halloween

Anchored in Cedar Creek, just off Adams Creek this evening. It was a long, tiresome first day back on the water. After Tom dove on the props to clean off accumulated barnacles (thanks to Bill for loaning his wonderful wet suit), we left Jordan Creek at 10:25, a bit later than we had planned but were able to sail down the Pungo River and across the Pamlico with a steady 15-20 k wind on our beam. Upon entering the Bay River, however, things got a bit more active. The wind was too close to sail and had picked up to a constant 24-25k. Waves were breaking over the bow, crashing up between the hulls and landing in the dinghy (It was up on the davits, not being towed!). Not fun at all. I've never been a fan of the the Bay River. It seems always to be rough and rowdy.

And it was cold. In spite of being bundled up in all our warm clothes, the constant wind eventually got to us and we had to take turns between the helm and warming up inside with hot drinks. The new wind screen sure did help though and we were glad to have it. There were a good number of other boats heading south, most of them without any wind protection. That was us 2 years ago and we were happy not to repeat it.

Once we turned into the Neuse, things settled down some since the wind was now more behind us and the ride was more comfortable. Anchor down at 4:45 with first beer of the day. Cloudy, but no rain all day. It's calm and quiet and we are happy to be settled here with several other boats.

Happy Halloween!