other boats and attended a happy hour and group spaghetti dinner aboard Whisper.

Location: Coinjock, NC, ICW MM 50. Today’s progress: 50 Statute Miles.