tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82827877476737791282024-03-17T22:02:57.440-04:00Cruising with CrossroadsMV Crossroadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00526055592373142448noreply@blogger.comBlogger751125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-68640501255523817692024-03-17T22:02:00.000-04:002024-03-17T22:02:01.952-04:00Epilogue<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Glen Allen </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p> I felt the need for one last post to complete the story of our 2024 Winter Cruise. Our first day back in Deltaville was warm and beautiful. We walked down the Bradford tree-line driveway to get my car out of storage. I happily took my chair to Fiberglass Beach and read for several hours in the afternoon. Besides being disappointed about cutting our trip short, I also missed the time sitting in the sun with a good book. I did not finish a single one and will make catching up a summer priority. At 4:00 we packed a few things in the car and headed home. We did not do much at the house other than turn on the water and get some sleep. I did, however, spot the blooms beginning to show in my azalea beside the garage door.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_0_kKrnKgmiWyj6XnsRWxzp-gjES17X4JxgxjP7Hax2YDT6EgF0Aiawp-CVGtEdOxe27LGl8_jfQrpFgi1Mv-7mQvciwCkEs3cDc9ve4heLdjuoOfZSblzG1jHYBWlUZPOBNVjPL3R945uyiSOv4C9X-vQWgGvrV_kmzLsGrQxXve16KnEcKN-FhNtHi/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_0_kKrnKgmiWyj6XnsRWxzp-gjES17X4JxgxjP7Hax2YDT6EgF0Aiawp-CVGtEdOxe27LGl8_jfQrpFgi1Mv-7mQvciwCkEs3cDc9ve4heLdjuoOfZSblzG1jHYBWlUZPOBNVjPL3R945uyiSOv4C9X-vQWgGvrV_kmzLsGrQxXve16KnEcKN-FhNtHi/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>First thing Friday, we hit the road again for Beaufort to pick up Barry's Escape. We've made the trip several times, but it seems Google has routed us differently on each. A quick detour was made in New Bern to get lunch and stretch our legs. We made up for the fact that we failed to get a selfie with one of the New Bern Bears. A new feature since our last visit was the thick layer of pine pollen atop EVERYTHING. We still had plenty of afternoon ahead of us when we reached Morehead City so we stopped at Atlantic Beach. Hello, Wind. This area would not be the same without you. It was warm (Yay!) and we were thankful to finally walk this stretch without coats. One thing for sure, Chicago has nothing on this area of North Carolina. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn03PQ7Qc0jG-i7-iN3hu1McZab5KWhtkgECItyMQOBHeoCTQ3IE__I5RGaZrYfpFIymGJ1mnAh33tYvDLFoNt-FzCW8x3JEgqOXjpCvDQKJdGBlvF0nNDgiaCYq5wMz1fnE8SJywY-HQtn8EUXPtK2iiHbauRGMBT55pQcUCKds8Q8ioUvVV_8Id_zUhO/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn03PQ7Qc0jG-i7-iN3hu1McZab5KWhtkgECItyMQOBHeoCTQ3IE__I5RGaZrYfpFIymGJ1mnAh33tYvDLFoNt-FzCW8x3JEgqOXjpCvDQKJdGBlvF0nNDgiaCYq5wMz1fnE8SJywY-HQtn8EUXPtK2iiHbauRGMBT55pQcUCKds8Q8ioUvVV_8Id_zUhO/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was excellent closure to take another stroll toward the pier. It was a nice touch to see real footprints in the sand. The sea foam had a mysterious iridescence. The shorebirds walked along with us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4k6EoxrZnw_UPAdmA4Cv_-uNZKgCVOetjdxjKJn5VC0M5-IVaBV0lHwAcIxqfg66IPtx1oqw6JcUhhgkmrbggrLUouCJyx0knmZDd8FCXLkg0cVUfPkn_yV50JNUgqJHsUvwkulKTf9HcGsFQk3p0ODq-h4ciV1yBBTS1vi-4004Vz0YY7puN08brZKY/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4k6EoxrZnw_UPAdmA4Cv_-uNZKgCVOetjdxjKJn5VC0M5-IVaBV0lHwAcIxqfg66IPtx1oqw6JcUhhgkmrbggrLUouCJyx0knmZDd8FCXLkg0cVUfPkn_yV50JNUgqJHsUvwkulKTf9HcGsFQk3p0ODq-h4ciV1yBBTS1vi-4004Vz0YY7puN08brZKY/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We walked from the public access beach well past the pier before retracing our steps. And we got a photo on a real beach day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS1RVHbxqQq10zqkOOpAIoLJ6WdFvxwQ9exCm5d73CjR0aej-LNDmq0F-SCd0gnEwMudw353-zuFCQ5mYowPPkxqG2azQp87btofFF7hF5euyCnLuDa1FoYj0PrbOybJcaLHK82d1V5asIErkvCP7MXb4M5BntRjutxhOXkxNKbnG-1FHET8n4TJBtG12/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS1RVHbxqQq10zqkOOpAIoLJ6WdFvxwQ9exCm5d73CjR0aej-LNDmq0F-SCd0gnEwMudw353-zuFCQ5mYowPPkxqG2azQp87btofFF7hF5euyCnLuDa1FoYj0PrbOybJcaLHK82d1V5asIErkvCP7MXb4M5BntRjutxhOXkxNKbnG-1FHET8n4TJBtG12/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>One more stop was downtown Beaufort. To bookend our stay, we visited the sign just as we did on our first day in town back on January 8. In the few weeks since we last strolled the streets of the historic district, the Beaufort Inn has been torn down. While we were still at Town Creek Marina, the fire department was using the structure for training purposes. The pine trees were loaded with pollen just waiting to coat all items, whether moving or still. We had a quiet night at the hotel, watching the ACC Tournament until I fell asleep (thankfully missing UVA's epic meltdown). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvXzngKsF3FzmNIJqWW9rQsEom-cS7oAg7wqEF_vqFOYiX0rN4inNctfUnqbN655v3tIKxBn3rC7YgvMQF6XovVq6DT-V_cB5tFtUM31K78cgYFLdZ7G1z2qaHzS743e9EVfhIsIYrALiowxc7jX7nbDei2lkDiva6MgoseB5v_YpJo6olrCrvsRMDc6o/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvXzngKsF3FzmNIJqWW9rQsEom-cS7oAg7wqEF_vqFOYiX0rN4inNctfUnqbN655v3tIKxBn3rC7YgvMQF6XovVq6DT-V_cB5tFtUM31K78cgYFLdZ7G1z2qaHzS743e9EVfhIsIYrALiowxc7jX7nbDei2lkDiva6MgoseB5v_YpJo6olrCrvsRMDc6o/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Saturday morning we finally bid farewell to the area. Barry left and visited West Marine, because he could. I needed one last beach walk and drove back over the ICW to Atlantic Beach. The wind had the ocean whipped up, and the temperature required jeans and a sweatshirt, but the beach is still the beach. The gulls were searching the surf for breakfast. A half dozen surfers took advantage of the conditions. I took a few moments to watch. I will miss these walks along the lapping waves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9kkq12x2q21udD1Os_HOSeQJeZKPUu9WV-TtsYuTa3ZiwPmeUZ6jRaDBKVlbHq8jsucYqmErmAl_6g3u66ttQRcLy0Ic6WGJ6sUQ0VhLbBTMadJlKtQFCT9TP54t3N8Aj84MEF35NqIQWZehY5nwxhzuVpDfHhScipwsEnQpNSo74EkpkTM6JQ5wAMYa/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9kkq12x2q21udD1Os_HOSeQJeZKPUu9WV-TtsYuTa3ZiwPmeUZ6jRaDBKVlbHq8jsucYqmErmAl_6g3u66ttQRcLy0Ic6WGJ6sUQ0VhLbBTMadJlKtQFCT9TP54t3N8Aj84MEF35NqIQWZehY5nwxhzuVpDfHhScipwsEnQpNSo74EkpkTM6JQ5wAMYa/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Every walk yielded something new and my final one featured a half dozen large jellyfish washed up in the sand. I found one intact shell and carried it back to my car where I placed it on the dash for the ride home. One last pass alongside the "Visit Us Again Soon" sign and I was on my way. By the time I reached Rocky Mount and Interstate 95, the day's weather had drastically improved. It was clear sailing to Richmond without delay. Before reaching the house, I stopped by the grocery store and picked up a few things to hold us over until I can unload all the food from <i>Crossroads</i>. With this final photo, the Chicken Salad and Lemonade Tour officially comes to an end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjMfBwJWR96GiQdp8Q0IZCwxcJ1cy2Ti3vL3AtDALcLjdmWQRkiOh9NDVsM6eTCtkCUTolKM_vmPXrcb7BReIML2Gk-HZI5SG8f_d3x3EXpYnXeFZDxxVzPOX2NLDW_n-rOIungddaZJGuViZiLMwkKPYGx0d9ti4weYdQOsHhyphenhyphen_jcf19e9NVD7REruvZ/s2000/3_16%20glen%20allen7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjMfBwJWR96GiQdp8Q0IZCwxcJ1cy2Ti3vL3AtDALcLjdmWQRkiOh9NDVsM6eTCtkCUTolKM_vmPXrcb7BReIML2Gk-HZI5SG8f_d3x3EXpYnXeFZDxxVzPOX2NLDW_n-rOIungddaZJGuViZiLMwkKPYGx0d9ti4weYdQOsHhyphenhyphen_jcf19e9NVD7REruvZ/w640-h176/3_16%20glen%20allen7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-33878755271820392462024-03-13T22:13:00.004-04:002024-03-13T22:13:50.691-04:00What Happened To The Wind?<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hampton to Deltaville </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>|<span style="color: red;"> 5.9 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hours</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>| <span style="color: red;">42.1 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Miles</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We could not have asked for a prettier morning. We were on deck at 8:00 to unplug power and ready the lines for a quick and easy departure. I took one last long look at the houses across from the marina and their perfect reflection in the Hampton River. We eased off the dock, made a U-turn, and headed into the busy Hampton Roads basin. AIS targets and blue motion vectors lit up the chartplotter screen. Barges and heavy equipment were positioned around the corner as part of the new tunnel construction. We heard the cargo ship <i>Marco Polo</i> on the radio as it turned east into the Chesapeake. Approaching from starboard at 12 knots was the <i>Colorado Express</i>. We slowed and let it pass in front of us. All of this happened as multiple tugs were staging to escort the <i>USS Wasp</i> into the harbor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u-N_c34dMdASo9fLPUgwz7Q047JP6IQXoh4iJrXKBi35Dtjrd8jBO6jaIfK70BcUCz2clSpGVSqcMkYCSenUJBCzrP3WSzbyue62An8PxoGfdvdupRbltn7S0moscein1EWOf-ePb_pnBkkEkh5OFhhCaShD6sAdYZwamwZV-_xKl8e-yHoF1W3_2VLf/s2000/3_13%20deltaville.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u-N_c34dMdASo9fLPUgwz7Q047JP6IQXoh4iJrXKBi35Dtjrd8jBO6jaIfK70BcUCz2clSpGVSqcMkYCSenUJBCzrP3WSzbyue62An8PxoGfdvdupRbltn7S0moscein1EWOf-ePb_pnBkkEkh5OFhhCaShD6sAdYZwamwZV-_xKl8e-yHoF1W3_2VLf/w640-h176/3_13%20deltaville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The <i>Wasp</i> is a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, and the lead ship of her class. I found it interesting that she is the 10th Navy vessel to bear the name since 1775. She is designed to accommodate Landing Craft Air Cushion for fast troop movement over the beach, Harrier jets, and the tilt rotor Ospreys. The low and strong morning sun made it difficult to catch a good photo, but she made an impressive silhouette. That same sun nicely illuminated the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse on the banks of Fort Story. Once the <i>Wasp</i> passed I was able to get a better view of its 843-feet length and 104-feet beam. Not evident was its draft of 27 feet. Once clear of traffic, we turned north into the Chesapeake Bay. A couple dolphin came over to say hello and spent a few moments playing in our bow wave. