We are in Carter Creek, nine miles up the Rappahannock River. After more than a week here, it feels a little like owning waterfront property. The shoreline, scattered with lovely large homes, shows little activity on the water, this time of year, with the exception of an occasional power boat motoring by. I've renewed my confidence in using our outboard, as I've puttered around the creek alone in our dinghy, stopping and starting again at various docks.

DAWN is getting a "tune up". Offshore cruising requires extra preparation since there are no stops out at sea. Everything must be attended to before we leave and possible problems anticipated and prepared for before we leave Virginia. John Friday, the owner of Custom Yates Service, his crew, and Dutch have been hard at work. I'm shopping and storing non-perishables for the crossing. Soon cooking and freezing meals will be part of my routine. .... can't wait for the sunny Caribbean, where life is relaxing!

We are enjoying our stops along the way down the east coast. Lately, we've been
exploring Virginia's Northern Neck. There are many churches in each community and they all appear to be active. I toured The Historic Christ Church which is considered a "must see" by the locals. It was constructed under the direction of John Carter and completed in 1735. The structure is restored to its original condition with the high-back pews and triple-decker pulpit. The towering brick walls, large compass-headed windows and vaulted ceilings make its architecture unlike any building I've ever seen. The museum docent provided interesting history and told how residents of the community were taxed to support the church and punished by lashings and more fees if they didn't attend at least once a month. Imagine!

We will remember Carter Creek, the wonderful people we've met here and of course, the seafood. A highlight for Dutch was the oysters he roasted on our grill.