September 4, 2009

It was my B'day weekend. Peta asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I am not really into the material gift thing anymore, so I said "How about a trip with Immanuel to some where we have not sailed to yet" New Bern NC was an easy choice. It was a realistic destination for the time we had available. Little did Peta know that I had a surprise for her? I will reveal that later. We headed out Broad creek from Whortonsville for a "three hour cruise" (-:
Actually a three day cruise, Gilligan wasn't aboard for this trip.
We got out into the river and the wind was just right. About 12 - 15 knots. We set sail on a beam reach up the river. We got a late start, so we knew we would not make New Bern that evening. That was OK, because we were looking forward to being on the hook for the night. As we rounded the corner toward the ferry crossing, we began to ponder our timing through the 2 ferries crossing each other every half hour. As we got closer, Peta was getting a bit nervous. I fired up the diesel to give us a bit of a boost. As we got closer, the timing had to be just right to zig- zag the sterns of two ferries. As we went for it, I told Peta not to worry cause it would look real bad on the ferry captains resume if he ran over a sailboat! As skill ( luck ) would have it, we did just fine. The sun was beginning to get low in the sky, so we anchored out about 3 miles north of the ferry crossing off a point near a marked creek entrance. I don't remember the name. Once we had the hook set, I fired up the grill in the cockpit, opened a bottle of Italian merlot, and turned on some Motown through the speakers.
This is what it's all about. A beautiful sunset, just the two of us watching the colors ever changing in the sky as the sun set. We set looking astern smelling the steaks to the Temptations.
The next morning, we hauled anchor and headed for New Bern. The wind was light so we motor sailed with just the Genoa. We furled the Genny just before reaching the bridge. Followed the markers to the Galley stores marina where we had a slip reserved for the night. After getting all secure and settled, we had a light lunch & freshened up at the bath house. The amenities were fairly nice here. We took a little walk to the water front park to get the lay of the land. We had a plan for dinner at Morgan's in town. Never been there, but heard great reviews about it and was looking forward to it. It was late afternoon and decided to have a glass of wine before heading into town for dinner. As we sat in the cockpit, I saw a stretch limo pull into the parking area at the docks. I said to Peta, " our ride is here" She said, "yea, right!" She knew I was just kidding. Can't fool that girl.
We finished our wine and headed up the dock to go the restaurant. Just then, we saw an old fashioned horse & carriage pull into the parking area and stop at the end of the dock. Peta said "I suppose that is our ride too!" I said yep just as the driver got down and helped her up into the carriage. SHE WAS FLOORED!! She didn't know what to say. How did.... when did you.... ??? I just said, "are you surprised"?
We had a wonderful ride around the old historical area of New Bern and was dropped off in front of the restaurant. The driver said " see you after dinner" We had a long, relaxing, & great dinner. Defiantly recommend this place. After dinner we waited not very long for our carriage to pick us up. It was a lovely evening out. We arrived back at the boat. Peta quickly went to the boat to get a carrot for the horse.
Next morning, the winds were up. A front was to start moving in. We topped off the water tanks, had the holding tank pumped and was on our way. Once we cleared out from under the bridge, we set both sails, shut the engine and sailed on a port beam reach, all the way down river. We sailed through a regatta with out any problems. The wind was about 15 - 18 knots. As we neared the ferry crossing and rounded the bend in the river, we really felt the brunt of the wind. We sailed as far as we could toward Cherry Branch, came about. The boat heeled just a little, considering catamarans don't heel much, we were flying. Peta announced we were doing about 7.5 knots. The wind was blowing about 28knots steady. I probably should've reefed, but I thought we could handle the short tack across. Once to the other side, we furled the sails. It was a bit scary up on deck to drop the main, but I was leashed in & Peta is a marvelous helmsman, uh woman. We motored toward Oriental harbor as the wind picked up. I failed to mention that we were running on only one engine. The seacock was broken in the closed position a couple months earlier. I needed to get the boat hauled to do that repair. With the wind hard on our nose, it took awhile to get to Oriental. We just made it into the harbor as the sun was set on an overcast evening. We set anchor and settled in for the evening and had a nice spaghetti supper. Just right for a cool night. During the early morning hours, the front had moved in with the rain coming in through the open hatch over my head. I hate being wakened with rain in the face. )-: We got up, closed up and went back to bed. We finally fell asleep again only to wake to some heavier rainfall and a little drip leak through the hatch. Actually, I had a couple of hatches leaking, not bad, but can't have a drippy boat. Another project for the list. A boat project list is like a "honey do" list. The moment you cross two things off, three things get added. As first light came up, you could see it was pretty rough out on the river. White caps and the wind blowing about 25 to 28. We decided to just go out and around the entrance marker into Whititkers creek to Deaton's marina. Deaton's is where I normally get hauled out and considering the weather and work the next day it was the best bet. It was Labor Day and of course everybody is closed. I was able to get the towboat operator out of Deaton's by the phone number left on the voice mail. He agreed to meet me and help tie us up at the travel lift bulkhead. We were hauled the next day when business resumed. It turned out to be good timing, because we were due for zinc replacement and a touch up of the bottom paint. I guess you just have to justify the high cost of haul out with as many projects as you can. Anyway, the bottom is done for another year.