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pkf14r3EoJeffXxP4gdyquSQ0IrLdkPJ412E8NUwzbPCpDIH3QI7Tvab49w8vt9u4rIqDm4vVNxcLZ0LselnSxJbChAOrtTHp5FP4TCOhCF1r-D4GGMnfqelGgtTkiqnv-dPrPwzTYkiUhdil0b6P4rSZqnciyaRXOzITW5SWsLxudWPvQtIUDMPyL9Y/s2000/3_13%20deltaville2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pkf14r3EoJeffXxP4gdyquSQ0IrLdkPJ412E8NUwzbPCpDIH3QI7Tvab49w8vt9u4rIqDm4vVNxcLZ0LselnSxJbChAOrtTHp5FP4TCOhCF1r-D4GGMnfqelGgtTkiqnv-dPrPwzTYkiUhdil0b6P4rSZqnciyaRXOzITW5SWsLxudWPvQtIUDMPyL9Y/w640-h176/3_13%20deltaville2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The majority of our trip was surreal. The wind that has battered us for two months was absent. It was difficult to distinguish water from sky in the haze. The breeze was below five knots all day, and spent a great deal of time below one knot. We passed Wolf Trap Lighthouse around noon and noticed that it was getting a much-needed fresh coat of paint. The Coast Guard was conducting rescue exercises at the mouth of the Piankatank River. We rounded Stingray Point Light and headed up the Rappahannock River. The Norris Bridge was barely visible on the horizon through the haze.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9NcD03kGMAvY8bQeaPTUdLgDzhgj1Heyiib65HOqq_YWEX1g6JFPaE-lh_OlzEwtj8YitPO_hlXiVkFJGCznfmKA8MTL9TRrStvlFXONC7_YWXJxLBB1TZRHKCtj1kpDSaZLnefAYnP6pmoi5OJ9FxwdStMIM6NdMVMIvzbSKmbLLh4z_GM8UjWnibne/s2000/3_13%20deltaville3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9NcD03kGMAvY8bQeaPTUdLgDzhgj1Heyiib65HOqq_YWEX1g6JFPaE-lh_OlzEwtj8YitPO_hlXiVkFJGCznfmKA8MTL9TRrStvlFXONC7_YWXJxLBB1TZRHKCtj1kpDSaZLnefAYnP6pmoi5OJ9FxwdStMIM6NdMVMIvzbSKmbLLh4z_GM8UjWnibne/w640-h176/3_13%20deltaville3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A turn to port took us into Broad Creek channel and past the 1BC day marker. I went into deckhand mode and readied our dock lines for arrival. Looking back toward the Bay, the water was unbelievably flat. We were fortunate to arrive at high tide as there was not a lot of water in the Broad Creek channel. Shoaling continues to make the entrance challenging. No preferred blue and green depths were displayed on the tablet, and only a thin stripe of yellow remained among all the red. Our only excitement of the day occurred on the final turn into our marina when we came nose to nose with a work barge. We moved over and hugged the pilings at Regatta Point to allow the barge enough room to pass. Barry anticipated its wake and throttled up quickly so as not to get pushed into the pilings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3NhuBCB-FGS04jZp1iT_6WzRCFJLDtuQT6VZhhdMYavb7hIG3HGoBAc2BoWdKoRn6NRXfNuczjPjaREq09cRpWpPjuX0EpRJdmm1i3vt34W1aCYBZClKCnN9AuEQ4HBAyZz5dI978BgYVu8bHFC-OdKF2-Qx7ZQcMOh7tOQ9h1jahyUTn1JGyXzZssf3/s2000/3_13%20deltaville4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3NhuBCB-FGS04jZp1iT_6WzRCFJLDtuQT6VZhhdMYavb7hIG3HGoBAc2BoWdKoRn6NRXfNuczjPjaREq09cRpWpPjuX0EpRJdmm1i3vt34W1aCYBZClKCnN9AuEQ4HBAyZz5dI978BgYVu8bHFC-OdKF2-Qx7ZQcMOh7tOQ9h1jahyUTn1JGyXzZssf3/w640-h176/3_13%20deltaville4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We appreciated the low wind as we easily backed into our slip and reattached all of our dock lines. We were disappointed that we couldn't give <i>Crossroads</i> a bath because the water has not yet been turned on at the docks. It is still early in the season despite today's temperature in the 70s. I took my chair to Fiberglass Beach and enjoyed the warm afternoon and our usual peaceful view. After dinner we walked around the marina to see what was new. Dozens of Bradford pear trees line the marina's main drive. They were in full bloom (but did not smell) and formed an arching canopy leading to the lighthouse. Tomorrow morning we'll uncover my car, load a few essential things, and head home. Friday we'll head to Beaufort to pick up Barry's Escape. At that point we'll be back to life, back to reality. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHIaoHDnvWuVbV_LgXiUBuW-vmS3FtPE93-jH-XzFEJxypWr3txDqSPRnsLo1DU7g8MC6O1yXOjr2LF9M2nqJ9OX7YghVLgKel1h7MeU4-cxh-COA_2qNyJSd4Z4MKCUxDPyoHAjnfm6OAqlihKUqV4Z51H48-dP4f7Zs67v-OQ_EIirEtf7NzsV2ig_D/s2000/3_13%20deltaville5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHIaoHDnvWuVbV_LgXiUBuW-vmS3FtPE93-jH-XzFEJxypWr3txDqSPRnsLo1DU7g8MC6O1yXOjr2LF9M2nqJ9OX7YghVLgKel1h7MeU4-cxh-COA_2qNyJSd4Z4MKCUxDPyoHAjnfm6OAqlihKUqV4Z51H48-dP4f7Zs67v-OQ_EIirEtf7NzsV2ig_D/w640-h176/3_13%20deltaville5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That brings us to the end of the 2024 Winter Cruise -- more appropriately branded as the Chicken Salad and Lemonade Tour. We thank you for following along, for your emails and texts, and your visits. This trip was definitely not what we anticipated, but I tried to capture an honest account of what was happening. Truthfully, writing this blog helped me process the unfortunate change of plans and put everything in perspective. We had an opportunity to explore a few new places and visit some old favorites. We will try again next year to reach the beautiful blues of The Bahamas, with a tentative departure date of Sunday, December 29. Take care and keep in touch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>[Note: Turns out we end this voyage on my 750th post since starting this blog on January 8, 2018. That's over six years and more than 20,000 miles of memories ... with upward of 71,400 views. I find all of those numbers to be incredible.]</i></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-88780461082401805952024-03-12T21:56:00.004-04:002024-03-12T21:56:41.617-04:00Saving The Best For Last?<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hampton</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Sunny? Check. Low Wind? Check. Warm? Check! By far, this was the nicest day we've enjoyed during this winter cruise. We opened the doors and welcomed some fresh air into <i>Crossroads</i>. We did some chores in the morning, and finished by adding 100 gallons of diesel to the tanks. With our travels only being to Beaufort and back, we did not burn much of our 950 capacity. After lunch we went out for a glorious walk around the neighborhood. Short sleeves and no jackets were the refreshing dress code. Facing only a light breeze, we walked along Chesapeake Avenue which runs along the waterfront. New blooms were spotted including the periwinkle/vinca and quince. One open lot among the long row of elegant houses gave us a view of the calm Hampton Roads waters. The discussion of our trek was the proper names of early spring's signature flowers. Tuns out all jonquils, daffodils, and paperwhites are members of the large genus <i>Narcissus, </i>which encompasses around 50 species. So a jonquil, which has slender, round-tipped leaves, is also both a daffodil and a narcissus. Papperwhites, on the other hand, are just narcissi. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp76gTD3BLj8CDRx7OSE3QJtfSl24hQ7-9bR7zEAIH-OzaHLhq65XtXsNHuZqlnoj_cAudFze0h-1M5AWGRiJPV5no66fX4JCT_6xP4-3unZPNp_0nzG-7QEdsT7n860F2uSj51bK6zcE-T5SGujIA46BoNxLUKvrP007euoY2KJAT2aVCZlT9finEmtQy/s2000/3_12%20hampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp76gTD3BLj8CDRx7OSE3QJtfSl24hQ7-9bR7zEAIH-OzaHLhq65XtXsNHuZqlnoj_cAudFze0h-1M5AWGRiJPV5no66fX4JCT_6xP4-3unZPNp_0nzG-7QEdsT7n860F2uSj51bK6zcE-T5SGujIA46BoNxLUKvrP007euoY2KJAT2aVCZlT9finEmtQy/w640-h176/3_12%20hampton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The best part of the day was to come. I finally got the opportunity to sit out in the sun on Fiberglass Beach in shorts and read a book. I'm a simple person and this is all it takes to make me a happy camper. Off of the starboard bow, I watched the flag fly in the increasing wind. Tug traffic moved up and down the Hampton River. As the sun set, the temperature dropped. Tomorrow will be a little cooler and a little cloudier, but should still be a nice travel day as we head back up the Chesapeake Bay to Deltaville. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnSB-gwYGmegwEYjR9obUDZ2m3zs5QBQw6oc7wQI169HnLN6X3iMcBYv8Tx2rMdtiawUPjNltUpN6tuGrN3pc1x71FRXdONtb_0iX-LI3g1w2j4irKNhyhvx1kEDUHUd3NeG_ULYqJuB-YZgNgakYFWPl5aaxaCrcPFKBMG-BwZlEm2bJ4kowKg1iO_fV/s2000/3_12%20hampton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnSB-gwYGmegwEYjR9obUDZ2m3zs5QBQw6oc7wQI169HnLN6X3iMcBYv8Tx2rMdtiawUPjNltUpN6tuGrN3pc1x71FRXdONtb_0iX-LI3g1w2j4irKNhyhvx1kEDUHUd3NeG_ULYqJuB-YZgNgakYFWPl5aaxaCrcPFKBMG-BwZlEm2bJ4kowKg1iO_fV/w640-h176/3_12%20hampton2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-49817515626220588482024-03-11T22:10:00.000-04:002024-03-11T22:10:35.970-04:00A Little Frost In The Morning<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hampton</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>A snippet of Robert Frost's <i>Two Tramps in Mud Time</i> summarized our day: "The sun was warm but the wind was chill." The sky was clear and the sun was bright giving the illusion it might be a nice day. Well, it was a good view through the windows. The air was cold and the wind was strong. We went out to adjust our dock lines in response the wind's change of direction, and came back inside shivering. The wind chill was real and unpleasant. We made a quick trip through <i>Crossroads</i>, tidying up a bit before dusting and vacuuming. Our friend Pete drove across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to visit with us a while. It was great to see him and chat about both old times and new plans. Once again, we are so very thankful for everyone who has shared their time with us during this trip. Our afternoon weather check revealed how the wind had stirred up the Chesapeake Bay. At the Stingray Point NOAA buoy, max waves were measured at nine feet earlier this morning. We'd definitely rather be here at the dock with the heat running than dealing with those conditions. Mother Nature granted us a little mercy as the wind, and especially the gusts, began to die down by the time the sun set up the Hampton River. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wBQMvMzuKb4jhu6Cal-YjY1mhTNKV6wq5l0SWoVvqi08avgW7YokHgXvhfNg8WNfRf1yLwDjfH64Q54iLdWpwTdx1imTOX_NyCynnzPcqWPxjCLw5FCt8gRsqq9En-icRr4M2VkqnNSUjclIQto4Sd47qv7Q1fbtz_8H0ZAxmR6s3cCkLZLxl69pdDmZ/s2000/3_11%20hampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wBQMvMzuKb4jhu6Cal-YjY1mhTNKV6wq5l0SWoVvqi08avgW7YokHgXvhfNg8WNfRf1yLwDjfH64Q54iLdWpwTdx1imTOX_NyCynnzPcqWPxjCLw5FCt8gRsqq9En-icRr4M2VkqnNSUjclIQto4Sd47qv7Q1fbtz_8H0ZAxmR6s3cCkLZLxl69pdDmZ/w640-h176/3_11%20hampton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The lights of the marina and the Hampton University campus across the water made for a nice dusk scene from our cockpit. We will stay here again tomorrow and let the Bay settle down before departing for Deltaville ahead of the next period of rain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiWuyzBoqOx11CF7Qehe7kQKIPCstFxfox4CevMFHkwD8T_B0lwWVvn-VEouBuIRH4irxcbWOmOYqU92JdWmJoOFZai0TOk-pleNBIOFLbcuZzY4PCmMcsxe7jtnsYJWftaCb9OanKRFZYGBwucEjGF5f6O1k96n0eEtfRhMZLcDFlrIPVvfRgS8XJJXo/s2000/3_11%20hampton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiWuyzBoqOx11CF7Qehe7kQKIPCstFxfox4CevMFHkwD8T_B0lwWVvn-VEouBuIRH4irxcbWOmOYqU92JdWmJoOFZai0TOk-pleNBIOFLbcuZzY4PCmMcsxe7jtnsYJWftaCb9OanKRFZYGBwucEjGF5f6O1k96n0eEtfRhMZLcDFlrIPVvfRgS8XJJXo/w640-h176/3_11%20hampton2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-35487664368913906022024-03-10T22:53:00.002-04:002024-03-10T22:53:41.495-04:00Cruising Down Memory Lane<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Great Bridge to Hampton </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>|<span style="color: red;"> 4.5 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hours</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>| <span style="color: red;">22.1 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Miles</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>The time change had us out of sorts, but we were up for the first daylight opening of the Great Bridge bridge. Barry called ahead to make sure the lock was operating on normal schedule. It had been closed yesterday because of high water. At 7:50 I began removing our dock lines and fenders and we pulled away from the free dock in front of the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation museum which was still illuminated by night lights. <i>Crossroads</i> eased through the open bridge spans and moved forward into the lock. We had the chamber to ourselves for the one foot lift. