Our 2 day stay in Wrightsville Beach gave us a chance recharge our batteries and make plans for the final 200 mile push up the ICW from Beaufort to Norfolk VA. Although we try hard to avoid the ICW south of Beaufort NC, we do enjoy most of this scenic section from Beaufort north. Unlike sections to the south where shoals, strong currents at ocean inlets, and notorious shallow areas are the norm this last section is more user friendly. Instead of having to navigate narrow twisting channels all day the wide rivers and sounds can offer great sailing conditions on certain days. For the most part this area of rural North Carolina is sparsely populated however, there are a few towns along the way that are amongst the most cruiser friendly towns anywhere.

The 4 day push started with a short 65 mile jump off shore to the Beaufort inlet, the sun was rising as we set our sails in a steady 14 knot breeze. Conditions were ideal for the first 5 hours but as the winds faded we elected to motor sail the rest of the way. Despite the lack of wind we made better progress than expected and managed to ride a fading flood tide through Beaufort and into Adam's Creek. By days end we had travelled 85 miles and were officially on the home stretch of the ICW.

Over the next 2 days we covered 110 miles and with the wind gods on our side we sailed 90 % of it. Sailing conditions were fantastic, we transited Pamlico Sound, the Nuese river and Abamerle Sound in record time. White caps covered the water as we rocketed up the Alligator River in a 25 knot breeze and Dagny was loving it. As the breeze started to drop we shook the reef out of the main and Dagny led the floatilla across Abamerle sound to our Buck island anchorage. As we exited Abamerle Sound we were catching up to a tug pushing a barge and that's when tragedy struck. It was still blowing over 15 knots and as I leaned out to check on a channel mark my pink Etchells hat blew off, that's right Eddy, it's gone! We couldn't turn around nor could the boats behind try and rescue it in the rough water. Sadly it sank from view.

Our final day was a relatively short 38 mile run to Great Bridge where we'll take a day off and enjoy this historic stop. There was a battle here in the war of Independence, the waterfront park has numerous displays, a nice museum, and several hiking trails. Transients boaters are permitted 2 free nights at the well maintained town dock. With Chesapeake Bay only 10 miles away the day off was spent hanging around with a few other boats. We spoiled ourselves with Chinese food delivered to the boats while the marbles games kept us entertained well into the evening.

Today's picture is of Dagny enjoying the breeze.