April 15, 2017

We depart Carolina Beach State Park Marina at 7:30. We're waiting till after low tide. It's very skinny water in here.
NEMO churns up a little mud getting out, but we both make it thru.
The ICW is nice this time of day. Just the snowbirds and small fishing boats. We enjoy it while we can; we know it'll be short lived.
We start off slow; but after about an hour, catch some current, and we're making 7 knots. We have 3 drawbridges we'd like to make before 1 pm.
As the morning goes by, boat traffic increases; especially around Wrightsville Beach. It's still not too bad, though.
Lunch is tossed salad, cheese and crackers for Robert. Yogurt and granola for me. After lunch, the wind picks up a little so we raise the jib. It buys us a knot of speed!! WooHoo!!
We wave hello to our friends Terry and Debbie as we pass their house near Surf City. We drop the jib (can't go thru NC bridges with a sail up).
We make it to Surf City swing bridge for the 1 pm opening! What a cluster!!! The new flyover bridge is under construction, and traffic is backed up on the swing bridge as far as we can see. There are 4 boats trying to maintain station in a very small area, and power boats are zooming in and out; despite No Wake signs.
The bridge tender gets traffic cleared/opens the bridge, and we all get thru unscathed. It may take awhile for me to "de-pucker"!! Whew!! I think Robert even felt some pressure with that one, even though he'll never admit it. He's always as cool as a cucumber. Guess that makes me as hot as a habenero!!
Once we're thru the bridge and traffic clears a bit, we raise the jib. We 're back up to 7 knots quickly.
We wave at Debbie's brother, Mike , and wife Linda, as we'll pass their lovely home right on the ICW.
I do a little cooking as the afternoon passes. I'm making deviled eggs for my contribution to tonight's dinner. I also whip up a quick little tray of blue cheese stuffed olives, pepperocini, pickled beets, and artichoke hearts.
We arrive at Swansboro City Dock at 5:45. Of course,, the wind has picked up to 18 knots as we're docking. Never fails!! The river is rocking!! Whitecaps everywhere. WTH??! This was NOT in the forecast!!
We get in safely, then assist NEMO with their lines. Robert takes Maggie for a quick walk. I make myself a very strong cocktail.
We enjoy a delicious fish stew aboard NEMO for dinner. The wind continues to blow like stink-- steady 15 knots with gusts to 19. Sure hope this diminishes overnight.
We take a walk around the cute little town of Swansboro, and discuss our plans for tomorrow.
Gotta get up at the ACOD. Lots of ground to try and cover tomorrow. Only about 100 miles to Bath, NC.