5/2-5/6, 2017 Surf City to New Bern

5/2 We had a good ride from Surf City to Moorehead City thanks to a following sea, despite moderate winds. The marina (Moorehead City Yacht Basin)  was tucked behind a piece of land which blocked the wind, and we were near shore on the face dock.  We treated ourselves to pizza at a nearby restaurant.

5/3  From Moorehead City we set our course for New Bern, which is 24 miles off the AICW on the Neuse River.  At the MTOA Rendezvous, we won 2 free nights at Bridge Pointe Marina.  Although the dock master was offsite, he phoned some  boaters on A dock who assisted us with tying up.  We had a beautiful sunset.

5/4  We took Uber to town across the river and did lunch and some shopping. I've limited my shopping to consignment stores in these touristy places. I found a wonderful lace top (from Talbots) for $13.00.  Severe storms are expected tonight.

5/5 ( 0745) We were awakened by a loud crash as a result of 50 knot winds and heavy rain. The strong gusts lasted for about 15 minutes.  We could see that our aft Bimini had been torn off the, boat but we were unable to go out and check it for a couple of hours.  The Bimini was intact but the rails had come apart and one large supporting rail was missing, likely overboard.  We phoned a local diver who will, for $50.00 an hour, search the water for it.  That is much cheaper than a replacement rail.

5/6 The diver called.  He is having car problems and cannot come until tomorrow.  It is just as well because the wind is still howling.  We are waiting for a good weather day to traverse the Neuse River and Pemlico Sound.

We attended St. Paul Catholic Church tonight. A $10.00 Uber ride got us to the church a few miles from the marina, out in a rural area. We asked one of the ushers if he knew of someone who could give us a ride back to town.  He offered, and we joined Jim, his wife Dottie, and friends Betty, Bruce and Diane for dinner at Beer Army.  Great people, great conversation!!  And they delivered us back to our mating across the river.  A big thank you to all of you!

L to R:  Diane, Dottie, Bruce, Jim, and Betty!