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixISnybGbtQ67iXTFaVoAVJq82M4rJRiQjERgkVIx2on-COY10aH5KqNrAjPlaoe1ubingkU0XeynEq6eRLAC69U7WWt5F6Eoa0QKesluIqQS3sGPwyK3K0YyahzTP_YnMAIql9f8zN9cQb5G67dWD8FijTreGrpaV2-mrYX4r5mr3njw3vzCmpd0xrNPV/s2000/3_10%20hampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixISnybGbtQ67iXTFaVoAVJq82M4rJRiQjERgkVIx2on-COY10aH5KqNrAjPlaoe1ubingkU0XeynEq6eRLAC69U7WWt5F6Eoa0QKesluIqQS3sGPwyK3K0YyahzTP_YnMAIql9f8zN9cQb5G67dWD8FijTreGrpaV2-mrYX4r5mr3njw3vzCmpd0xrNPV/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We exited into the Elizabeth River and enjoyed a pleasant ride. This route is familiar, but always offeres something new. The marine radio was busy with Coast Guard securite announcements. Soon after our departure we heard that the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge #7 would be closing to allow for train passage. No worries, that train would be gone by the time we arrived. Not long thereafter, a notice came of the Great Bridge Lock being closed because of high water. We had escaped just in time. Veterans Bridge came into view around a bend and marked the entrance into industrial development. We rounded another bend and discovered the Old Number 7 was still down and closed to traffic. A call to the tender told us there would be a 15 minute wait. Thirty minutes later, we were still holding station. Then we saw that the earlier train was making its way back across the river, caboose first. It seemed to be the longest train ever.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e59MkNC7XG1GOlsgdrIZ336TJf_A8OrPiLXK4OdN7Revbt96-bbaTGjC35JkzOhf38-bwY9qrsgb2AZ0TrrtrYuela8kPY3Yyyx3sUyrOeh21biHN6l17xWqC7ay-giWieUOrDc2_zU0pOyO34fydB-WHc-oJOgRbN6XyWSafIqwa96hI_q04TdxZvId/s2000/3_10%20hampton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e59MkNC7XG1GOlsgdrIZ336TJf_A8OrPiLXK4OdN7Revbt96-bbaTGjC35JkzOhf38-bwY9qrsgb2AZ0TrrtrYuela8kPY3Yyyx3sUyrOeh21biHN6l17xWqC7ay-giWieUOrDc2_zU0pOyO34fydB-WHc-oJOgRbN6XyWSafIqwa96hI_q04TdxZvId/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Eventually the horn sounded and the span was raised to permit our passage. As we passed through, the significant damage to the fenders was apparent. The repairs for a boat running into it will have the bridge closed tomorrow. We breezed through Railroad Bridge #5 shortly before it was closed for a train. We were rolling and enjoying the views in favorable light. The towering Jordan Bridge was busy with pedestrians and vehicle traffic. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2apqOnALmduynGIXCqw4mdRrIGMh3hLwkbQncqVllG0VuKhL0roU5g-Pq_es62RFGROLa03Po4pBUfjh-q170Jxz9q-lqNEkL32EY09S6fMEjPCmnmhQLz1eCC6PJMAKdU6YeYKzloQ09jJDVq5g5juKewKCInkoqZ6BhGgJYggoQZJA4MBdY6tr-BVG/s2000/3_10%20hampton3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2apqOnALmduynGIXCqw4mdRrIGMh3hLwkbQncqVllG0VuKhL0roU5g-Pq_es62RFGROLa03Po4pBUfjh-q170Jxz9q-lqNEkL32EY09S6fMEjPCmnmhQLz1eCC6PJMAKdU6YeYKzloQ09jJDVq5g5juKewKCInkoqZ6BhGgJYggoQZJA4MBdY6tr-BVG/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As we passed through Portsmouth on the left, we spotted an old friend in the marina. <i>SaltyMare</i>, a Selene 53, was the pride and joy of Susie and Todd who we were fortunate enough to visit with twice during this trip. The beautiful boat now has another great family to carry on adventures. To the right, was Norfolk Waterside with their colorful welcome mural which brought back many memories. Cranes began sprouting up on the horizon as we neared the cargo terminals. Stacks and more stacks of trailers were ready to receive offloaded containers. The <i>Zim Mount Kilimanjaro</i> was docked along with two "smaller" ships. The ship was built in 2023 and sails under the flag of Hong Kong. You know it is BIG when the length is measured in miles. It was listed on AIS as being .2 nautical miles long which is roughly 1,200 feet, or 10 football fields including the end zones. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGwaehvCgn0CiF7P-AIbl_QPwKDWU-v83kdjjcHUIgPoDYlFesfhYXyRRLuart8Q4oIV6jNYIcCd3mBit5Ph4kBofRDvakHNKAhpzL9_kp1_HG7XyyJdxMik8DIe0pFPwFUf15UaNrdshNsij1gf0oJIhWQ_cksNuhW8PqcPyC7XrsinC3u18ZVHfoVh7/s2000/3_10%20hampton4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGwaehvCgn0CiF7P-AIbl_QPwKDWU-v83kdjjcHUIgPoDYlFesfhYXyRRLuart8Q4oIV6jNYIcCd3mBit5Ph4kBofRDvakHNKAhpzL9_kp1_HG7XyyJdxMik8DIe0pFPwFUf15UaNrdshNsij1gf0oJIhWQ_cksNuhW8PqcPyC7XrsinC3u18ZVHfoVh7/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The closer we got to the open exposure of Hampton Roads, the breezier it became and the choppier the water got. <i>Crossroads</i> took several good saltwater sprays and I chose to observed the aircraft carriers at the Navy base from the comfort of the pilothouse. The <i>USS Bainbridge</i> (DDG-96), a guided missile destroyer, was inbound to the base and its helper tug was waiting for its arrival. Smaller craft met us at the entrance to the Hampton River. Several sailing dinghies were out in the stiff breeze exhibiting more nerve than I would ever have. This one sailor spent more time bailing with his red bucket than he did piloting. We pulled up to the Bluewater Marina fuel dock just as we did way back on December 30. The marina was closed so we just tied up ourselves. I gave myself the customary dockhand tip. A mallard couple came by to welcome us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbjIcjkdgQ4kkXF9483LBU5EaxCdioIaBn8lKa8OBC8F3N4dTLJ1spQQUBgjNTgmm32ps9ryhsM1wOP2w-y08Au6dnbiMhUsvrsE-4oBd3ouF27IH0O32bFhfrM4985NVrxtGZpJ1dhonpEqhzgSBZcqad8Cvdc8hEd-O5SIDDZyIAaGpSUBtsGbHX_Ns/s2000/3_10%20hampton5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbjIcjkdgQ4kkXF9483LBU5EaxCdioIaBn8lKa8OBC8F3N4dTLJ1spQQUBgjNTgmm32ps9ryhsM1wOP2w-y08Au6dnbiMhUsvrsE-4oBd3ouF27IH0O32bFhfrM4985NVrxtGZpJ1dhonpEqhzgSBZcqad8Cvdc8hEd-O5SIDDZyIAaGpSUBtsGbHX_Ns/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I watched two exciting conference finals before we went for a walk around the neighborhood. The houses we last saw when they were decorated for Christmas now featured the wonderful blooms of spring. It was a welcome sight. As much as I love spending time in The Bahamas, I've always missed springtime in Virginia. Now if we can just do something about the cold temperatures and this incessant wind. The gusts built all afternoon and dark clouds moved in behind the Hampton University bell tower. Tomorrow will be another blustery day so we'll hang out here and wait for the Chesapeake Bay conditions to improve before moving north. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOuOKYUHBFQ2AEg7rDgv7P76bbDx_63la-X91yxdMmLXPgXD-XqY3yXREt9057Rxq4OAx2wcVdNEFfM4FhydIXZzIhtp6yxi1PdpT78EAsTRjmuk4V5KflcvcSEZVcPCHL2219NyTzyF7_PMCTV71XpMjDrHkr0m6nn1qNMKNz39gAW8VBnHuMm5OMVip/s2000/3_10%20hampton6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOuOKYUHBFQ2AEg7rDgv7P76bbDx_63la-X91yxdMmLXPgXD-XqY3yXREt9057Rxq4OAx2wcVdNEFfM4FhydIXZzIhtp6yxi1PdpT78EAsTRjmuk4V5KflcvcSEZVcPCHL2219NyTzyF7_PMCTV71XpMjDrHkr0m6nn1qNMKNz39gAW8VBnHuMm5OMVip/w640-h176/3_10%20hampton6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-62482569692520196752024-03-09T22:45:00.000-05:002024-03-09T22:45:03.892-05:00Crossing Back Into Virginia<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Camden Point to Great Bridge </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>|<span style="color: red;"> 6 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hours</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>| <span style="color: red;">42.8 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Miles</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We got an earlier start today, hoping to get the anchor up and be on our way before the heavy rain began. Tiny flies descended upon <i>Crossroads</i> overnight. I removed as many as I could while washing down the anchor and decks. A sign along the North River pointed out one of our bucket list destinations. Manteo is on the Albemarle Loop which is a route we hope to do one day. The weather was not cooperating for this trip. The wind was light and waterside homes cast a perfect reflection on the still intracoastal waterway. There were no other boats on the water and only one duck boat tied up alongside Coinjock Marina. The rain fell harder as we entered Currituck Sound. The lack of sunshine made for a chilly morning and we pulled out the heater for a more comfortable ride. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy-HFLuFKTi9FmY6sQJrK2PQMWjtrKT-DxjHsXc83kClZpf99s55muTWl8K1uPSQW_wzFnoN2RZM7e0W15aY9pkAAc73qRo7bvM_8SlK2CmBHcbViMW12zugUBXNsuM63J6nwJT8MU1dXkvX_WIYlwywDo5lrpZkH9WChBtxA4zK6FIwQLcAxyOnbYzXI/s2000/3_9%20great%20bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy-HFLuFKTi9FmY6sQJrK2PQMWjtrKT-DxjHsXc83kClZpf99s55muTWl8K1uPSQW_wzFnoN2RZM7e0W15aY9pkAAc73qRo7bvM_8SlK2CmBHcbViMW12zugUBXNsuM63J6nwJT8MU1dXkvX_WIYlwywDo5lrpZkH9WChBtxA4zK6FIwQLcAxyOnbYzXI/w640-h176/3_9%20great%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>What was a UPS truck doing wheel-deep in the shallows? Turns out it was a duck blind. I was pleased to spot my favorite stump in its spot. All along our path, osprey had begun collecting sticks and crafting their spring nests. Most day markers had a nest and we also saw nests lower to the water on top of bridge fenders. The rain continued as we calculated our time and distance equations for our 12:30 arrival at the North Landing Swing Bridge. I called my mom to wish her a happy birthday and was reviewing the day's ball game schedule with her as we crossed back into Virginia. We slowed a bit which gave us an opportunity to see a large sailboat sitting very low in the shallow water. We had not noticed it as we passed in January. Only one side of the bridge opened, but there was plenty of room to slide through. The Centerville Bridge opened on request without delay. We called it a day at the free dock in Great Bridge. The rain continued into the evening and we stayed inside with the both the heat running and a string of ball games on the TV.