May 31, 2014

We’re up early and already the northerly breeze is kicking up. Not what we want since we are traveling the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers today. Northerly winds make for a lumpy ride. The humidity and temperature is low and I am again wearing a sweatshirt and shorts.

We get to do some motor sailing and it helps our overall speed. As the morning wears on, the winds increase, waves build and our discomfort increases. As we reach the turning mark and enter the Bay River our sailing ends for a while. As the Bay River narrows and becomes enclosed by riverside forests, the waters calm until we cross the Pamlico River. It’s a bumpy ride across.

We reach the Pungo River and are near our destination, Dowry Creek Marina. We are running low on diesel in our main tank and I have emptied the jerry cans a couple of days ago. We arrive as the winds peak for the day. Cross winds at the fuel dock…fun, fun.

We dock portside to and are immediately pinned to the dock. We refuel, fill the jerry cans, and after four attempts manage to perform a pumpout. Then with the help of the staff, we were able to get away from the dock and move to a slip, again fighting a very strong cross wind.

We have just enough time to square away the boat before the usual Dowry Creek Happy Hour. There were about twenty boaters present and we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Later we showered and retired to the boat for a restful evening.

Start: 0700

Stop: 1530
Distance Traveled: 56 miles
Location: Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC, MM 131