We are starting to feel the effects of Sandy tonight here in Kingston. Light rain is starting and its very WINDY. It was three years ago just about now that we rode out a nor’easter at Dowry Creek Marina in Bellhaven North Carolina while on Ruth. There was torrential rain and wind and flooding all about. Lucky for us Dowry Creek has a lovely and safe cruisers lounge. Over the 4-5 days we were holed up there we shared several community pot lucks, shared stories and experiences with the other cruisers stranded there. It is there that I met Miss Jane (Last Dance), who I taught to knit and Kathy (Ishmael) was an established knitter and she huddled with us in front of space heaters and chatted. It’s funny how you can make the best of friends sharing a meal as simple as grilled cheese and Tomato soup.

Our second year cruising, after we sold Ruth and purchased Close Knit we returned to Dowry to spend the summer. Mary’s hospitality is outstanding and it was a safe place to base yourself out of for hurricane season. It was there that I built my loom and taught myself to weave. When I wasn’t weaving or when Al wasn’t working on the boat we enjoyed lounging in the pool.

I can imagine and I hope friendships are being spawned at this moment at Dowry Creek and at many other marinas along the eastern seaboard amongst the cruisers who are waiting out Sandy. In the meantime Al and I will stay safe and dry and enjoy watching the trees dance to Sandy’s tune, for “As long as it Lasts”.