Voyage 2009: Chapter 1

21 Oct 2009, On to RE Mayo, 35 14.77 N/ 076 35.48 W

We left EC at 0730 ET (along with the rest of the cruising world) heading South. The Pasquotank was calm and the crabpots did not become a nuisance until after we passed the blimp hanger. Afterwards the pots became more numerous until 30 minutes into the Albamarle. We couldn't figure out why the floats were so hard to see until we noticed that the watermen were only using half a float per pot. That doesn't seem very nice!

We motorsailed under a light NE wind until we were on the other side of the Alligator River bridge. Then the wind slacked and veered to the SE which caused us to drop the jib (actually furl it). SV Fairwinds left the same time as Jule but (of course) they quickly passed us and were anchored near Deep Point 45 minutes before we arrived. They suggested that we raft up with them which we did. Not bad and we don't have to use the anchor. We met in their cockpit for drinks and snacks; and then headed back to our boat.

We broke the raft at 0730 today and headed for the Pungo Canal. Jule was the first to leave the anchorage but by the time we entered the Pungo River, we were the last. We are slow, like to preserve fuel, and see no need to get to our destination too early. SV Fairwinds passed us about 30 minutes after we left. They changed their minds and said they would probably not meet us at RE Mayo rather they would anchor near Hobucken.

Sure enough, as we passed Campbell Creek, we saw them anchored. We called them on the VHF but no reply. Maybe they were taking a nap. About 15 minutes later, we approached RE Mayo with an opposing current and little wind. The tie-up was easy but we had to moor on the most southerly dock and it was really tired. We had to be careful where we walked as many of the planks were seriously rotten. Weather was cool so bugs were not a problem.

25 Oct 2009, Arrived at our Holiday Port, 34 02.50 N/ 077 53.40 W

Yesterday, we had a leisurely breakfast onboard Jule in anticipation of our 24 hour jaunt to Wilmington (Carolina Beach). As we mentioned earlier, we will spend the holidays at Carolina Beach and then head South after the first of the year. Not sure where 'South' is but it will also be east. We left R.E. Mayo at 0830 right after a tug pushing two barges passed our position. Weather was warm but little wind. The wind should settle to S@10 by nightfall and stay there until after daybreak. The Bay and Neuse Rivers were nearly calm and flat; Adams Creek and the cut where nearly calm with a slightly foul current. Even so, we were making better time than we wanted. We did not want to leave Beaufort Inlet until dusk so that we would not arrive at Masonboro Inlet before daybreak.

As we approached Beaufort, the current pushed us toward the Ocean at 1.0-1.5 kts. It is not very helpful but we managed to slow our progress to the sea buoy. At 1815, we departed the channel and changed our course to SW in the general direction of Masonboro Inlet. Our original route had our rhumb line going through the Camp Lejeune yellow buoys. However, there was a lot of activity near the shore so we decided to change course so all of the yellow buoys would be to starboard. It was quite a light show for several hours. Around 0200, the seas started to get lumpy. Still no wind but the mizzen was having difficulty damping the roll. Not fair, no wind but lots of sea. At 0545, we could see the beginning of light in the east and at 0715 ET, the sun was up and we entered Masonboro Inlet. We arrived at a low but rising tide so we did not have any difficulties in the usual trouble spots.

At 0930, we entered the Carolina Beach harbor and a few minutes later we saw Wayne waving us into the marina. Wind and current were still quite light so we again didn't hit anything during our docking. It was good to be back and see our little community here. We were fortunate to arrive before Wayne and Sheila left for their trip South. Both of us are a bit tired but we busied ourselves cleaning up Jule

Turns out the folks at Mona Black are having an oyster roast tonight. We would like to think it is in our honor but it isn't. Oh well. They are having oysters, shrimp, appetizers and great company. Ann was in her element with all of the food and fun. Bob was a bit tired and pooped out after 2030. Nobody seemed to miss him. Hmmmm! Not even Ann. Hmmmm!

Two days later, Wayne and Sheila slipped their lines and left Mona Black for the South. We helped them shove off and then headed to Snow's Cut for a last (for a while) wave. We would hear in a couple of days that they had alternator problems; then a few days after that starter problems. However, the future is brighter for them.