The trip back was great. It was cool, but sunny out. I just motored back with Peta's brother as crew. We made great time with a nice clean bottom. I look forward to the next trip out.

Hello everyone,
Here is the updated and improved story of our great adventure. To those of you who already have the first draft, sorry about the repeat, but this has the rest of the story with photos.
June 25, 2008
Left our dock and headed south to Shackleford Banks. Anchored out close to the shore, had 20' of water. Had some wild horses come to great us as we arrived. Stayed there the night, then headed out into the great blue yonder, into the Atlantic, first time we have taken our boat into the ocean! We put up our genoa and sailed with the wind on our port beam (wind coming from the left side of our boat). We had a good trip over and anchored in the bay directly across from the lighthouse.
We ran our dink (dinghy) over to the bank close to us, and walked over the dunes to the ocean side, then walked down to the point and around to go back to our dink, needed the exercise after been cramped up in the boat for two days.
The next morning we got into our dink and headed over to the lighthouse. It took about 20 minutes for our "trusty" little "Seagull" engine to get us there. We pulled the dink up on the beach and set off to do some sight seeing. The lighthouse is not open to the public right now, but there was a very interesting museum and short movie about the history of the island and lighthouse. At about noon we thought we had better go and see how our dink was doing since the tied had come in. We were just in time, because the water was lapping around it, and it was getting ready to wave goodbye. Well, we got it in time, and pushed it out a little to start the engine, I was standing about calf deep in the water holding the dink while Clif tried to start the engine I looked over to see a pretty large "fish" swimming away, I mentioned it to Clif, and as he said it I realized it was a shark!!, possibly a nurse shark, but still I was not too happy standing in water with a shark! After trying to start the engine for about 15 minutes we realized that our trusting little Seagull was not starting. Luckily a motorboat had pulled up close by, so Clif walked over and asked if they would mind giving us a tow back to our boat, they very kindly agreed to do it, and would not take any money for gas. It was a pretty wet ride back, but made it back safe and sound! The next day we packed up and headed back north, we decided just to go back to our slip so that Clif could work on the "Seagull" or we could look for another small engine, we had to have a dink engine! Went across the ocean again, a little rougher this time. Took water over the bow once! Entered safely back through Beaufort inlet. Spoke with Vaughan (my brother) on the way, since he was on the road he went down to Bock Marine, and Felipe and Mariana got to wave and shout hello from the shore. We pulled into Whitaker right before a thunderstorm burst open on us. We fueled up and waited for the storm to pass by, and then returned to our dock at "The Point" marina. After having a cookout at Mom & Dad's with Vaughan and the children, we ended up going home that night. Clif wanted to go and get a few things sorted out at work, and I had a few loads of laundry to do. The next day we went back to Mom & Dad, and Clif got the "Seagull" working again. We left again on Tuesday morning heading for Cedar Island. Sailed all the way there, even anchored under sail! Next day Brandi came to visit for the day. She is very kindly house and animal sitting for us while we are gone. Clif took the dink over to get her, and the "Seagull" worked like a dream. We took Brandi for a morning sail. We got back had lunch on the boat, and went for a swim. Also met Brandi's aunt who is the Postmaster for Cedar Island.
Late that afternoon we saw some sails on the horizon. When they got closer we saw 7 Hobie Cats! They had a motor boat keeping an eye on them. We spoke with the people on the motor boat & found out that they had come from Camp Don Lee in Oriental, about 17 nautical miles away! It was a counselor & leadership training. This was the first time to do that crossing since the 90's. They had left at 10:00am & arrived in Cedar Island around 6:30pm.
