Almost Home ... Beaufort

Mile Hammock to Beaufort  |  6 Hours  |  38.4 Miles  

We had a calm and restful night in the anchorage. Dawn broke with no wind, flat water, and gorgeous reflections. Anchor raising started at 6:00 as the mass exodus began. Our anchor chain was coated in thick black mud, which when washed off, covered our entire foredeck. It took a while to get everything sufficiently hosed off, but I was done before the sun peeked over the clouds. Crossroads was third in line as the flotilla crept toward the morning's first opening of the Onslow Beach bridge at 7:00. Construction continues to replace the antiquated swing bridge with a new bascule bridge. The new span along with construction cranes towered above the lowlands of Camp Lejeune. Right at 7:00 the bridge tender rotated the span and we were on our way. 

Once through the opening and on the other side of the sun, we got a good view of the new bridge. We crept through the Army base looking at signs, egrets, and herons. Radio chatter was constant as boats reordered themselves based on running speed. For the day we passed one boat and were passed by three. Not bad. The trip required a great deal of concentration as we were at low tide and the channel was very narrow -- one boat width in some places. A strong current also played ticks on us, switching from with us to against us as we passed inlets. We ran a constant 1800 rpm, but our speed ranged from 5.0 to 8.9 knots. The morning passed quickly though and soon the bridge to Emerald Isle was in sight and we entered Bogue Sound. We were back in familiar territory, almost home. I watched as well known landmarks passed by on the shore. The Atlantic Beach water tower came into view, then the bridge to Atlantic Beach. Barry and I both commented on how the flags were almost limp. During our visits in January and February the flags are always stiff in a strong wind. We passed under the Atlantic Beach bridge and entered into Morehead City.

Three large ships were at the cargo terminal. Loaded onto one ship was a large catamaran. We ducked around Radio Island and were surprised by the number of people (and dogs) on the beaches. With a turn into Taylor Creek we cruised alongside docks lining Beaufort's Front Street before dropping our anchor for the night.  

We quickly lowered the dinghy and went to shore. The town provides cruisers a nice floating dinghy dock. We enjoyed a late lunch at Clawson's (we never made it there in January) before walking up and down Front Street. Colorful flowers were everywhere. There was comfort in seeing the same red shrimp boat and the historic houses. We were disappointed, however, that the maritime museum was still closed for construction. Historic houses sported a fresh coat of paint and new mulch. Flags flapped along the boardwalk. For a little retail therapy, we each picked up a new Tshirt. For one final taste of Beaufort we enjoyed single scoops of ice cream on a bench along the boardwalk while watching people and boats pass in front of us. Beyond the flowering pots of portulaca and dipladenia, was Crossroads. Beyond Crossroads was an even better treat.

Three of the wild horses on Carrot Island had ventured to the water's edge. We took the dinghy back to the mothership for a front row seat at the horse show. I stayed on the upper deck for at least half an hour watching them graze. Tour boats paraded by at a respectable distance. Two horses stayed at the tree line.  

The female walked along the shore and made for better photos.

Boats continued to go in and out into the early evening. The sun set beyond the full anchorage and we're again thankful for a forecasted calm night. We'll leave at dawn for another overnight run. Our next planned stop will be our home marina in Deltaville.