Pictured above is Sabrina caught on HarborCam entering Oriental yesterday.

We decided to change plans after getting a late start out of Beaufort due to winds pushing us on the dock We made the short 25 mile hop to Oriental, NC and arrived about 11:30AM Sunday. We did not have reservations, but called Oriental Marina & Inn for dock availability as we entered the safe harbor They said the marina was completely booked, but after a few minutes of asking options, they said they would move some boats around to get us in.

After docking we started exploring the town. It is very laid back and a sleepy quiet town. We walked and saw very scenic homes along a great river made for sailing. Oriental is known as the sailing capital of North Carolina and we can see why.

After the walk through town we went to the Tiki Hut, which is the local meeting place. We had a great afternoon meeting a very eclectic group of people from all over the country. We discussed sailing and entrances to different places all over the Outer Banks and Chesapeake. About 800 people live here and 95% are retired, and there are 2,500 boats in this area. Sailing is a baseball throw away with all the people being boat people. It's a very unique place. We have been many great places, but in Oriental the people make the place and that is nice too.

We plan to leave early Monday headed to Bellhaven or possibly a side trip to Manteo on Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks. We will decide after looking at charts and discussing. Oriental has been another great day on our trip.

Visit our Facebook page, "Pat Brasfield" for more pictures of our layover in Oriental, NC.