Visiting In New Burn, NC

Wednesday May 20
We left very early around 6:45 AM for a very long day. We traveled up the Cape Fear River going into the wind and current, seeing only around 4 knots of speed. Some waves were breaking over our bow but not bad only around 1 to 2 footers. It was just a slow go of it. After a twelve hour day we dropped the hook in Mile Hammock Bay, in the middle of the navel base for some dinner and hopefully a good nights sleep. It wasn't long after we arrived that we saw the sunset in the picture.

Thursday May 21

We woke to another 6:45 exit out of the anchorage to make the bridge opening at 8 AM. These long days are starting to get to us. It will be good to call it quits in Deltaville.

Today we traveled though Beaufort, NC and on our way we passed by this big guy. He was hauling phosphates (chemicals) and had signage all over his barge with warnings. I didn't want to get too close and would not want to be crew aboard his ship.

We anchored in Cedar Creek for the night. There were a few other boats that seemed to be traveling for the Memorial holiday weekend. Most were out of New Burn, NC, our next stop.

Friday May 22

This morning we were in no great hurry but were up early as usual. Our days voyage was a short one from our last nights anchorage to New Burn, NC. We traveled up the Neuse River to the this quaint little town. Upon arrival we headed to the Skip Jack Marina for fuel. After fueling we headed to the anchorage between the two bridges. The main bridge is a lift bridge and has been under construction for a year and a half, so it is open permanently til construction is complete. We traveled though it and had to wait for the train bridge to open. This took 45 minutes. This bridge is normally open accept when a train is coming though. We seem to manage to always be at the train bridges when they are coming. As luck would have it there was a delay and we along with five other boats on the other side had to wait. The bridge tender finally opened to let us pass before the train arrived. It was kind of neat to watch the train pass when it did finally arrive.

When we got settled our friend Kathy met us at the boat ramp/dinghy dock to show us the town. She had just moved into a new apartment the weekend before, so we got to see her new home. We also met her friend Annie, they both moved here from Rochester, NY four years ago. Annie has a massage business at her house and stays very busy. Kathy works in a dentists office and also works part time for Food Lion. She worked part of today and has tomorrow off. In the evening the four of us went to dinner at a restaurant that has a fresh fish market next door. I don't need to tell you how fresh and good the fish was.

Saturday May 22

The picture is of the little ducks male and female that came to great us early this morning. I think they went to all the boats for handout. A while later they were joined by to more male ducks and the battle for the female began. Our little friend held his own and the other two left.

This morning Kathy met us at the dinghy dock around 10 AM. We were headed for Super Wal*Mart and Lowes for propane and groceries. When we returned Larry took our supplies out to the boat and Kathy and I set out for an adventure. Larry wasn't interested in shopping and going to lunch, besides he had some chores he wanted to get done.

When were returned late afternoon Larry brought Kathy and I out to the boat by dinghy. We had invited her and Annie for dinner. The picture is of Kathy when we arrived on the boat. We didn't know if Annie would be joining us or not. She did call and Larry went to shore to bring her out. I had cooked a roasting chicken on the grill. It was a beautiful evening and after dinner we visited until dark. We said our good byes and Larry took the girls back to shore. If the weather is still warm when we pass though in the Fall we will make a stop in New Burn, if not we'll do it in the Spring. It was great to see Kathy and meet Annie.

Sunday May 23

This morning we traveled the short distance on the Neuse River to Blackbeard Sailing Club. We are going to visit George and Carol the couple in the picture. We met them in Marathon at Boot Key Harbor City Marina. They were on the mooring ball next to us. They, also like us are former Lake Ontario Sailors. They belonged to Putneyville Yacht Club.

When we arrived at the sailing club we were greeted by several of it's members, George being one of them. When we got our lines secured, George gave us a tour of the grounds and club house. It reminded me a lot of the club we were members of on Lake Ontario, Brockport Yacht Club. The people were friendly and the club house had a great view of the water with a big deck.

George and Carol invited us to their house for the evening for dinner. George came to get us in his car around 4:30. They live in a gated community but it is very rural with lots of trees and space between the houses. In fact you don't really see the neighbor houses when you look out the windows. It was a beautiful setting with all the wooded areas. We had a lovely dinner and great visit. They don't plan to cruise South next year so we hope to stop on the way down or back to see them again.