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VFXDZdEqYX_Ww7LNnEgF8yYstYuc8wqB5C6slk88CDSyRAf80mBCk2YOd0klrz1gmAjQIBygiknURkAeTaIXfcTlGl8r68hRiOJoCdul1FmAMeBa_uhx-YZYLyfHCrVbs9kqKka5PCObPYIXEzQtZrrfAzy-bceViW5eIfd0ZHXNZNqthyphenhyphenKfQC9kJQ3k/s2000/3_9%20great%20bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VFXDZdEqYX_Ww7LNnEgF8yYstYuc8wqB5C6slk88CDSyRAf80mBCk2YOd0klrz1gmAjQIBygiknURkAeTaIXfcTlGl8r68hRiOJoCdul1FmAMeBa_uhx-YZYLyfHCrVbs9kqKka5PCObPYIXEzQtZrrfAzy-bceViW5eIfd0ZHXNZNqthyphenhyphenKfQC9kJQ3k/w640-h176/3_9%20great%20bridge2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-5894800874328464392024-03-08T21:04:00.002-05:002024-03-08T21:04:41.611-05:00You See Where You Focus<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Belhaven to Camden Point </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>|<span style="color: red;"> 9.4 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hours</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>| <span style="color: red;">66.7 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Miles</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We experienced a first this morning. For the first time in all of our travels, we departed Belhaven after sunrise. That's not to say that our 7:30 start was late. For our early winter trips south, the sun rises late and daylight hours are short. In the past, we've headed north in early spring with longer hours of daylight. The difference "dawned" on us as being the switch to Daylight Savings Time. Had we arrived in Belhaven two days later, we would have again left with the sunrise. I missed the dramatic scenery while raising the anchor, but appreciated the additional light. I also appreciated the slightly warmer temperature and braved the morning in only three layers. As expected, the anchor came up caked with three inches of mud and the chain was hidden in a gooey black sleeve. It took a while to clean everything up, but I finished before we entered the Alligator-Pungo Canal. It was a pretty morning with bright blue sky, a few clouds, and light wind. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mb-YyURCdl6p2jBxK2RFKYLkiR6jmRo6LxCrNUJ7R4GQAszyZ0fCOiOrCQLPvg_RO7dwnjNWgMBcI90emRY-kHlrtcDnHJF_w7a7H6fwf4OH-evEo-5oOO03KZR6seP-jQTo5aXmaDd-cp6CuwZryt58rPk5H2EbTJSONaZ68GYPQl_Cb_hZxhyphenhyphen8S300/s2000/3_8%20camden%20point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mb-YyURCdl6p2jBxK2RFKYLkiR6jmRo6LxCrNUJ7R4GQAszyZ0fCOiOrCQLPvg_RO7dwnjNWgMBcI90emRY-kHlrtcDnHJF_w7a7H6fwf4OH-evEo-5oOO03KZR6seP-jQTo5aXmaDd-cp6CuwZryt58rPk5H2EbTJSONaZ68GYPQl_Cb_hZxhyphenhyphen8S300/w640-h176/3_8%20camden%20point.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The ride through the long, straight canal took about two hours. We had the canal all to ourselves and drove right down the middle while admiring the scenery. Compared to the "old days" the trip today was a piece of cake. We used to dread this trip because there was no radio stations, no cell service, and no internet. Thanks to Starlink, we surfed, streamed music, made phone calls, and played online games in addition to looking out over the horizon. Playing with depth of field settings yielded the philosophical thought of the day, "You see where you focus." Throughout this challenging trip, we've tried to look at the big picture and keep our focus on our surroundings beyond <i>Crossroads</i>. We exited the canal into the Alligator River. Soon the Alligator River Bridge was in sight and we called in with the standard request for an opening. Our timing coincided with a shift change so we had to wait for a while. The cloud cover increased as did the wind-driven waves. The span swung open and we passed through. A pod of pelicans formed a receiving line atop the bridge fender and greeted us ambivalently as we entered Albemarle Sound. An occasional wave sent spray up on the windshield, but overall it was an easy and uneventful crossing. Once in the North River we pulled off into a familiar anchorage in Broad Creek and dropped the hook for the night. While warmer than our trip south, it is still chilly outside. Both the generator and ball game are on and all is comfortable onboard. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZeD-7u3qazqSb1-YnlInIvP8IJvvm5Rg9atLsjR395JUlqSY-oJLRN5Usoy8XTza5S6BNfwBVzo3FpJr6gIaW61UdffPaJJ9F5XXCj9-s6KFjXtm3af2I8rilqt-uB6LbAOivPDEQTFq0WCpSnlvBuAKIdm5fU3Tr0-amA7US5ah-RJdza5VmsklVSjc/s2000/3_8%20camden%20point2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZeD-7u3qazqSb1-YnlInIvP8IJvvm5Rg9atLsjR395JUlqSY-oJLRN5Usoy8XTza5S6BNfwBVzo3FpJr6gIaW61UdffPaJJ9F5XXCj9-s6KFjXtm3af2I8rilqt-uB6LbAOivPDEQTFq0WCpSnlvBuAKIdm5fU3Tr0-amA7US5ah-RJdza5VmsklVSjc/w640-h176/3_8%20camden%20point2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-24418418663104185182024-03-07T21:03:00.003-05:002024-03-07T21:03:23.184-05:00Changing Our View<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort to Belhaven </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>|<span style="color: red;"> 8.1 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Hours</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>| <span style="color: red;">58.3 </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Miles</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>The moment finally arrived. We pulled out of our slip just before 8:00, said farewell to Town Creek Marina, passed under the bridge that has been a permanent fixture in my sunset photos, and departed Beaufort. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBGgo4gvZgk4M-bbnwWUz_K6Z5UnPkFGIQg4txSsEPKyt7zCDHWeXW_htQ40fG2VyM1zKzjADbd6Iinw0fDTeTPP1odlxbSMW2fiza_ANJ7wPK52ORHloW8Nnx71Q8OxQwPHwdQhxjrWSd0kL43GYoRzLLw3crd6rHEQC8NQ4SjD3CbbStcDl7aUBY2EQ/s2000/3_7%20belhaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBGgo4gvZgk4M-bbnwWUz_K6Z5UnPkFGIQg4txSsEPKyt7zCDHWeXW_htQ40fG2VyM1zKzjADbd6Iinw0fDTeTPP1odlxbSMW2fiza_ANJ7wPK52ORHloW8Nnx71Q8OxQwPHwdQhxjrWSd0kL43GYoRzLLw3crd6rHEQC8NQ4SjD3CbbStcDl7aUBY2EQ/w640-h176/3_7%20belhaven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A light drizzle fell and required the occasional use of our windshield wipers. Our eyes were wide open and our heads on swivels as we excitedly took in all the views and activities associated with water travel. Three dolphins escorted us into Core Creek. Pelicans glided inches from the water. Once in Adams Creek a work barge carrying artificial reefs passed. Hundreds of birds flew in formation close to the water. As we exited into the Neuse River we spotted a derelict sailboat in the grasses, demasted and headsail shredded. The Neuse was remarkably calm and we had an easy ride without a single drop of spray over the bow. The clouds were beginning to break and we were kept alert by occasional southbound vessels -- a car ferry and a trawler smaller than us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPdappp0XKJuWzT7Gbi4v-tdC7gsqrtsl7XuaSbiQWaINeCMefPNNV5ZiFYGtojvRco20ph57HWB82cpgc1HSIL_ZESlaE0h5FGaRExgQKSl7TjlcehT9GOhCF_9DXX9Ca944J9Kcv4DVLM0H6Z3BK4MBDQuoMysrGbpOTkv2JAZ7SsoPMTuGUqpAAbsT/s2000/3_7%20belhaven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPdappp0XKJuWzT7Gbi4v-tdC7gsqrtsl7XuaSbiQWaINeCMefPNNV5ZiFYGtojvRco20ph57HWB82cpgc1HSIL_ZESlaE0h5FGaRExgQKSl7TjlcehT9GOhCF_9DXX9Ca944J9Kcv4DVLM0H6Z3BK4MBDQuoMysrGbpOTkv2JAZ7SsoPMTuGUqpAAbsT/w640-h176/3_7%20belhaven2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>By noon it was a beautiful day and we were enjoying the bright sun heating up the pilothouse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtBGmv-nipaqbVjpC10iOisPQNmMMeuY7wzNDONYYdMGLeXSL8BvHcf_4gnzjRQy9jLxQGn6sEDXN9G8fGgyEBoocEH5p2QUHjPPlbnkzD7jKDwzm49up6HZpaW4msY2_pqSwcq81_ZUFAL0_Nre03FjWubSsp3LmIwRWDhP18xDTeMorATkuVzyEjzYM/s2000/3_7%20belhaven3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtBGmv-nipaqbVjpC10iOisPQNmMMeuY7wzNDONYYdMGLeXSL8BvHcf_4gnzjRQy9jLxQGn6sEDXN9G8fGgyEBoocEH5p2QUHjPPlbnkzD7jKDwzm49up6HZpaW4msY2_pqSwcq81_ZUFAL0_Nre03FjWubSsp3LmIwRWDhP18xDTeMorATkuVzyEjzYM/w640-h176/3_7%20belhaven3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A waterman in short sleeves watched as we passed alongside his boat in the Hobucken Canal. Keeping a long-running tradition alive, I snapped a photo of the shrimp boats at the RE Mayo dock. The day went by quickly and it was wonderful to be moving again. By 4:00 we had followed our previous tracks inside the breakwater in Belhaven and dropped our anchor in a familiar spot. We cleaned up and relaxed a bit before dinner. Once the chicken was in the oven it was time to go outside and view the sunset. Mother Nature did not disappoint in the nightly show of colors. It was, however, weird not seeing the Beaufort Bridge in the foreground. The beauty of cruising is the opportunity to continually change our view. I could get used to this one, but we will take advantage of good weather and move again tomorrow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sv27ZEZ7A8Jk4zt9Gm7KOURVOJiVWiTGjXfgKGmUdSMNcRAkpLnDR-QUqosLY7BR1K5qndH2shrsHVoI-NSXNUrQDbYz7nFFyht3ewuV3Vmn4znMZ-8Ne9zM4cYpW-v9ui_KNfT1zcfqqV1aMOfqkg0WQtyHnz5OqQ7d6hQkfBYGZrEyBMEoHQdgk4yf/s2000/3_7%20belhaven4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sv27ZEZ7A8Jk4zt9Gm7KOURVOJiVWiTGjXfgKGmUdSMNcRAkpLnDR-QUqosLY7BR1K5qndH2shrsHVoI-NSXNUrQDbYz7nFFyht3ewuV3Vmn4znMZ-8Ne9zM4cYpW-v9ui_KNfT1zcfqqV1aMOfqkg0WQtyHnz5OqQ7d6hQkfBYGZrEyBMEoHQdgk4yf/w640-h176/3_7%20belhaven4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-83643428715068722502024-03-06T21:53:00.002-05:002024-03-07T12:33:25.534-05:00The End of Our Beaufort Era?<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>The cycle continues. Yesterday's beautiful weather quickly transitioned to the antithesis today. It was raining when we woke up. It rained and rained. All day, one thick gray cloud encompassed the entire view from the pilothouse. There was an occasional rumble of thunder and even a few flashes of lightning. The wind kicked up and gusted in the mid-30s by late afternoon. As hard as it rained, we found it interesting that the starboard midship piling was expectedly soaking wet on the windward (dark/right) side and surprisingly dry on the leeward (light/left) side -- indicative of the wind's strength and consistency. We made a final trip to the store to pick up enough turkey, fruit, and vegetables to last for the next two weeks. As we drove back to the marina the flag was still flying stiff. We left the Escape in long-term parking and made what we hope is our final walk down the dock to <i>Crossroads</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cu2mrhohBJpk8jxRGpcS5IPRL_ouBEbz8Kl9OibhdcqeFFfQgN_8O0p-61qHGaqz0n-cXL_6O-Z2-Qk0Cl_1EKjRe6h53XauC-VWSgfSCMwoeIHkZLdmcLy0yBw1eNhjZeY2XFJRtTfgT-KqW6fJxM2rhnlUrfMBKo7oxA-mO7xcvRjAtL4wNyZLEg5Q/s2000/3_6%20beaufort.