On the move again!
08 May 2007 | Alligator River, N.C.
Jim Lea
When we got up this morning (Tuesday), the forecast had improved, so we decided to leave. It was not the nicest day, with winds still out of the north but lighter, and there had been rain in the night, so at least the dust was gone, or at least was still not blowing, but there was a heavy layer of fine black dust over everything, so we spent a couple of hours cleaning up, Jeannie down below and me on deck. And after a couple of hours, it was still far from perfect, but it was good enough. So we set off in a golf cart for the store again, then stowed everything, I paid the bill and we were ready to go. The rest of the boats decided to stay another night, but we wanted to get a start on the trip ahead because the anchorages are such that there is one about 25 miles along, which is a short day, or 80 miles along, which is a long day. So we left at noon to reach the closer one, where we arrived just at 5 pm to meet a group of boats that we have been anchored with quite a few times, all from Canada. They had decided not to go into the marina, but anchored a few miles above the town during the storm, and we had been anchored with them for two nights before the storm, so counting today, they have not set foot ashore for six days. I would go mad if it were us, but I guess they are OK with it as they are quite cheerful. Another boat in the marina with us, Bread and Roses from St Catherine's, Ont. was going to leave with us, but they discovered engine problems just as we were ready to leave. It's unfortunate, because they have had more than their share of engine problems. As we left, they were heading out to find a diesel mechanic. Today's run was a bit boring, motoring up a canal for most of the distance, and for most of the time, in the rain. But we were happy to have the rain as it continued the wash job that I had begun. So tonight, we just turned on the heater, and will finish the crabcakes!