I stayed snuggled in bed this morning while Jim did his departure chores before we left Oriental- checked the engine - fuel and oil levels, raw water intake filter. He topped up the fuel tank with diesel from the jerry cans and did the same with the water cans and then went off to refill them all. When the coffee was ready, most of the chores were done and my book was finished, I rolled out of our snuggly berth and prepared for the day with a shower at the marina. This is the only marina I know of that provides towels along with shampoo and soap. Oriental Marina is a class act.

Then I headed off to the local Farmers' market. That was somewhat disappointing because there were fewer than a dozen tables, very little produce and no baking except for some little nut loaves. On the upside though, was the quality - some beautiful pottery, jewelry, wooden baskets, recycled sailcloth bags, and handmade grocery bags. I sipped hot cider from Wit's End Art Gallery as I perused the stalls. From Will, I bought a lovely produce basket made of teak with a screen bottom, and then got sweet potatoes, rutabagas and peppers to put in it. It will be useful for storing vegetables on the boat. If I didn't have to put all my Christmas shopping in a suitcase to fly back to Canada, I'd have bought a few more of these lovely baskets! (The pic shows some vendors; Will is wearing the blue shirt and green ball cap!)

The fish market opened at 10 and I bought salmon and shrimp. The salmon has been out of the water for a few days, so when we had it for dinner tonight, I baked it with sundried tomatoes, capers, garlic along with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. I told the vendor how many dollars I had left in my pocket and asked for as much shrimp as I could have for that amount. By the look of the scale, he was generous.

While I had fun on the waterfront, Jim lugged our propane tank to the hardware store to fill it, and stowed a block of ice in the icebox. Then it was time to make our departure and it went as smooth as silk. Tom (dockmaster/manager) was a big help in handling docklines and giving advice on how best to get out of the slip without hitting Melodeon. By following his suggestions, Jim backed Madcap farther into the corner than he would have otherwise dared (because of depth concerns), then swung the bow around and we were off in beautiful form. Thanks Tom!!

We had a half hour sail across the Neuse River but as we got into Adams Creek, the wind died so we had to motor the next 3 hours to Beaufort where we anchored in Taylor Creek - just off the town docks. We dinghied ashore and had a nice little walk around. The town is getting dressed for Christmas, and it is a very pretty little town with lots of attractive shops and restaurants and houses dating from the 1700's. Our impression wasn't all that favourable last time, but I think we might have sold it short. (We were suffering Customs and Border Patrol Stress then). We have to leave very early tomorrow (Sunday) so we'll plan for a longer exploration on the way back north in the spring. On the way back to Madcap, we swung by Feelin' Lucky to say good night - and good bye for now. That is one beautiful boat - an Island Packet 44. I truly do love my Bayfield 36 but ... if one had 8 footitis, one might look in that direction!!

We'd love to jump out to do the next stretch on the outside, but with south west winds forecast, they'd be on our nose. If we have to motor, we might as well stay in the ICW and then try to go out at Cape Fear. That way, we'd avoid the long detour around Frying Pan Shoals too. The winds will be favourable on Tuesday, but we want to keep moving - so, as of tonight, inside wins.