slacking off....again

So, after an afternoon and evening of entertainment provided by the USMC aviators driving Ospreys and various other rotorcraft at low altitudes over Mile Hammock Bay, we arose to a lovely morning and headed North  by way of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC. Also made a stop in Jarrett Bay for fuel. Seven hours and 51 NM later, we pulled into Cedar Creek; previously reported on, but most known for the "killer shrimp" that reside in these waters. January, 2010 was the date of that episode.

Peaceful night; up and on the way relatively early to New Bern, NC to visit with family friends, change engine oil and filters, tweak a few other things, etc. Visit was great. As you may recall, New Bern got clobbered by Florence last year. Like so many things that don't directly impact us personally, we tend to forget the disruption others are going thru.  The scene shown is really common here. Frankly, it is an amazing sight; jack up an entire house 8- 9', build some new walls/foundation etc, and you may be ready for the next blast from Mother Nature, or not!  'Taint cheap, but those who love it here seem willing to do what it may take to stick it out.

On the 17th, Scooter and crew, having said all the goodbye stuff, paid the slip fees, returned the adapter, and dealt, as usual, with the tanks, slid gently out of the slip and headed down the Neuse River, longest river contained within North Carolina's borders ( special, eh). Goal was to get to Slade Creek, just south of Belhaven, NC. Plan is to stage here while some bad weather blows thru Friday/Saturday, then hope things improve enough to get across Albemarle Sound. That part of the plan worked; 7.2 hours, 58 nm, found us anchored in Slade Creek, NC. Another repeat spot, as we had anchored here 10 years ago. Pleasantly enough, the place has not changed one iota . Not that we are anti establishment folks, but why does every inch of land have to be occupied by a building or an acre or more of asphalt. What's gonna happen when Nature is gone?

Up this morning; leisurely like, no rush, 'taint but 10 NM to go, and wind isn't forecast to kick up 'til 1100-1200, and we know that forecast folks are never wrong. So, Capt'n is pulling the anchor, and here comes Bubba in an old outboard; pulls right up to Scooter. "Geez" thinks the Capt'n, "did I run over his crab pot"? Guy says "wansomfeesh" Well, long story short, he had some fish he was giving away; got an early morning gift of crabs, flounder, etc, Loaded the feesh into a bucket with ice and rumbled off to Dowry Creek Marina to hang out while the weather blows thru.

ARC (anti rodent officer),  Deck Boss, and Food Control Officer had a staff meeting to discuss upcoming itineraries and future activities in their respective departments. These are tough jobs to fill; perseverance, determination, and the ability to wear more than one hat are a given. As the driver/fixer/gopher, I can feel comforted knowing that things are safely under control; no rodents dare enter the boat; no errant dock person dare misplace a line, and no meal dare to be out of spec. Life is good; catch you on the flip side.