After the storms passed, the weather guessers were predicting ideal conditions for the leg home. 15 knots of west wind, temps in the upper 70's, perfect for a trip up the bay. Off before sunrise, first hour was great light westerly, started getting bumpy as we approached the York River as expected, then the wind clocked to NNW-N with gusts to the mid 20s. Be bashed through the chop for the next 4 hours averaging 3-4 knots. Just before Wolf Trap, the winds started to lighten, seas calmed and we started making some headway. I had forgotten about the stronger current close to the west shore, I had chosen in close for wave protection, so we fought the tide, speed had increased to the mid 4s. Finally passing Hole in the Wall, tide slackened, wind started filling in from the south, Genoa came out and we started making way. Turned the corner at Stingray Point and the southerly suddenly locked west, fought the head wind again for the last mile....it did turn west, I guess that makes the weather guessers sort of right. It's nice to be home, down the familiar waters of Broad Creek, with the ship flying all it's flags. Home dock, no anxiousness about how to get tied up. It was opening day for the Marina/SHYC. We docked to cheers from the crowd lining the Lighthouse porches. Secured the boat, then off to catch up with our friends. The most often question was how was it, followed by would you do it again. It was great. The people and places are all different, but unique and friendly in their own way. Before we left I never would have quessed we would run into so many people I have known or been stationed with, or who have known a friend. It was quite amazing. Bumping into friends from Deltaville. Robert, Stella, Charisma, Paul & Sherry, Opportunity, was totally unexpected. Would I do it again. I don't know. We did a bit more than 2600 miles. That is a long way sprinkled with moments along the way. But time will tell.

We got off with the sun, had a great run, 74 miles in a bit less than 12 hours. Anchored in Campbell
Creek. Great anchorage, but very buggy. Thankfully they aren’t the biting kind. Quiet night with several of the boats we have been leap frogging with the last several days. We leave early, they pass us, they anchor early, we catch up or pass them. Haven’t met most of them, we know each other’s boat names and wave when we pass.
Left again with the sun, fuel was running low so we stopped at Dowry Creek to top up. We spent two days there waiting on weather when we move the boat north after purchasing. Still a great place with folks that will bend over backward to make you feel at home. Pushed on. We were going to stop at the north end of the Alligator River but decided to push on. Winds were supposed to pick up which can make the Albemarle Sound Crossing tough. 90 miles in 14 hours. Don’t need to do that again.

Think we called it right. Left again with the sun. I finally had luck on my side. This is the third trip through the Coinjock area. I have bumped, in the area about 5 miles north both times. Made it through this time. We had nice run up the ditch. Bridges and locks on schedule, made it through them all. Our goal was Hampton. Made it as far as Waterside in Norfolk before the weather moved in. Weather guessers got it wrong again…4 hours earlier than forecast. Last hour was a carnival ride…..winds 14…gusting 26. Surfing or rolling in the 3-4’ wind driven waves. But we pushed on….no where else good to stop in a storm. Got to the Hampton YC in medium to light rain. Thunder all around but nothing really close. Free food night, so off to the bar to pay for dockage and some free eats. Another 70 mile day.

Thankfully only 45 or so to go tomorrow.
Great to be back in VA. Recognizing tv news folks…etc. Hopefully will be in our home slip tomorrow early afternoon.

As we were waiting for the Wrightsville Bridge to open this morning a sail boat was sneaking up behind us. Safely through the bridge, Brian and Susie on Stella gave us a call and asked to pass. Had several great chats as we followed each other up the ditch. They jumped off in Mile Hammock, we continued on. Off again at first light, see how far north we can get. Looks like most of the rain will miss us, sunny and cooler tomorrow, hopefully we can catch some good tides.

The last 2-3 days have not been spring. Cold, windy...very windy..and rainy. Bouncing from marina to marina....need to get healthy again. Want to anchor out, but 40 degree nights aren't condusive to getting better. Last night was in South Harbor, just down the ditch from Southport. With the Boat US discount $1.08/ft. Unfortunately they look at the total length, so with the dinghy on the davits we paid as a 38' footer. A first for us. Slept in, hit the tide on the Cape Fear River just right and rode it north....unfortunately the forecast 10-15 mph turned into 20knots of head wind so it was a bumpy wet ride as the wind against the incoming tide stirred up quite a chop. Tonight we are back in Wrightsville, NC. The bridge that is in the way only opens on the hour, so we are up with the sun and off. Hope to make Swansboro tomorrow, Oriental the next. Home before we know it. Maybe we will make the opening day shakedown cruise as we return home. But as we have learned....no schedules.

The pattern is set. Fighting the tide until early afternoon. Averaging about 4.5 knots....sometimes slower....till sometime after lunch, then we get a nice push. Also been fighting 16-30 knot head winds, so that slows us down a bit. Left McCLellanville and made 53 miles to Bucksport Marina, thorugh the Great Cypress Swamp, sping is here, eagles, dolphins, owls, osprerys. Been watching the banks, but no 4 legged creatures have should themselves. Bucksoport would be a great stop in the summer, great tiki bar, bands on the weekend, interesting menu. But the cold and rain made us the only visitiors. Vicki and I are both fighting a bug of some sort, so with the cold and rain are optiing to stay in marinas so we have heat. Tonight we are at the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club....thanks to YCOA for the reciprocity. $1 a foot with the Boat US discount. Diesel is also getting back to reasonable prices. Starting to wonder why we left the keys.....bieng cold sucks.....thanks to all who advised us to get an enclosure. It has been a life saver.

Cold morning....got off an hour later than the plan....but got out anyway. I bragged about the great 77 mile day....paid for it today. 35 miles in 7 hours. Head winds and contrary tides kicked my butt. Stopped in McClellenville. Southern charm at its best. Live Oaks dripping with moss, houses a century old. Most folks drive in golf carts. One restaurant in town. Great food at reasonable prices. Everyone dripping in friendly. Fuel, pump, water, good food, internet....what more could you ask for. More weather predicted. Hoping to hit the tides tomorrow and make it to Myrtle Beach.