| Seaesta |
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| November 2006 |
| November 1st, Last night we had a great Halloween party, but the wind is in the right direction today so away we sail. We sailed from Deltaville to Hospital Point,Norfolk, VA. A really good run and a great sail. November 2nd, We tried to get up and make the Norfolk bridge openings before rush hour restrictions, but failed to reach the last one in time. This time south we decided to take the Dismal Swamp route. This canal was dug by hand in the 1800 and is only 8ft deep and maybe 40ft wide. With a boat hook we can touch the trees along the bank. We stop for the night halfway along the route at a visitor center.. November 3rd We continued along the very scenic route of the Dismal Swamp. The edge of the canal is lined with trees in brilliant color. Fall foliage is in its prime. We then came to Elizabeth City. Elizabeth City if famous for it's Rose Buddies. We met the original rose buddy FRED. Fred is in his eighties at least. His wife died 24 years ago and every Sunday at 9.30am you can find him at her gravesite putting roses on her grave. After one particular Sunday he brought some roses to the grave but retained seven of them to give them to visiting boat in the harbor. Thus the rose buddy tradition began and has continued for twenty years. Fred's motto is, "to do something nice for somebody else every day of your life." The boys spent the afternoon at a hands-on museum and had a lot of fun. Heather called 911 and helped an elderly woman who calapsed on the street with blood sugar problems.. November 4th Sailed from Elizabeth City 80 miles to the Pungo River. November 5th Sailed in north winds from the Pungo River down to Oriental ,North Carolina. November 6th We stay in Oriental lending emotional support to our friends aboard "Emotional Rescue" who have a broken engine beyond repair. A new engine is going to reduce their sailing plans. Evan and Pierce had a great time playing with Elias. November 7th Sailed to Beaufort, North Carolina. (pronounced BOfort) We arrived in Beaufort before noon, soon afterwards a gale blew through all day and night. I'm glad we decided to stop for the day. The hand operated windlass is broken - something is wrong with the gears. Therefore James has to pick up by hand and muscle a 40lb danforth anchor with 100ft of 3/8th chain everyday. November 8th We discover children aboard a boat named "Side by Side" Having an eight and nine year old to play with is a rarity for the boys so we decide to stay in port. We visit the museum and the civilwar graveyard - again. November 9th We motorsail to Mile Hammock on the ICW. The anchorage was calm and glorious. November 10th Motored to Wilmington Beach. At Wilimington we rowed ashore to collect sand for Bob and Einstein's terarium. November 11th Due to the strong currents in Cape Fear sound we decided to play the tides. We anchored just past the town of Southport. The four blinks of Cape Fear lighthouse pass over us all night eliminating the cabin within with strobe light. The lighthouse has a powerful light and with good reason. November 12th The day started out with rain but finished with crisp blue sky. 68 miles traveled. November 13th We motor past spanish moss dripping from trees devout of leaves on the river bank.. November 14th Today was a sad day. We awoke to the news that Kent Fletcher died last night. He will be missed by all, he was loved very much. We motored to Charlston South Carolina, just fifteen miles away. We shall stay here while James flies back to Maine for a few days. November 15th - 19th Heather and the boys are in Charleston, while James visits family in Massachusetts. |
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| Halloween 2006 |
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| Mile Marker along the I.C.W. |
| Dismal Swamp Canal |