Cape Lookout  2015

Saturday, May 30 - Jordan Creek to South River.

We left the dock at 10:15, and motored to the Bay River where we zig-zagged, tacking back and forth. Sailed the Neuse to South River, going 6.6 kn upwind. Pleasant sail. A bit tricky going into S. River but plenty of water in the channel. Several boats were there, most further down. We anchored a bit past #5 in 9 1/2 ft. of water. @34.58.17 and 76.34.778. We were anchored by 5:15, bed early after hustling to get to the boat and get going. 7 hour trip.

Sunday, May 31 - Cape Lookout

Up at 6:00, left at 7:30.  1 1/2 hours to get to Adams Creek. I came in too close to the green marker, and once again crab pots alerted me to shallows. There were 3 sailboats anchored in Cedar Creek where we usually anchor. We saw a lot of sailboats heading north, and the Beaufort Belle. Power boat traffic picked up at the Newport River. Large boats threw wake at us, little ones zipped in front of us. We were at the MC bridge after about 2 1/2 hours in Adams Creek, going against the tide and wind. The Turning Basin was a circus and David decided to hang out trying to call Boat US to extend his coverage. There were little boats everywhere, a patio boat being towed by Towboat US, and a barge being turned by a tug. A ketch called us on the radio to say we had a pretty boat and to inquire as to the color. Because we messed around trying to contact Boat US, we were putting up the sail going out the inlet. David was bounced by close passing power boats. We left the channel at #10, after a confusing navigation through the buoys that were off station due to dredging. We sailed at 3.5 kn in a calm sea. Pods of porpoises were feeding close to the boat. Lots of little boats were anchored just outside the channel into the bight. We wove through them and anchored further back than usual. There was a large yacht, Vanish, between us and the lighthouse. After we anchored, the closer in sailboats left, but we didn't want to move at that point. We were anchored by 3:00 at 34.37.294 and 76.33.006. Wind picked up later, but warm and comfortable. We swam off the boat. Water was comfortable. 

Monday, June 1 

Only a few boats at the bight this morning. A large school of fish passed by the boat and then a small shark. David rowed us to shore and we walked over to the beach. We swam in the ocean and picked up a lot of conch shells. We had the beach to ourselves. A park ranger was putting up signs to keep people away from a nesting oyster catcher. It was a beautiful day.

We spent the rest of the day on the boat, watching boats come and go and wondering if the yacht people were going to come out. USCG came in and anchored, and few more sailboats. David fixed the light in the galley and ran the generator. We saw a large turtle with barnacles on his shell. Full moon, nice evening.

Tuesday, June 2

I had strawberry shortcake for my birthday breakfast. While sitting in the cockpit, Bocas and Beer passed by. I called out to Laura who was driving as Kathy fished. 

We planned to go to the lighthouse but the outboard motor's gas tank had a leak in it so David rowed us to the beach again. No shells on the beach today. After swimming and walking on the beach, we rowed along the shore towards the old docks. I used my pink parasol to sail us back to the boat. It worked well, with David having to steer a bit with the oars. Back at the boat David worked on the windlass and I packed up to leave the next day because rain was predicted. I enjoyed many birthday wishes from FB friends. Big moon tonight, called a Strawberry Moon because it was pinkish. 

Wednesday, June 3

We got up early but waited until 10 to leave hoping the rain would stop. We left in light rain. The other sailboat and the yacht came out behind us. We motored at 5.8 kn, cut close in and came into the channel after #10. We were to the inlet in an hour. Nobody much on the water today. Rain stopped, just cloudy. Again motoring against the tide. We stopped at Seagate Marina for diesel. $2.67 gallon. Chatted with some Coast Guard guys who were cruising around on their boat. We had seen them zipping past us in the ocean heading to the bight and then back out. Clouds the rest of the day, but no rain. We anchored again at South River, but further down this time at 34.57.141. and 76.33.089. We anchored by 5:30. There were 4 other sailboats anchored just past the marker. A strong thunderstorm came through during the night and we may have dragged a bit. One of the sailboats did drag backwards but there was plenty of room.

Thursday, June 4

Anchor up at 9:15, to Piney Point @ 10:30. We motored the whole way until the end of Hoboken Cut. We were being chased by a huge thunderstorm but stayed ahead of it. Fortunately, we had left in time. We sailed across the Pamlico River but had to motor back to the Creek. We were back around 3:00 and unloaded the boat without any rain. The new cleaning woman, Renee, came to clean Sylvan Cove.