April 27 - May 2, 2015
Our
long travel days continued as we departed Swansboro after witnessing the
Sea-Tow and cross-current incidents. We traveled seven hours to Oriental, NC
and docked at the Harbor Club at River Dunes, a community of homes encircling
the marina complex which was beautifully planned but fraught with occupancy
problems. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our delightful surroundings while moving
hurriedly in preparation for our friend Joyce Bokor's arrival.
Such fun to once again welcome Joyce aboard for the
evening. I
gave her a huge hug, telling her how thrilled I was to have a female aboard! An earlier-prepared crock pot meal enabled me to
truly enjoy Joyce's company, while Clay did as well, with non-stop chatter
detailing our morning's drama. Thanks, Joyce, for making the trek to Oriental
for a visit!
Tuesday played out with drama additional to Monday's as,
while underway, we received a US Coast Guard radio call alerting us to their
desire to board SaSea Sally to check our vessel's credentials and preparedness.
Gulp. Having passed a USCG Auxillary inspection in each of the past two years,
we felt confident that nothing was amiss--but it's kinda like being stopped by
the police or highway patrol when you believe you have done nothing wrong. You
just know they're gonna find SOMETHING.
Officer Diaz accompanied me to the enclosed area below while
Clay 'entertained' a second USCG Officer in the fly bridge. We answered
questions; produced documentation papers; pointed out life jackets, fire
extinguishers, holding tank valve closures and locks, engine room components
and the like. Came out smelling like a rose. Whew! And, we're good through
August 2015; our inspection papers say so!
We anchored overnight at the Pungo River south anchorage,
pulled anchor Wednesday morning and spent a long eight hours traversing the
Alligator River and crossing the Albemarle Sound. Despite my repeatedly
challenging Clay's decision, he chose to set anchor at Buck Island in the North
River. In support of my position, I continued to cite our position in the
spacious body of water which would guarantee a rough night until winds calmed.
Not to be deterred, Clay insisted this to be THE spot--and the 'captain is
always right.' Some two hours later, we sat down to dinner during which time
Clay commented, "It's a bit rough." Duh!
Thursday brought an early morning spritz under overcast
skies which forced a premature end to my Nordic Tracking. We pulled anchor and
aimed the autopilot toward Atlantic Yacht Basin (AYB) on the outskirts of
Norfolk. We made fashion statements on this rainy, overcast, chilly day with
Clay in the helm chair with his navy blue 'lap robe,' and me in my Cabelas
blue-and-gold full rain suit. You probably won't find either on the Spring runways, but in
my books we took high marks. Note: The
seam-leaking fly bridge canopy necessitated such attire! And, darn, we thought
we had that problem licked!
Once
tied firmly to the face dock at AYB, we accepted the gracious offer for a Farm
Fresh grocery run in the rain then hurriedly filled our cart so as not to delay
the group in their return. Having delighted in the purchase of portobello
mushrooms, I fashioned dinner around cheese portobellos, but failed to take
color into account. WJHS home ec teacher Mrs. Owen would not be pleased with my
presentation of an all-white dinner (cheese portobellos, baked potatoes and
steamed cauliflower). But good nutrition!
We
awakened Friday morning to rain and wind, but I managed a solo walk/jog at the
first (and only) rain break of the day. Having seen a Panera on my route, I
promptly called dibs on a lunch date with Clay only a 'short' walk away. Didn't
happen! The rain and wind had us soaked the minute we stepped out the starboard
door. Now why was I later able to complete a round of laundry in the 'distant'
laundry room but not able to work in a lunch date? (Probably because my rain
suit was suitable attire for the laundry room but not for the restaurant; plus,
the washer-dryer was only a five-minute walk and the restaurant considerably
more.) All in all, a miserable day, punctuated by my sheets yet again being
rust-infused by the AYB washing machine. I truly didn't think 'lightning would
strike twice in the same place.' AYB manager comp'd our second-night stay in
lieu of the cost of a set of sheets. This management does honor integrity!
As
we depart AYB this Saturday morning in bright sunshine destined for Norfolk, I
again bid you a fond farewell. Having mastered long travel days and trumped a
myriad of adventures along the way, we are guaranteed to reach Waterside Marina
downtown Norfolk on time for the AGLCA Rendezvous. Well, almost guaranteed; on
a boat, nothing is guaranteed but the adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment