Oriental

I want to call this entry the “ICW Conundrum”. We left the anchorage and when we got out to the bay there were already 7 or 8 sailboats blasting down the river under full sail. There are more boats as we continue south so it sort of feels like jumping onto a freeway with everybody going as fast as they can. The problem, is that there are only so many good ancorages and docks at the next locaton. As a rule, the larger boats go faster, passing the smaller boats getting the better spots first! As it was, we had a great sail for a couple hours, then went through a windy river, finally out to Neuse Bay and then into Oriental, North Carolina. We were able to procure one of the limited free docks along with 3 of the other boats that we have been travelling with. You are allowed two days at the dock so we plan on staying for both days. Oriental is a very cruiser friendly town, with free bicycles available at the local boating store. Here is a picture of Heather on her new wheels, she likes the basket - me, not so much! We had a great ride around town and picked up some groceries and fresh fish. Later that evening we got together on Steves’ boat (Island Packet 38) for a Southern Boil! Steve and Heather both shared in the cooking (Heather under Steve’s direction). A Southern Boil is potatoes, peppers, sausage and shrimp all boiled up with lots of Old Bay Spice! It was delicious. Here’s a picture of us enjoying supper on Steves’ boat.

Sunday morning we enjoyed the service at the local Baptist Church. We saw this cool mailbox on the way and had to get a picture of it.  

By the way this is the third day with no cell phone coverage, maybe tomorrow!