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cu2mrhohBJpk8jxRGpcS5IPRL_ouBEbz8Kl9OibhdcqeFFfQgN_8O0p-61qHGaqz0n-cXL_6O-Z2-Qk0Cl_1EKjRe6h53XauC-VWSgfSCMwoeIHkZLdmcLy0yBw1eNhjZeY2XFJRtTfgT-KqW6fJxM2rhnlUrfMBKo7oxA-mO7xcvRjAtL4wNyZLEg5Q/w640-h176/3_6%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In hindsight, this delay could not have happened in a much better spot. Granted, I would have preferred warmer weather and bluer water, but from Day 1, Town Creek Marina and Beaufort have been fabulous. Steve, Carol, and the whole staff at the marina have been most helpful. They recommended Braswell Welding and Cape Lookout Canvas as contractors to put us back together. Both companies were responsive and did excellent work. We were in the right place at the right time to take advantage of their skills. (We also doubt that we could have found any better contractors back home.) Geographically, we were blessed to be able to go home and also explore many new areas. Thanks again to my Aunt Wrenn for hooking us up with Atlantic Beach and all the beauty it had to offer. Mother Nature was the only nemesis and she fought us tooth and nail the entire time. The wind, in particular, was our biggest foe. From the original storm damage, to causing delays in repair work, and offering limited travel options, the wind has ruled every move of every day. A highlight of our stay has been a clear view of the sunset beyond the US 70 Bridge over Gallants Channel. Every night, whether it had been a good day or not, I anxiously awaited the evening's final colors. I have mentioned it before, but the images below show how the sun's position has moved in reference to the bridge during our stay. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE9FMLoXRuyfb0b82FL23d5VWfvhNG1Z-lmLHjOhP6Fty95wAGLnFrRlcNT4N2CGXm3xVQN1zrjId-aQeicNM0uWWmdg1r07U8K1OBzQsFrJb1mRpojG-gDT5dwOzPys1kP965tvn7ztcSF37jSJZVMWaLJjyNFNKy_ilIkEp26NEUd8UHZbc_wk3SDLt/s2000/3_6%20beaufort%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE9FMLoXRuyfb0b82FL23d5VWfvhNG1Z-lmLHjOhP6Fty95wAGLnFrRlcNT4N2CGXm3xVQN1zrjId-aQeicNM0uWWmdg1r07U8K1OBzQsFrJb1mRpojG-gDT5dwOzPys1kP965tvn7ztcSF37jSJZVMWaLJjyNFNKy_ilIkEp26NEUd8UHZbc_wk3SDLt/w640-h176/3_6%20beaufort%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, it is our intention to end our Beaufort Era tomorrow morning and move on after 62 days, 58 days later than expected. Due to the lateness in the season, the lack of a four day offshore weather window to quickly get to The Bahamas, and most of our cruising budget being exhausted on marina and contractor fees, we will head north and not continue south. We are disappointed for sure, but feel this is the smart choice. We will not, however, rush back to Deltaville and hope to visit a few new places along the way. We'll continue to make the most of our Chicken Salad and Lemonade Tour and hope you'll continue to follow along until we return to Deltaville just before Easter.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-34894677668638523272024-03-05T23:27:00.000-05:002024-03-06T12:27:50.436-05:00Beyond Exit 95 on Interstate 95<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>An absolutely beautiful morning had us eager to get outside and complete a few final (for now) boat projects. As we worked in the cockpit, Town Creek was busy with all modes of water travel. A kayak passed alongside a waterman while sailboats departed the anchorage and center consoles headed toward Beaufort Inlet. A large mosquito was even a welcome site at this time of year. With chores, showers, and lunch done, we were off to our destination of Smithfield, NC. New signs of the changing seasons were everywhere. Roadside displays touting a bridal fair and pork-cookin' challenge battled for our attention with blooming forsythia, red buds, and Bradford pear trees. Boats were lined up at the launch ramp awaiting their time to get in the water. I did some quick research and identified three stops to make before our final destination. First up, lured by a <i>Roadside America </i>review as being "epic<i>,"</i> was Dinosaur Skeleton Sculptures in Pikeville. The <a href="https://bentonsfabrication.com/the-benton-dinosaur/" target="_blank">30-foot T-Rex</a> was the first installation and easily spotted on the horizon. This sculpture garden is located on the property of Benton & Sons, a company that specializes in heavy steel and stainless steel sheet fabrication. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP9OIqhoE__yLWCQrxG622WBzdRO2G0i4i5jLNP3xlv761n7V4ufi6UiByyrLIawjrXUqy2h7WWt2RCKiWECb_NHoJpucMYQTy4vVfKhIIRZp_9FamYLJ2LtRUrnqM8LN9IYMHJF2XxQQVVWRcI5SIm4HgsUPnFyOqvRut8Kp_DtXx2Fs7qfchEaRKofa/s2000/3_5%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP9OIqhoE__yLWCQrxG622WBzdRO2G0i4i5jLNP3xlv761n7V4ufi6UiByyrLIawjrXUqy2h7WWt2RCKiWECb_NHoJpucMYQTy4vVfKhIIRZp_9FamYLJ2LtRUrnqM8LN9IYMHJF2XxQQVVWRcI5SIm4HgsUPnFyOqvRut8Kp_DtXx2Fs7qfchEaRKofa/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Over the past 15 years the number of dinosaurs have increased, other species have been added to the display, and a side venture in <a href="https://bentonsfabrication.com/yard-art-garden-sculptures/" target="_blank">retail</a> has evolved. I walked around and gawked at hundreds of items, noting that some were covered wrapped in lights. Pleasantly surprised, we moved on to the next stop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWzZhQ7PpiDRYYNFnUItTTKs-uigiC3zQPvJZz5l0F5kzqKdAEOdjZR-RVrM6L4_5ajib47AI_Ow0aXngRVpLBre_Ihyj8xznqZKMV4LuDu3YVJKyLnsOkd_94xAjDn8PJSmL5lVMM6WlcigDP55lsFF0Qo6Al-juR30dEOmXdavypu7zu8836CUVy2gO/s2000/3_5%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWzZhQ7PpiDRYYNFnUItTTKs-uigiC3zQPvJZz5l0F5kzqKdAEOdjZR-RVrM6L4_5ajib47AI_Ow0aXngRVpLBre_Ihyj8xznqZKMV4LuDu3YVJKyLnsOkd_94xAjDn8PJSmL5lVMM6WlcigDP55lsFF0Qo6Al-juR30dEOmXdavypu7zu8836CUVy2gO/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This stop came to us through Trip Advisor. I doubt we could have found this place without the help of Google maps. Multiple turns finally terminated in a cul-de-sac. Contradictory messages met us as the directional arrow stood only slightly higher than the private property and no trespassing signs. Wild Bill's Western Town Shadowhawk is a replica of a Wild West town built in 1997 by former Hollywood actor Bill Drake in his large back yard. We're still not convinced that the place was officially open, but two gentlemen and a rooster welcomed us and told us to walk the "street" and take some pictures and that's what we did. (Side note: the rooster immediately transported me to The Bahamas with memories of their 24-hour a day crowing in Rock Sound and Governor's Harbour.) Over the years, this recreation of the past has served as a set for movies and as a wedding venue. We stopped by the saloon (complete with piano), ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X5cb68LmTB1dn1FdMmm3pE_DTHlj_veNDW_nPwmwtTvRV8VCY9-HUmem1qN6MRlfz3Sy_56KK9WYDktQQHT2Th0Eoddx5h2VYcYj6WI70H4HBR70WljqS6QHaiFEs7bOPQS07JKvCWiYmnFUK7CBF7qs22avooh4zHJvY11IOds5Qa9_qEOyC-dwx3j8/s2000/3_5%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X5cb68LmTB1dn1FdMmm3pE_DTHlj_veNDW_nPwmwtTvRV8VCY9-HUmem1qN6MRlfz3Sy_56KK9WYDktQQHT2Th0Eoddx5h2VYcYj6WI70H4HBR70WljqS6QHaiFEs7bOPQS07JKvCWiYmnFUK7CBF7qs22avooh4zHJvY11IOds5Qa9_qEOyC-dwx3j8/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>... chapel (with rules posted at the door, and beautiful pews), and a few other buildings. From certain angles, the vintage vibe was still strong. All that took about 10 minutes. We passed through the authentic swinging doors and hit the road again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8psBpVF8sVN2hY1LcqQmkn62nG2008UmwzOMiuLo-ZfOEZXdWDKEyOKYqfVqgvW7Bz3DYA0P1YKIIAACmGD3dZg2fz9TM_ixJNSk1SJuRvJ0hExUx2tqOGseuNPX5Brzju6QGHfIfd6_HsQUWl6ZpLzSsJyGGN867RrxCtg3SDfXO9zhHwMvU3IESerc-/s2000/3_5%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8psBpVF8sVN2hY1LcqQmkn62nG2008UmwzOMiuLo-ZfOEZXdWDKEyOKYqfVqgvW7Bz3DYA0P1YKIIAACmGD3dZg2fz9TM_ixJNSk1SJuRvJ0hExUx2tqOGseuNPX5Brzju6QGHfIfd6_HsQUWl6ZpLzSsJyGGN867RrxCtg3SDfXO9zhHwMvU3IESerc-/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We advanced still closer to our destination and stopped in downtown Smithfield at the <a href="https://www.johnstoncountync.org/ava-gardner/" target="_blank">Ava Gardner Museum</a>. Other than recognizing her name and the titles of some of her more famous movies, I didn't know squat about the native of Grabtown, NC, located seven miles east of Smithfield. A nice sign in Historic Downtown Smithfield marked the location. Free on-street parking right in front on the elegant building was a bonus. We arrived at 4:00 and the museum closed at 4:30. The sweet docent explained that that have over 500 exhibits and it usually takes folks a couple of hours to see everything along with the film. We were skeptical, but soon became converts. This museum was beautiful and well-lit, the exhibits comprehensive and beautiful. I'd even venture to say they were of Smithsonian quality. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ3oBJlrZ0CPfRnUztmqkpU3r3uSShI9t8DhaSToXBOp-brfxyccoqfJ5jDilDR7ptebjYZa1Ue1q6hrIpMf9zMoFyB7zUPNV4P44Oq2GHrvnCKhHEzDe1VkB67V3bi1k8aMLgLNlaM4sQ2QZRNKI5Ho32IAowFK0a1qr-8eQ37Hu4sE1C6ig-CwkDuyx/s2000/3_5%20beaufort5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ3oBJlrZ0CPfRnUztmqkpU3r3uSShI9t8DhaSToXBOp-brfxyccoqfJ5jDilDR7ptebjYZa1Ue1q6hrIpMf9zMoFyB7zUPNV4P44Oq2GHrvnCKhHEzDe1VkB67V3bi1k8aMLgLNlaM4sQ2QZRNKI5Ho32IAowFK0a1qr-8eQ37Hu4sE1C6ig-CwkDuyx/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I was shocked by the number and greatness of her A-list costars (Gregory Peck, Burt Lancaster, Humphrey Bogart, tons more) and husbands (Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra). In the end we could have easily stayed much longer. Barry had set an alarm so that we would exit before closing and we did. A large mural on the side of the museum was just as elegant as the museum. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k9PNSmIb-CZD19AM-OFCKQqeKfdVbvtY6cg5beY9I_CaooE2mrC_UDJvnWx_cN9RnRhSWlSLqSl99xuKFwFFg41LI0eCkXyjnuB9HrSY7O_gDeAxb1v1V4Hn9UZFot0zrsOsJ7DRPPkSqyTS_j3JwjwKn94WDwxaRdYA_laSfbvRfT9mvXhvHXUvb-mW/s2000/3_5%20beaufort6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k9PNSmIb-CZD19AM-OFCKQqeKfdVbvtY6cg5beY9I_CaooE2mrC_UDJvnWx_cN9RnRhSWlSLqSl99xuKFwFFg41LI0eCkXyjnuB9HrSY7O_gDeAxb1v1V4Hn9UZFot0zrsOsJ7DRPPkSqyTS_j3JwjwKn94WDwxaRdYA_laSfbvRfT9mvXhvHXUvb-mW/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We walked along East Market Street, the main thoroughfare and spotted the clock. Extra credit was awarded for accurate time, but was then negated by a significant deduction for not having the town name displayed. The artwork on the Evans Jewelers building and a statue in front of the library received extra attention. After circling the block we hopped in the Escape and moved on to our ultimate destination of the day. For most folks, Smithfield is "Exit 95 off of Interstate 95" at the Carolina Premium Outlets. Thankfully for us, there are also several restaurants that made for an easy meet-up with dear friends Chris and Gina as they traveled home from Florida and back to New Jersey. We had driven to Roanoke Rapids a month ago for a similar meeting and lamented about not having enough time to visit. How happy we were to be able to coordinate catching them again. We visited for several hours before eventually saying goodbye until summer. They drove on to Roanoke Rapids for the night and we headed back to Beaufort.