Voyage 2010: Chapter 4

24 Apr 2011, Rushing to Wilmington, 31 13.02 N/ 079 28.60 W

We left Vero at 0815 yesterday hoping that we could get to Carolina Beach before Gina passes. Chris volunteered to drive her down to us and we agreed that Monday (tomorrow) would be the best time if we could get there in time. Wind was light to moderate from the East, seas were a bit rolly, and we did not meet the stream until 1400. For the first day, we hugged the western wall as it was squally near the axis of the Stream. The rainbow was a pleasant reward.

25 Apr 2011, Landfall and Carolina Beach, 34 02.538 N/ 077 53.53 W

Yesterday, wind and seas continued to diminish so we had to increase our engine speed. Chris and Gina would arrive around 1700 and we had to enter the Cape Fear before 1600 or would face foul currents all the way to Carolina Beach. Nuevo Chirpy came to visit us and we were afraid that he would be the latest casualty of birds stopping on Jule. Happily, NC left after checking us out for a half hour. We are happy and hope that he made it back to shore.

Today finds us nearing the Cape Fear around 1500. Remarkably, the wind picked up and the current improved so that we could motorsail through the Cape Fear before the current turned foul. Chris and Gina arrived at the vet around 1600. We entered the Carolina Beach Harbor at 1645 and we were greeted by several of our marina friends, our son Chris, and granddaughter Lilli as we approached our slip at 1715. Thanks to everyone that was there to help us. More to follow about Gina.