Trip: Oriental, NC (MM 181) to Swansboro, NC (MM 229)
Distance: 48 Statute Miles
Time: 8:25 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Dudley's Marina
Lat/Lon: 34 40.808'N : 77 06.740'W
2010 Trip Log: 1975 nm, (2272 sm), 136 days since departure

We left Whitaker Creek Yacht Harbor just before 8:30 am. We had 41 nm to traverse before reaching the Bogue inlet are just north of Swansboro. This area, near marks 45 G and 46 R , keeps TowBoatUS in business with all the groundings that occur in the marked channel. The TowBoatUS operator sits in a local marina waiting for the calls from boaters aground outside the three marinas in this area. The shoals did not claim us today.

We docked at Dudley's Marina because the little lady at Casper's marina made a clerical error and had an attitude. Dudley's is great and we are glad to be here. This is a working marina with a focus on fishing and a great nightly rate; lowest we have seen yet! Add 30 A electrical service plus a great marine and fishing supply store and you have two satisfied customers.

Marjorie made connections at the local yarn shop and got a great recommendation for dinner. We went to 'Riverside' (a place I had been to before when I crewed for Randy Havens aboard Gryphon and we transited the ICW northbound a few years ago) and had a fabulous meal for a fabulous price. The service was great and they gave us a ride back to the marina. If you are transiting the ICW and you stop at MM 229 (Swansboro) have dinner at 'Riverside'. We know you'll enjoy it.

We are hanging out here a day or two waiting for the rain and t-storms to move through. We could get going again tomorrow and deal with the rain and decreased visibility, but why? We are not in a race and we want to explore and enjoy all these little towns along the east coast/ICW. Besides, Swansboro has a great little Irish Pub!

I'll post an update with pix tomorrow.