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPRGkKfre7QyUwLMlRMLM6PHADTj91mmIj2husheuABuQkqGtUwLOZjaN0e2LUJ3qioBJU1u-WGs9I9bu0AKKz5WDpF28yP-ag5JCOsj4KTkVVt_MPWg9lE-SFKf1rWT8Eyg0l0-s4jaLpkWiFt181xyj4olCmWTU2ponakCXJ6AVropRxRyaQqWONeae/s2000/3_5%20beaufort%207b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPRGkKfre7QyUwLMlRMLM6PHADTj91mmIj2husheuABuQkqGtUwLOZjaN0e2LUJ3qioBJU1u-WGs9I9bu0AKKz5WDpF28yP-ag5JCOsj4KTkVVt_MPWg9lE-SFKf1rWT8Eyg0l0-s4jaLpkWiFt181xyj4olCmWTU2ponakCXJ6AVropRxRyaQqWONeae/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort%207b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Even though it was late, we still made a 20-minute detour to see the dinosaur sculptures lit up at night. What a cool display. Rain began to fall soon thereafter and we made it back to the boat just before midnight. Sorry for the late post, but sleep was calling my name. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjQpN64vJFDJiMFt59RuaGhPxckXutHtHTvf30sdJNF7gLtU4pq0tMxSob_P58dc1jCg7v449SmoMPccRG1632f6pFkwpaHe9jb1z3D9j1hJRSFVRy9FYCHNPc3wmmGgwE_saZMy-9VA7KeM4xsA4vEcolUHr-MY1bZEFJ8pFqOxX-bUWAbhOXZUy694z/s2000/3_5%20beaufort8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjQpN64vJFDJiMFt59RuaGhPxckXutHtHTvf30sdJNF7gLtU4pq0tMxSob_P58dc1jCg7v449SmoMPccRG1632f6pFkwpaHe9jb1z3D9j1hJRSFVRy9FYCHNPc3wmmGgwE_saZMy-9VA7KeM4xsA4vEcolUHr-MY1bZEFJ8pFqOxX-bUWAbhOXZUy694z/w640-h176/3_5%20beaufort8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-84683888302440498212024-03-04T21:45:00.003-05:002024-03-04T21:45:44.942-05:00Rainy Days and Mondays<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>In keeping with Mother Nature's brutal, yet predictable, pattern of the last two months, yesterday's nice day was followed by a solid day of yuck. Heavy rain fell overnight and I woke up once more to the rat-a-tat-tat-tat of large drops meeting the cabin-top roof. A glance at the radar confirmed another day would be spent aboard <i>Crossroads</i>. A classic rain song from my childhood popped into my head: <i>Raindrops Keep Shallin' On My Head</i>. (Yes, my speech impediment has forever changed the lyrics for my family.) How to stay busy? Starlink again came to the rescue with powerful internet. I watched plenty of Sports Center, streamed some concerts for background noise, and nervously rewatched the replay of the UVA women's victory from yesterday even with the knowledge of the final score. There was a little computer work thrown in for variety. Occasional trips upstairs revealed the same view -- raindrops on the window against a grayscale background. Barry even confessed that he has watched every episode of every spinoff and reiteration of <i>Star Trek</i>. The gray sky transitioned to the black of night and announced the arrival of dinner time. <i>Crossroads</i> is still loaded with good-for-us food so I fixed chicken, broccoli, and rice for the highlight of the day. We checked the weather this evening and learned tomorrow should be dry with a hint of sun, before (you guessed it) a stormy day follows on Wednesday. At least we have a plan. Tonight, the tune in my head changed to <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF1sefvrN40" target="_blank">Rainy Days and Mondays</a></i>.* We're thankful tomorrow is Tuesday. We will take a final (fingers crossed) walk around Beaufort, a nice place we've lived in for two months, but where we don't really belong. Our intention is to depart Town Creek Marina first thing Thursday morning. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo-QDm67CUY5B4sQigpzaxRKER38wGyqA7VmPwXHLI8ZjUaDPYIkf14kKLhWaEhjGnpBxhusyQdK5d0MqJMDXeqK7RUfwzBzoXfiNnDq19EvX4hFtFQS4bfgV2ME7Visn889tE5TjWXgOuGXQGWi_kA-TryHAjOcxR01hjWc7nMDjJiMwxXQEC-eWt2jh/s2000/3_4%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo-QDm67CUY5B4sQigpzaxRKER38wGyqA7VmPwXHLI8ZjUaDPYIkf14kKLhWaEhjGnpBxhusyQdK5d0MqJMDXeqK7RUfwzBzoXfiNnDq19EvX4hFtFQS4bfgV2ME7Visn889tE5TjWXgOuGXQGWi_kA-TryHAjOcxR01hjWc7nMDjJiMwxXQEC-eWt2jh/w640-h176/3_4%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Second verse, more applicable than the first</div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What I've got they used to call the blues</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nothing is really wrong</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Feeling like I don't belong</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking around</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Some kind of lonely clown</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.</i></div>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-23805092892846109292024-03-03T21:42:00.001-05:002024-03-03T21:42:16.310-05:00Woohoo. Wahoo.<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Morning fog and heavy cloud cover quickly moved out and we were blessed with the type of day we've been waiting and hoping for: sunny, warm, and low wind. Woohoo! These were perfect conditions for a ferry ride over to Shackleford Banks. We departed <i>Crossroads</i> at 11:00 and made our way to the dock on Front Street. While we waited for our boarding call, we were entertained by herons nesting in a tree and gulls and egrets soaking up the sun atop the pilings. Our group of about 30 folks were shuttled out of Taylor Creek where a cruiser had taken to her paddle board on the flat water. It was good to see multiple center console boats leading us through Beaufort Inlet. Spring Fever was in the air. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0dZIe_2w4YeUfkJcDPFrkXfozY8cT77bp9a6hzQRvjkyRsO7t1RK5zqZAMjGzbBFbpvYLWGQhKuhyphenhyphensnZ8LnIQEXd1PD9aQKMArnOCVxPEPD14Eki24KFHlFD69ilqk2Gyyla8bxnYdz1bIl1MtofhBnkeWHXbi_yhV8AcbKp7oTvbGq-bHD_pIlA0hX1/s2000/3_3%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0dZIe_2w4YeUfkJcDPFrkXfozY8cT77bp9a6hzQRvjkyRsO7t1RK5zqZAMjGzbBFbpvYLWGQhKuhyphenhyphensnZ8LnIQEXd1PD9aQKMArnOCVxPEPD14Eki24KFHlFD69ilqk2Gyyla8bxnYdz1bIl1MtofhBnkeWHXbi_yhV8AcbKp7oTvbGq-bHD_pIlA0hX1/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I led Barry to the highest hill in the middle of the island which overlooked the watering hole. I had good luck at this spot on my earlier trip, so it was an easy choice to be our starting position. After a few minutes, a lone horse appeared on a distant ridge. A good sign. Following another short wait, three horses emerged as anticipated from the scrub trees encircling the water hole. Mud covered their legs up to their "knees." I couldn't ask for much more than to be in the presence of the horses while catching a few rays. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY7t1bC0nbZoaA9PmjX94YZ0bxQ4bhDNlcLXB5YEUidxTHPCjMFdeNFP0h8mzyCEkFizkGmvy5QuJrZtXrvB6bhSN6ZijjMSTNjLuCVszFOdYjHB3Jj98xcxwERaXpGhcHCjVzKjyyCfIeg2lb3vxwrBcde2vRK7uHyag_VUb38GaJU9thlMEM0Vfuct-/s2000/3_3%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY7t1bC0nbZoaA9PmjX94YZ0bxQ4bhDNlcLXB5YEUidxTHPCjMFdeNFP0h8mzyCEkFizkGmvy5QuJrZtXrvB6bhSN6ZijjMSTNjLuCVszFOdYjHB3Jj98xcxwERaXpGhcHCjVzKjyyCfIeg2lb3vxwrBcde2vRK7uHyag_VUb38GaJU9thlMEM0Vfuct-/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After a while, we relocated to another watering hole and were very pleased to find three more horses. They were ambivalent about our presence. We were respectful of their's and intently watched as they grazed. It was so quiet that we could hear their teeth pulling the grass out of the ground.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaTq8tX0urALuYRD-DgYG2SF8NywQwFcBV8VeOfxsTvlvNGlMtpgYsT5Hi3ncCHt7fcbNe13lDlQRdgzGWqC_BVXpWExUXt7M0rSgbZgwW71Y136P76fLLPB6d34ctAZLdfypaz97uyONeU7RBkW6yV-RNz0UlpojiLgKQfzPyXzPKh0FjW4Yt9ALKEay/s2000/3_3%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaTq8tX0urALuYRD-DgYG2SF8NywQwFcBV8VeOfxsTvlvNGlMtpgYsT5Hi3ncCHt7fcbNe13lDlQRdgzGWqC_BVXpWExUXt7M0rSgbZgwW71Y136P76fLLPB6d34ctAZLdfypaz97uyONeU7RBkW6yV-RNz0UlpojiLgKQfzPyXzPKh0FjW4Yt9ALKEay/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We had four hours on the island so we saved the last period for walking along the beach. We crossed the high dunes to the Atlantic ocean. I shed the prickly pear hitch-hiker that had attached itself to my boot. The tide was low and the dunes showed much wear from the incessant wind and waves of the past months. The erosion had left a five foot cliff at the base of the dune.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZLBeIZodMuq-86lF02lXVVShBS3t3RZnpGSYlgzTY9DlYO7wpGFL83ZaQwnY0CV6Bn1K7nMcGw8Gqw5krVAEuNIme8Y91yDbmQvJgH9c3Lqf-Q0XiOaozeNQjE3ETHoGOpr3iDRLB1YN_NPvd2RGWaPlI7_lUys0mZM3uBt0G57ONDEYcKvap5A0L4jX/s2000/3_3%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZLBeIZodMuq-86lF02lXVVShBS3t3RZnpGSYlgzTY9DlYO7wpGFL83ZaQwnY0CV6Bn1K7nMcGw8Gqw5krVAEuNIme8Y91yDbmQvJgH9c3Lqf-Q0XiOaozeNQjE3ETHoGOpr3iDRLB1YN_NPvd2RGWaPlI7_lUys0mZM3uBt0G57ONDEYcKvap5A0L4jX/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Weathered trees peeked though the sand and brilliant red holly berries provided both eye candy for us and food for the birds. Back in Beaufort, we took another walk through town then returned to <i>Crossroads</i>. The sun began to set behind the trees around 6:00. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oX_IUgdGZRZR-HaFkTeHjPXL4wB9sPIMLqaNbkmpk5ekw8i7vA_Wmx_cJ5xl34H7lwvwZRJLLeC69yemeAw-0lbrGjTkxAngRcNrOe65BwqruOVfsYHHq9kNSfBiZmRvu39tkO2HQ92N2DQ1uMmXyVXxCnqL95DD0ZsPiYGZ7UnV2TVw_Gvh4MXMKwrg/s2000/3_3%20beaufort5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oX_IUgdGZRZR-HaFkTeHjPXL4wB9sPIMLqaNbkmpk5ekw8i7vA_Wmx_cJ5xl34H7lwvwZRJLLeC69yemeAw-0lbrGjTkxAngRcNrOe65BwqruOVfsYHHq9kNSfBiZmRvu39tkO2HQ92N2DQ1uMmXyVXxCnqL95DD0ZsPiYGZ7UnV2TVw_Gvh4MXMKwrg/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The clouds continued to glow a nice orange as I prepared dinner and watched the UVA-Va Tech women's basketball game. I cheered and I paced and it was perfect. How great it was to see the Hoos pick up a huge win before close to 12,000 at JPJ. Congratulations, ladies. Woohoo. Wahoo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zIQuds_rWwHkM5G5NXZ6oM3fUGEpEUh7A-CR39M9e9y1Poc-tXghcp91SBr-RU6Hh5kg6jD-RtWdweqQ01oYSL4aKlDp8neKoKZ8TUqKIgTet8S2h3SjNyUtt3oentHhfLRLMIAdUzhdZeDDbvspuz-GCo6jAY3sVewsMsc448B-Od14TypdYgZiD7Tt/s2000/3_3%20beaufort6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zIQuds_rWwHkM5G5NXZ6oM3fUGEpEUh7A-CR39M9e9y1Poc-tXghcp91SBr-RU6Hh5kg6jD-RtWdweqQ01oYSL4aKlDp8neKoKZ8TUqKIgTet8S2h3SjNyUtt3oentHhfLRLMIAdUzhdZeDDbvspuz-GCo6jAY3sVewsMsc448B-Od14TypdYgZiD7Tt/w640-h176/3_3%20beaufort6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-55901785013475353312024-03-02T21:46:00.000-05:002024-03-02T21:46:06.254-05:00I Tried To Grab Fog ...