Thursday July 3, 2008
Woke up early. Clif changed our water pump before we left. We planned on heading over to Rodanthe, next to Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks, figured we would get there about 6:30pm. Sailed across the Pamlico (kept starboard engine running to charge batteries, but kept it in neutral). When we reached the middle we could not see land anywhere! It was a wonderful sail! We had a big pod of dolphin surrounding our boat, two came up beside the boat, and raced us! Reached Rodanthe around 6:00pm, but could not get in to anchor since the depth was around 2' under our hull (about 5" of water), and the water was very rough, not good for sleeping! We decided to pull sails and head for Roanoke Island, trying to get there before dark. Got to Old House Channel, outside of Roanoke Island just before sunset. Water was still very shallow, & too rough to anchor. Had enough light to get into channel. For about two hours we had to negotiate the channel in the dark. Saw a basin on the charts in Wanchese, Roanoke Is. & decided to head for that. Channel was about 10', but either side dropped to 1-2'. It got dark, & Clif went on bow with flood light while I steered, very slowly & carefully. The basin turned out to be a commercial fishing boat basin. We saw three people on the wall & asked if we could tie up there for the night. They said to come on, & helped us tie up. They went back to fishing while we got settled. I told Clif "WE ARE NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN!!" After awhile one man came back & asked if we were married. When we said yes he said they were betting that we were not, since we had been so nice to each other coming in. Made me feel good because I was too caught up in the moment to really be aware of what I was saying, & how I was saying it, that means my prayers have been answered! I have been praying for the Lord to keep us safe on this trip. So our boat, Immanuel (God is with us), had lived up to her name again, He truly was with us that night leading us right into that basin.


Friday July 4, 2008
Made our way over to Shallow Bag Bay in Manteo, & found Shallow Bag Bay Club Marina where we tied up. Clif nearly got exiled to the "dink" when he made the comment "It will be great to have a real shower & real food!"
The real shower I can understand, but we have actually been eating very well, I will have you know! That night had front row seats to fire work display, across the bay, right in the cockpit of our boat. Enjoyed Saturday & Sunday at Shallow Bag Bay catching up on laundry, produce shopping, and just relaxing in their wonderful swimming pool and hot tub.




















Monday July 13, 2008
Headed over to Elizabeth City. Sailed across the Albemarle sound after dodging a mine field of crab pots. The sail was wonderful, got up to 8.4 knots, flying man!! Elizabeth City had free docks. We met our neighbors, Charles & Silvie from Canada, on "Violon" a 40' Oceanis, very nice boat. Tuesday evening, when we were visiting on Violon, I heard some ladies calling a puppy, I looked out in the direction they were calling and saw a "Poodle" in the water, jumped off the boat, ran to the next boat which had a poodle to ask if it was their dog, when Clif shouted that the "poodle" was a plastic bag floating in the water. He had looked in binoculars, it really did look like a little white dog!
Wednesday 9th we had wanted to start our trip down the Dismal Swamp, but decided against it when the morning bought very strong winds and a thunderstorm. I was very pleased that we had stayed on when later that day another catamaran pulled in. It was a Knysna 44 "Meka" from South Africa. It belonged to Ellie who had sailed it over from S.A. with the help of Dudley and two other chaps. We met Dudley & Ellie, very friendly. Ellie had been a part owner of Knysna Company, so her boat was custom made. We had a tour of the boat and it was "stunning" as they say in S.A.
Went through Dismal Swamps on Thursday & Friday, stayed at the N.C. Welcome Station Thursday night. Swamps were beautiful, a little nerve wracking with floating logs etc. and shallow areas.
After the Swamps went through a few locks, which was very interesting, and had a few bridges open for us to go through. Arrived at Great Bridge on Friday evening. Stayed at a free dock Friday & Saturday nights. Met some great people while we were there. A boat that had been there when we arrived was a schooner "Free Spirit". The family on board was very interesting, Laura & Tamer, (Mom & Dad) Blade, Valin, & Drake (12,9, & 7). Found out that the designer of their boat was South African, & the boat had been built in S. A.
Sunday July 13, 2008
Left Great Bridge & headed for Coinjock Marina on Virginia ICW. We leave early in the morning for Edenton.
