Voyage 2009: Chapter 5

04 Apr 2010, Vero to Carolina Beach, non stop, 34 02.50 N/ 077 53.40 W

Today is busy. We prepped the boat and ourselves for the landfall and the night crossing of the Cape Fear. We viewed our landfall around 1700 and passed the anchored MSC Charleston around 1715. We saw the pilot boat heading his way around 1800. Wonder if he will be a problem? Passed Southport at 1930 and it was pretty much dark. Requested and received passage from the dredge Dodge Island at 2100. At 2101, MSC Charleston requested that we stand off while he passes us and the Dodge Island. We chose to cross the channel and tuck away passed the eastern side of the channel. No problem. We were a little nervous heading for and transiting Snow's Cut. Entering Carolina Beach harbor was 'a piece of cake' and we had the Mona Black crew (Paul, Maureen, and Gene) waiting for our lines at 2345. Not bad! Not bad!

10 Apr 2010, Waiting for friends - Part 1, 34 02.562 N/ 077 53.496 W

We spent much of the week 'chillin' and getting Jule ready for her summer trip to the Chesapeake. Lot's of things on the 'todo' list so it will busy for a couple of months. We received a call from SV Talisman yesterday indicating that they would be coming through the area. So we waited for them at Snow's Cut with camera in hand. Sure enough they came by albeit a bit early as they had wind and current on their side.

We had hoped to meet Rodger and Cathy at Wrightsville, but they were making such good time, that we we had to drive to Surf City to get our promised meal. Swab Lilli was with us and she really enjoyed the crew of SV Talisman. While visiting, Lilli met the crew of a local party boat which included the amazing dog Tiger. Lilli was happy! We had a great dinner and conversation on Talisman but sadly we had to leave as the 'Pad' was getting tired. We wished them a grand sail to New Bern.