<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Advanced knowledge did not properly prepare us for today's drastic change in weather. It poured overnight and throughout the morning. I finished laying out my yearbook and then watched my new favorite movie once again. By noon the rain had stopped, but had succeeded in washing out any outdoor plans. What to do? I know, we could work the cool puzzle we received for Christmas. Granted I had hoped to pull this diversion out in The Bahamas where the actual images of turtles and tropical fish were fresh in my mind, but this also seemed like a good time. Barry and I managed to work together to assemble the 300-piece image in good time and without bloodshed. By 2:00 fog had settled over Town Creek. It was a dark and dreary day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvcSLi0culIlbVLixB9IICVbT8VmwSQt7-ZN71QhPdkBX9rpccLlHF0vaRFEJpMxFivOVwIMuMY1FI_l9_IeisENCiCQIC0hyED4MfhU4pPfCZylh27JuW3zYy6BtGx-d9h3jLu0UJJ06EvRrkIzCfOZn40YDTQIxbdJcOPDbWl29cjkwO9F6Qwh8-Pjk/s2000/3_2%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvcSLi0culIlbVLixB9IICVbT8VmwSQt7-ZN71QhPdkBX9rpccLlHF0vaRFEJpMxFivOVwIMuMY1FI_l9_IeisENCiCQIC0hyED4MfhU4pPfCZylh27JuW3zYy6BtGx-d9h3jLu0UJJ06EvRrkIzCfOZn40YDTQIxbdJcOPDbWl29cjkwO9F6Qwh8-Pjk/w640-h176/3_2%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Luckily for me it was also tip-off time for The Heels and The Pack. The entertaining game occupied two hours with Carolina prevailing -- #GDTBATH. The Duke-UVA contest had already started when ESPN switched to the feed. For the Cavs, the game was already over. I tried to stay interested in the rest of the game like a good fan. I did not turn it off, but I didn't really watch either. When the final buzzer mercifully sounded, I headed out to my customary sunset position on the dock. The fog had thickened and the lights from the channel marker and shrimp boat fleet were magnified in the heavy mist. That brings us to the completion of today's title. I tried to grab fog ... <i>but I mist</i>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PUSLaLq4OeBD9FwYJ0VLRBeKN7ppZF_E7KR0z2QqAgYqq_c-PLCoHHda8ydSXabPZv3KfZ-gHkO_depkPjG8KgsSDRmCVNenWRhOf7MtFGgZF0VRhK_j3l2lExtuPTbcD8ZrN36J-VGWmqymoH6q9p1hlAO8ArwnxD3kcllc5gp2vlXQw4kI_gIwRsfl/s2000/3_2%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PUSLaLq4OeBD9FwYJ0VLRBeKN7ppZF_E7KR0z2QqAgYqq_c-PLCoHHda8ydSXabPZv3KfZ-gHkO_depkPjG8KgsSDRmCVNenWRhOf7MtFGgZF0VRhK_j3l2lExtuPTbcD8ZrN36J-VGWmqymoH6q9p1hlAO8ArwnxD3kcllc5gp2vlXQw4kI_gIwRsfl/w640-h176/3_2%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-8269568341119470422024-03-01T22:30:00.001-05:002024-03-01T22:30:17.987-05:00The Cure For Everything Is Salt Water<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Plan A was for us to take the 10:00 ferry over to Shakleford Banks and visit the horses. We wimped out and decided it was too cold and windy to spend three hours out in the elements. We agreed to wait until after lunch to formulate a new plan. I worked on my yearbook for the rest of the morning. Our afternoon activity turned out to be a familiar one -- Plan AB, for Atlantic Beach. A quick drive over three bridges led to what has been our sandy stretch of sanity. We arrived at a falling tide when the low breakers were in the distance, but sea foam climbed up the clean, gently sloping, and hard-packed sand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwMvw2tVcSUxSVPrWtwqBIJM8nvmC_7LFRrfnNOb_HNnL0VoSX6BHEn5B2bJIGIyepCu7SOK57_o5nMUK20y8f-r2hmeYdwUEaj98Ngjt3N0zLWJ42FSW13H_wCGdJi33j-2gLsuVtSw42drLhwFW3zFFcc3_D-WmVkFDzC2ih2UbNt3c6V9_mKsRRImx/s2000/3_1%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwMvw2tVcSUxSVPrWtwqBIJM8nvmC_7LFRrfnNOb_HNnL0VoSX6BHEn5B2bJIGIyepCu7SOK57_o5nMUK20y8f-r2hmeYdwUEaj98Ngjt3N0zLWJ42FSW13H_wCGdJi33j-2gLsuVtSw42drLhwFW3zFFcc3_D-WmVkFDzC2ih2UbNt3c6V9_mKsRRImx/w640-h176/3_1%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We first walked north with a stiff wind to our backs. The surface of a still tidal pool mirrored the pier. Only four other folks were on the beach. Humans were definitely outnumbered by the sanderlings, willets, and gulls. We walked further than before, making our way to the Club Colony public access.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hNQgF2RSzf_vl9Nsuimw7FJuS2yKPY62pOsAemD-YFOEm6k3lfOMafsPT_2pS0-kF0MAmYHwcSa9Fla-Ipl3_sxZXJxCaaHiy1PrPLLffOEL7fd0_LWtcOlozK0Ncoyq0tRooPPevt_73JQtMBL-H7dp6yamsg8C-Gf7T_SWGXzL_QoAgbCjorP58dRw/s2000/3_1%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hNQgF2RSzf_vl9Nsuimw7FJuS2yKPY62pOsAemD-YFOEm6k3lfOMafsPT_2pS0-kF0MAmYHwcSa9Fla-Ipl3_sxZXJxCaaHiy1PrPLLffOEL7fd0_LWtcOlozK0Ncoyq0tRooPPevt_73JQtMBL-H7dp6yamsg8C-Gf7T_SWGXzL_QoAgbCjorP58dRw/w640-h176/3_1%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We retraced our steps and headed back to the starting point in a headwind. Barry sat out as I continued south to the main Atlantic Beach access before making a U-turn. Living on the edge these days is defined by how close I can walk along the surf without getting my feet wet. It was good to get some steps in and even better to sweat a little under my multiple layers. I met Barry back on the white bench and he stated, "you'd be happy walking on the beach every day." The answer was a profound "yes." He exited through the dunes to the warmth of the Escape. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OSoKn82xAha-HeB0ZWYmywqQeIzDillT4KaXT3fDGfeB_Gpvh2cpDX8RjqR5DzAvoaFYdmdom3AMbFMapToXcEUhKzEJueoL0bDYMKhsjfwkMXX9Jd7fZdfcLhJIuAnjcrmqHFKDlS09vRXfasGEZN7AGfclQWefTWMFTuPhFNx0cSgOIIR8TnXiO5bM/s2000/3_1%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OSoKn82xAha-HeB0ZWYmywqQeIzDillT4KaXT3fDGfeB_Gpvh2cpDX8RjqR5DzAvoaFYdmdom3AMbFMapToXcEUhKzEJueoL0bDYMKhsjfwkMXX9Jd7fZdfcLhJIuAnjcrmqHFKDlS09vRXfasGEZN7AGfclQWefTWMFTuPhFNx0cSgOIIR8TnXiO5bM/w640-h176/3_1%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I took a few more minutes to survey the incredible scene for what could very well be the final time. My favorite quote from Isak Dinesen ran through my mind -- "<i>The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea</i>." I have tried all three "cures" over the past two months. I am most thankful for the sea, and to Aunt Wrenn and Gail for hooking us up with this special spot. We made a quick stop for a few groceries before returning to <i>Crossroads</i>. Heavy cloud cover moved over the creek and rain will begin falling overnight and continue throughout the day tomorrow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ovqXh_93G8CFpMJ4gx9YEdyTkqpEPrGwF69IV0JJHxGjjDdcv0bDLFRAi2YXuoONfME2QkY0nAKTMwz9usDjQ3gsAWWZyC4E8jTw50ofHUPjI0n86SQaNqPc-fw9Un4IZo0yiNGqrMmeCOiboWnJDaht1OnxKlmAeiA9JMUTSbgvi4-fn98Ol-XtIXZ/s2000/3_1%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ovqXh_93G8CFpMJ4gx9YEdyTkqpEPrGwF69IV0JJHxGjjDdcv0bDLFRAi2YXuoONfME2QkY0nAKTMwz9usDjQ3gsAWWZyC4E8jTw50ofHUPjI0n86SQaNqPc-fw9Un4IZo0yiNGqrMmeCOiboWnJDaht1OnxKlmAeiA9JMUTSbgvi4-fn98Ol-XtIXZ/w640-h176/3_1%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-19830881283649158192024-02-29T22:06:00.000-05:002024-02-29T22:06:10.503-05:00Walking Down Memory Lane<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>I've always said February has 90 days. This year, we're (un)lucky enough to get 91. Today was leap day and as much as I'd like to leap down to The Bahamas, it is not in the cards as we remain tied to the dock here in Beaufort. The Countdown App on my phone keeps me updated on the passage of time. A little internet research on the history of leap day and leap year yielded some interesting facts. The earth takes 365.242190 days to orbit the sun, or 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 56 seconds. If we didn't account for this extra time, the seasons would begin to drift. After about 700 years our summers which we've come to expect in June, would begin to occur in December. With unfounded logic, I counter with if summer is in December, we wouldn't be trying to get south. We basically spent our bonus February day like many prior days by doing a few chores and trying to stay busy. We're running low on both boat projects and places to explore. Today I began working on my 2023 photo yearbook and placing my best 1,100 pictures from last year into the online layout. It was a difficult walk down memory lane as the Bahama blues dominated my favorite memories. One year ago today it was March 1 and we had already been in the islands for a month. We were back in George Town, Exuma for the second time awaiting a rendezvous with dear friends. I worked on the book for five hours until Barry came and rescued me. A transient sailboat had tied up across from us. We drove Julie and Andy into town and walked the Front Street loop before enjoying a nice dinner together. Time marches on, and tomorrow we will be glad to turn the page and see what March offers our way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bmkHhVASMOgVsVzE67In2QJjkRlf8VTRaMNFErP6bynwryAKYBd7JCoR94M-Zy46Q73zkQDa0rqnZXWLvgGoXcaYkhqH0ONeHY5JHKl3odLbhlKtKB9WsaDBKOHBCyeee74iKeRQ3m0I97CwYKbpUAc-egLLo0TF4m_QoStDl33A2NuQoRz5sPLb5n6A/s2000/2_29%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bmkHhVASMOgVsVzE67In2QJjkRlf8VTRaMNFErP6bynwryAKYBd7JCoR94M-Zy46Q73zkQDa0rqnZXWLvgGoXcaYkhqH0ONeHY5JHKl3odLbhlKtKB9WsaDBKOHBCyeee74iKeRQ3m0I97CwYKbpUAc-egLLo0TF4m_QoStDl33A2NuQoRz5sPLb5n6A/w640-h176/2_29%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-47501967757038562052024-02-28T21:08:00.000-05:002024-02-28T21:08:58.925-05:00An Easy Breezy Day<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Less than ideal weather kept us onboard all day. We were a bit tired from yesterday's long road trip, so we were fine with a few slow hours. Barry updated the software on all our navigation computers and instruments. I worked on a few computer projects and dusted (ugghh) the louvers on our closet doors. A breezy morning strengthened into a gusty afternoon under heavy cloud cover. What a joy to have a bimini that doesn't rattle and flutter. The sun found a small opening and offered some golden light on its descent. Rain will fall tonight along with the temperature. We'll see what tomorrow's bonus day of February brings. It looks like we'll be here through the weekend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubdDxfTAF9z9cMhj7t5i6NaSHPLcEW89q2_VF3IFSyRNJ1qtRs8CyfFPK4XUAQF4Nj20zMT6Wi9J8TA5s8bIhNh-Vd0CsET59HrfMG5quBriIglJvea-gLkA6sRsX4D1R1quOhuStDzCRtltaYUwxz38hNzqe10tiF-1hQU_-Vz6bF86PW2mFe9uJQHWw/s2000/2_28%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubdDxfTAF9z9cMhj7t5i6NaSHPLcEW89q2_VF3IFSyRNJ1qtRs8CyfFPK4XUAQF4Nj20zMT6Wi9J8TA5s8bIhNh-Vd0CsET59HrfMG5quBriIglJvea-gLkA6sRsX4D1R1quOhuStDzCRtltaYUwxz38hNzqe10tiF-1hQU_-Vz6bF86PW2mFe9uJQHWw/w640-h176/2_28%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-7308792099445672092024-02-27T23:12:00.001-05:002024-02-27T23:12:55.098-05:00Road