Monday July 14, 2008
Left at 6:00am, motored out of bottom half of ICW to Albemarle Sound, and into Edenton. We motor sailed across Albemoral Sound. By about 2:00pm water was very choppy, and saw a storm brewing on the horizon, so we pulled in sails & made a beeline for Edenton. A squall of about 30knot gusts picked up, & it looked like it was raining in Edenton. Fortunately, the storm had moved on by the time we reached Edenton harbor. We had free dock for two days, & could get power for $3.00 a day. On the way into Edenton we heard a loud knock & lost thrust on the starboard (right) engine, Clif pushed it into reverse, & back, & got thrust again. So our first priority, after tying up, was to investigate what all that was about. Clif found that something in the shift linkage of the sail drive broke, we also needed a new alternate belt.
Tuesday July 15, 2008
We walked around town, a quaint old village with buildings dating back to 1785. It was the second town in N.C. (Bath was the first), and the first Capital of N.C. Brandi arrived late afternoon, & had lunch with us on the boat (clam chowder, cooked by Clif). After lunch Brandi took us to a play, "Under His Wings" about Ruth &Boaz, at Rocky Hock.
It was a very good production. We had met the owners of "Rocky Hock Playhouse", Jeff & Gloria Emerick, a few years ago, when they came to give a training session to the cast of "Worthy is the Lamb". So it was interesting to see them in a play, & talk to them again. Brandi was our chauffeur, taking us to the play, to get a new alternater belt, & to Food Lion to restock our produce on the boat. We went to an Italian restaurant, Kristy's, for dinner, very good! Brandi left Wednesday morning. We took a dingy ride over to see trees which were growing in the lake! While over there we noticed another catamaran, while Clif was trying to figure out what make it was, the owner came out & waved for us to come over. Nice couple, he was originally from Germany. The boat was a 1985 Witness (Australian built), called "Whiskers".
Thursday 17, Clif worked on engine & saildrive (transmission). Ended up that we did not have reverse in starboard engine, & would have to wait until we got home to look into getting it fixed. We decided to just continue with our trip as planed, since we still had reverse in the port (left) engine. Ended up staying 4 days in Edenton, so paid dock fees for two days. They had a courtesy van at the marina, so the dock master took us into town to Dairy Queen, which was great!
Friday July 18, Left Edenton at 6:30am., Heading for Alligator River, about a 50 mile run. We tried sailing twice, but gave up because of crummy crab pots, & screwy winds. Very pleasant anchorage at Alligator River, had one neighbor.
Saturday July 19, Forecast report talked about a tropical storm warning for the coast of North & South Carolina. We talked about it, & decided to head home, since we did not want to get in strong winds & a sticky situation without reverse in one engine. We had 60 miles to go, which would take about 10 hours. We only got going at 8:00am, so would get home around 6:00pm. From what we heard in the morning, the storm was only going to reach the area we were in by the evening, so we figured we would make it. However, as the morning went on, we heard Coast Guard warnings saying the storm was headed our way by the afternoon & winds would be up to 40 miles an hour. We decided to pull in at Belhaven. By 2:00pm we were tying up at River Forest Manor. The dock master helped us tie up, welcomed us & showed us where to go to check in when we were ready. I thought it was going to be a very expensive docking, just looked very fancy. Well, it was not, and we were told that there was a sailing regatta (race) going on with a dinner & dance that evening which we were invited to attend. The proceeds were going to the Pungo Hospital which is privately funded. First I put make-up on since the trip started! It was a very pleasant evening with a great band, Craig Woolard Band, the lead singer was a founding member of the Embers Band. I learned that night that Little Eva, who sings "Locomotion", was originally from Belhaven. Sunday we decided to stay put for one more day, since the storm, now named "Cristobal", was still hanging around the area we would be sailing in. We saw a beautiful, complete, double rainbow, which we took as a sign that the worst of it was over, and all would be safe for us to leave in the morning.
Monday July 28, we motored out of the marina, into Pungo River. When we reached the Pamlico river we put both sails up. Had a good sail, reaching up to 6 knots. After coming about to get into the Hobuken cut we pulled sails in because the wind was in the wrong direction for where we wanted to go, and would have taken up too much time to do short tacks. We put sail up again in Bay River on the way to the Neuse River. Sailed up to Broad Creek. We took sails down, & motored to our slip, got tied off, & battened down right before the sky opened up. A fellow sailor, Steve, helped us tie off, and his first question "so are you selling the boat" had a very firm double reply "definitely NOT!!"
So, that was our great adventure this summer. We had a fantastic trip, met some wonderful people, and had a chance to intimately connect with God, the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.

Since we have been back Clif has repaired the saildrive with minimal expense, looking forward to our next great adventure!!
God Bless to ya'all.
Clif & Peta