May 24 Finally left Raleigh after many loose ends were snugged up. Determined on Tuesday that John would actually have medical clearance to make this trip. Spent this day and the next completing last minute chores on the boat.

May 26 Pulled off our home dock in Oriental at 7:30 a.m. The winds were far stronger than predicted on the Neuse with steady 25 gusting to 30 all the way up the river for 4 hours. We turned in to the Bay River and into the Hobucken Cut ready to motor through. Had a lovely sail across the Pamlico River and up the Pungo River around the corner to throw out the hook at dusk. A long day but satisfying with a variety of conditions for sure.

May 27 Pulled up a bit later today and started the journey across the Alligator River and Abermarle Sound. Lots of motoring today (my favorite-smile) and a new anchorage just outside Broad Creek. The waves rocked us even though we were on the protected shoreline. No matter as we will stay here tomorrow and rest. We are having a hard time settling down the pace and just plain relaxing.

May 28 Okay, so the night was a bit warm and rocky (smile) but we are here all day and can take our dinghy out exploring….nope, the outboard is not happy. Freeze plug or carburetor…no exploring for us today. We are both bummed and just when we were feeling restless, a pod of dolphins showed up and played and swam around the boat interacting with us. John was sure it was an encouragement from the Lord to hang in and persevere. He has stuff for us!

May 29 Another LONG day. I was up a 4 and we pulled up at 6:30.  Running the cut at Coinjock, Currituck Sound and the river up to Norfolk today.  This was a motoring day, but a good one as the sound crossing was uneventful – a blessing since it is quite shallow.  This trip was much easier than the one we make several years ago with the addition of our chart plotter that gave ample warning of the shallow channel edges!  The river way was just gorgeous with the tallest marsh grasses I can remember seeing blowing in the wind with a uniquely coastal swish.  I grabbed the binoculars to spy a bald eagle perched in a dead treetop and we both felt like young children exclaiming our first ever sighting of such.  Then the bridge follies began on our approach to Norfolk.  Even though it is a bit tense, I always enjoy the bridge architecture – the lift bridges are incredible even through none were working this time through, they hang overhead with artistic majesty.  As we approached our last bridge –Gilmerton-with 3 other boats- a squall overtook us and we got a great boat wash, some wind and John exercised his excellent boat handling.  Did I mention that 2 barges pulled into the river just before the bridge and allowed us even more practice with negotiating the seaway with commercial traffic?  As we slid through at 3:30 (it’s last opening until 6:30), we breathed a sigh of relief knowing we’d make our port.  Tied down, showers and leftovers anticipating a nice restful night….

May 30  Good sleeping in the air conditioning last night with little motion – yay.  We are just across from the Naval Ship Yard that always makes me feel so insignificant as I look over at the massive ships – they are awe inspiring indeed.  The remnants from Beryl moved in this morning so it is rainy which is what we expected.  I took advantage of the facilities and did some laundry and we plan to venture out tonight for dinner.  We are a bit disappointed at the condition of this marina as it is tired and not as clean as on our prior visits; then we both realize it was new then and that’s been (uh hum) 9 years!!  We also look a bit more “tired.”  John has ordered a new carburetor for the outboard for delivery tomorrow, so it may be Friday before we jump into the Chesapeake.  The marina no longer has a loaner car that is such a huge benefit to cruisers.  It appears that this marina has shifted focus to liveaboards rather than transient business. 

May 31   This morning we confirmed that our part had made it to Norfolk with some uncertainty about when it would be delivered to the store for us to pick up.  So we used the time to reconnoiter a bit then ventured out to lunch, hoping to grab our taxi from there to pick up the part if we were called.  Had a wonderful outdoor lunch and then called a cab to take us to the grocery store to get restocked….got the call from them so finished up and taxied to get the part. The lady driving the cab shared her story with us after I asked about how she handled being a female driver.  Turns out she had had a close call … she is also a Christian and it was very cool.   John again displayed his great mechanical skills and he had her running for a late afternoon tool around the marina.  Enjoyed chatting with our marina neighbor, Charlie, as he shared his story with us also.  His 93 and 85 year old inlaws are joining them today on their Grand Banks to go up to the Rappahannock.  I love to hear people’s story…one of the best parts of being on the water is that folks are usually very open.  It is great fun indeed.