Friday, December 3, 2010

Day Two-Friday Dec 3rd Coinjock to Morehead City, NC

The crew had shore showers this morning at the marina.   We cast off our lines about 8:15am and started down the "ditch" toward Morehead City, North Carolina.   Winds were brisk and so were the temps!  NNW winds about 15 to 20kts keeping temps down in the 40's well into mid morning.   We made much better time today since we only had to wait for one bridge to open to let us through.  That was the Alligator River Bridge and it opens on demand.   So no worries there.

We lost track of our buddies on "Frostbites" as they had left the marina before we did.   However we had plenty of company along the way.  Several sailboats and a few powerboats slowly making there way south from places like Maine, Ontario and one from Austria.   They must have gotten a late start to be traveling south this late in the season.

We averaged about 20kts for today's run, covered about 150 miles and ended up in the "Portside Marina" here in Morehead City.   We fueled up "Toys" and are planning  to leave early in the morning so we can make it to Wacca Wache Marina just a bit south of Myrtle Beach, SC tomorrow evening.  

More to follow from the "Crew".

Captain David

ALL THE TOYS Crew: Capt-in-Training Kelly and First 'n Last Mate Beth

The crew appreciated the slow start this AM while we waited for daylight to get underway.  Since we're not familiar with these waters and "the ditch" has long stretches with no nav (navigation) aids whatsoever, you don't want to venture out in the dark.  It was OK to leave in the dark from Herrington Harbour South (HHS) yesterday as those are our home waters and we know where all the nav aids and shoals (shallow areas) are.

As the Capt said, winds were brisk and caused lots of waves on Abermarle Sound, the 1st big bay we transited today.  Winds were from the N so when we entered Abermarle we only had 2-3' waves.  By the time we got to the S shore and entered Alligator River, they had grown to 5'.  Not a good time to be below in the cabin where you really felt the "rolly-polly" rockin' ride!  The Alligator River Bridge is another "infamous" ICW spot.  It's a swing bridge - the middle part pivots to open or close -- and as it's wide open to the N, if the winds are blowing over 30kts, the bridge doesn't open, cause it wouldn't be able to close.

Sunset Light Show over NC Waters

Our next big open water area was Bay River and the Neuse River.  These run into Pamilco Sound which is the huge sound on the back side of NC's Outer Banks (Hatteras, Ocracoke, Nags Head).  Even though it's called a sound, it's more like part of the Atlantic Ocean as the fragile Outer Banks are the only thing between you and the sea.  We found a lot of "Bubba Gumps" here -- shrimp boats.  However, we had about 15 miles of wide open water and were able to get TOYS running at 28kts which helped us make good time.  If you're a sailor, like we are, going 28 kts and 150 miles in one day is unbelieveable!  :-)

When we arrived in Morehead City we fueled up and chatted with the dock hand and his faithful companion Dixon (black lab).  He told us there was a powerboat about 4 miles offshore (there's an inlet here that takes you right to the ocean) that had called them and was dragging in (yes, dragging!) an 80 inch blue fin tuna!!  The fish was too big for them to get on their boat so they were having to drag it.  Dock hand said it probably weighed about 300 lbs!  The blue fins run in the Fall and the yellow fins in the Spring.  Morehead City and Beaufort are fishing meccas.  Seems like everyone has a fishing boat here.

Dinner onboard was homemade turkey veggie soup and cornbread muffins.  With the obligatory glass of vino.  Finished the evening watching a movie and turned in early.  Want to head out around 7AM tomorrow for our run to Pawley's Island.  Weather forecasts sound favorable for an offshore 40 mile run from Cape Fear to Myrtle Beach (Little River Inlet).  Weather turns NASTY Sat PM so we will be safe and sound back in the ditch.

First & Last Mate Beth

Today I started to conquer my fear of the VHF radio. It's not that I have never used one before, but I find it awkward and unnatural. However, after hailing several bridge tenders it is getting easier and I think I might actually enjoy it now.

I'm surprised how rocky rivers and inland sounds can be. I had know idea that there was even this much water inland. It has been fun to join all the other boats heading South.

Besides enjoying all the awesome learning opportunities, I love exploring new places. We even saw dolphins this afternoon right as we hit MM 200. This was a first for me! 

Morehead City, NC. is a neat little town. I would like to come back here during the summer. I have a feeling things are hopping, especially the night life along the boardwalk. I definitely would reccommend this marina to others heading south.

Capt-in-training Kelly Jo

2 comments:

  1. Love that sunset pic. You definitely want to visit Morehead City in the summer. The night life, while not like the big city, has a lot to offer in its own way. Crystal Coast fishing is a big recreational pass time and commercial interest in the area. Stop in again on your next trip. Keep posting photos of your trip.

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