Trip To The Capital<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We hit the road today and made our longest day trip yet as part of the Chicken Salad & Lemonade Tour. Just shy of a three-hour drive up the Neusse River Basin lies Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Most of our trip was through wide open spaces with only an occasional concentration of big box development. We found the names of independent business such as Big Larry's Cookers, Uzzell's Wild Game Processing, Hog Slat Equipment Rental, and Pappy's Army Navy Surplus interesting and made the miles pass quickly. Also interesting were the number of barbecue restaurants along the way. From locals such as King's, Wilber's, McCall's, and Adam's Roadside, to regional chains like Smithfield's, Cookout, and even Bojangles, all competed with their special recipe for the regional delicacy. Our overcast drive eventually turned into a rainy drive as we approached the east side of Raleigh. Fruit trees bloomed along the highway interchanges. Our destination was the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences. From the moment we walked in the door we knew this was a special place. Skeletons of several whale species were suspended overhead. Living exhibits featured amphibians, reptiles, and birds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3m3YlytmcnSn2t1ptQh03M3BHOMKCQmLhkqEfghKH0rNHKl22n9mt-k4gPqypJQGG28Z-W5qoAnU67ys-soxTNAomH05XUdWApdBqVhVsASUS6DNGB7dqarcLVe4LJCqY0PgzmDfgARZ3pv5a0EY9xd4RDhiU5GrmOsps4xChQhxgRS8QJLpNbp6lcLf/s2000/2_27%20beaufort.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3m3YlytmcnSn2t1ptQh03M3BHOMKCQmLhkqEfghKH0rNHKl22n9mt-k4gPqypJQGG28Z-W5qoAnU67ys-soxTNAomH05XUdWApdBqVhVsASUS6DNGB7dqarcLVe4LJCqY0PgzmDfgARZ3pv5a0EY9xd4RDhiU5GrmOsps4xChQhxgRS8QJLpNbp6lcLf/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We continued to marvel at the extensive dioramas that represented every ecological niche and habitat possible. Every detail was covered from the foliage to the taxidermic animals placed throughout the scene. Other areas featured larger-than-life representations of insects. Also wandering the four floors of exhibits were multiple school groups. It was great to see their enthusiasm about the exhibits. After most of them filed out the door to get lunch, the place was a lot quieter. Barry and I took the opportunity to visit the interactive play area to see a live colony of honey bees. Their hive was contained behind clear panels in a large cabinet. A tube led outside and the bees were free to fly in and out as they desired. We did find the queen amongst all the worker bee. (She is the one with the orange dot on her head.) There was an entire room devoted to gemology. Of the garnet, amethyst, gold, and other specimens shown, I thought the 1,225 carat uncut crystal emerald was the best. It was found in Alexander County in 2011 and is one of only 10 emeralds over 1,000 carats ever found in North America. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2i0r_-2GWW_aTIMvUkWnPjiRhPeYITvpf0sjvFILF-UlOT3ndCLuqT2zTZ9DaH0RYd2GnuOv_UkmfHB6b3C5d5p5INKaPkqo-1TTaMVHAczwbSgNpqBSw08UrYXEaHLmL2SwLGnN9d7yXJgK9uey6OZqjtS3AzFqcDmWM9Pt4gShZD59Yl-syT-fiN8g/s2000/2_27%20beaufort2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2i0r_-2GWW_aTIMvUkWnPjiRhPeYITvpf0sjvFILF-UlOT3ndCLuqT2zTZ9DaH0RYd2GnuOv_UkmfHB6b3C5d5p5INKaPkqo-1TTaMVHAczwbSgNpqBSw08UrYXEaHLmL2SwLGnN9d7yXJgK9uey6OZqjtS3AzFqcDmWM9Pt4gShZD59Yl-syT-fiN8g/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Dinosaurs were well represented in all shapes and sizes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPHjTsdRtgPhNv3MU7Sq_4waeqa0s-0cQDV6Ffx5ibSq6uq4pLoTkalNGkWyTzk2pZLrE21seHPoG_fPr5_uLV5jrPp_IpGTa-aqgHhyphenhyphenBnsy8JS8aqJy-YRVfkRY6978T1OLfUAlQvF2nMUwWXL5w5gi103pIuypprdfYcz1cvcHEYjGZIZE9gvgxXhe-/s2000/2_27%20beaufort3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPHjTsdRtgPhNv3MU7Sq_4waeqa0s-0cQDV6Ffx5ibSq6uq4pLoTkalNGkWyTzk2pZLrE21seHPoG_fPr5_uLV5jrPp_IpGTa-aqgHhyphenhyphenBnsy8JS8aqJy-YRVfkRY6978T1OLfUAlQvF2nMUwWXL5w5gi103pIuypprdfYcz1cvcHEYjGZIZE9gvgxXhe-/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our next destination was right across the walkway at the North Carolina Museum of History. Not unexpectedly, a replica of the Wright Flyer soared overhead in the foyer. An intricate maze covering the entire lower floor traced the state's history from early Spanish settlers and English colonization through recent times. The butter churn and spinning wheel caught my eye as being similar to those of my grandparents. As a life-long Virginian, I have many images ingrained in my mind of George Washington. I can definitely say this was not one of those images. Italian sculptor Antonio Canova chose to portray Washington as a Roman soldier-turned-statesman. The image became famous and appeared on objects ranging from dinner plates to money. I still prefer to think of him on horseback or in a boat crossing the Delaware River.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpJbuwJclsYD_b7kH5ggFVuURS0S3MJGFE5avpPviV3rKnOpeZkZ0UF4e4c4aStkz2Pxnims5XVAFXV77WjhCev0K9iZvqe64ijz2aNCBfRPD-6sW0Tvtj46Kz00MgXyRBki2t1qKXPTFTCvK3jCaHe3-kX2wxDxUAirwdB_-dlg9vTXfxowIwgblX6TM/s2000/2_27%20beaufort4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpJbuwJclsYD_b7kH5ggFVuURS0S3MJGFE5avpPviV3rKnOpeZkZ0UF4e4c4aStkz2Pxnims5XVAFXV77WjhCev0K9iZvqe64ijz2aNCBfRPD-6sW0Tvtj46Kz00MgXyRBki2t1qKXPTFTCvK3jCaHe3-kX2wxDxUAirwdB_-dlg9vTXfxowIwgblX6TM/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>There were many displays covering North Carolina products and inventions. Pepsi was given a spot as well as the trio of home-grown headache powders. Speaking of heads, if there's a sign with a head hole, you know by now that we're going to take advantage of it. My favorite spot in this museum was the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on the second floor. Baseball, golf, football, stock car racing were very well represented. I could have stayed in the basketball section for hours, walking down memory lane with names like Bones McKinney, Kay Yow, Terry Holland, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Valvano, and Dean Smith. It was good to see legendary UNC Coach Karen Shelton's commemorative national championship field hockey stick, a football representing Appalachian State's back-to-back-to-back national football championships, and trailblazing reporter Mary Garber's press pass (which stated that no women were admitted). Time was running short, so we had to get moving. The best part about these wonderful museums is that there is no admission fee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwouoO1WboH-GBtuu8pe7CCocl49TSi6IqZwEKNvprHlEGXroywWVnpVER_54XgLjYChD1v4xNtRkVL6EhdGpJtq8Bu7GOqg1EycNJNdrYgoF6sfB_6f3FcJGE_swmEvcg_jUsPojwDnaeT1Porh7Di0dO9wTa_8Dpi5nC-e6Vlg4pqaqJCVzb7zmGyaJ/s2000/2_27%20beaufort5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwouoO1WboH-GBtuu8pe7CCocl49TSi6IqZwEKNvprHlEGXroywWVnpVER_54XgLjYChD1v4xNtRkVL6EhdGpJtq8Bu7GOqg1EycNJNdrYgoF6sfB_6f3FcJGE_swmEvcg_jUsPojwDnaeT1Porh7Di0dO9wTa_8Dpi5nC-e6Vlg4pqaqJCVzb7zmGyaJ/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Because it was raining, we did not go for a walk around the state capital grounds although they were right across the street. We did, however, still have two other stops to make on the way back to Beaufort. The first was to Pullen Park, which was the first public park in North Carolina and is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States. A beautiful carved tree trunk stood at the entrance gate. The Dentzel Carousel, built in Germantown, PA, arrived in the park in 1921 and is complete with a Wurlitzer #125 band organ. Just outside the carousel building stood a statue of Andy and Opie form <i>The Andy Griffith Show</i>. Although their fishing poles were missing, it was still a wonderfully nostalgic piece of art -- much like the Bronze Fonz we found in Milwaukee while on the Great Loop. As we walked back to the Escape, I spotted a bed full of tulips enjoying the heavy shower. I love all these signs of spring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJFjIulW_I-8iegoE3Dx-fyHdZKvMihhvysZoiyJES2zAt8RveH3Zkb7qkkgeQ1LBNxAKBm3pnuAAGl7enIzY0HThCYCTlp4-WPbLgpY_lqsBQppGuB0a_wgelJvYAJQfBShVweWlyPdUHA8cFz9FVP0s5lrolMRMSTTJgsEQ4V7wybVQVVRJBggNzbCU/s2000/2_27%20beaufort6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJFjIulW_I-8iegoE3Dx-fyHdZKvMihhvysZoiyJES2zAt8RveH3Zkb7qkkgeQ1LBNxAKBm3pnuAAGl7enIzY0HThCYCTlp4-WPbLgpY_lqsBQppGuB0a_wgelJvYAJQfBShVweWlyPdUHA8cFz9FVP0s5lrolMRMSTTJgsEQ4V7wybVQVVRJBggNzbCU/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our final stop was at Historic Yates Mill. This water-powered gristmill served the residents of Wake County from colonial times through the early 1900s. Today, the mill is owned by NC State and is still operable. A short walking trail from the parking lot led past old grinding stones and alongside a busy highway. A sign asked that we not disturb the snakes. Not to worry, that would be the last thing on my list. It was a shame that the day was so dreary as this is one of the most picturesque places in the state. A sluice box diverts water from the mill pond to the water wheel. The remainder of the water spills over the dam and flows down the creek, eventually making its way to the Neusse River and then to the Atlantic. After a full day, we started back to Beaufort as the light of day faded and the showers continued. The weather in Beaufort will be nasty tomorrow with showers and predicted gusts of 45 mph. Those conditions will give our new bimini a good test. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZiFZnaqKXZJD-Js6uWK1LiX2oyaPuinxDcVdEfEouod2BsWwIb_WGOyNyW5mLxU3rAHQkNgLJAM9PKt1_1fICKcqIe7KP5KU6vYJwI70fVXQrgDoO4N7Udx7sC1g8kF6r8f_fEU98rY9PeEWt89Y8kAXUXgjBIaIcEnH30EaCZEQCH9EEfDmdoAoWhUv/s2000/2_27%20beaufort7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZiFZnaqKXZJD-Js6uWK1LiX2oyaPuinxDcVdEfEouod2BsWwIb_WGOyNyW5mLxU3rAHQkNgLJAM9PKt1_1fICKcqIe7KP5KU6vYJwI70fVXQrgDoO4N7Udx7sC1g8kF6r8f_fEU98rY9PeEWt89Y8kAXUXgjBIaIcEnH30EaCZEQCH9EEfDmdoAoWhUv/w640-h176/2_27%20beaufort7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-17940879109963984832024-02-26T21:31:00.000-05:002024-02-26T21:31:07.342-05:00Today, We Conquered The Wind<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We were doubtful this morning when we stepped outside to check the weather. The wind was stronger than we had anticipated and we questioned whether or not our bimini top could be installed. We were so appreciative to see Hoke and his helper from Cape Lookout Canvas on the dock to make one final fitting. They returned to their shop with the hopes of completing the installation after lunch. Progress. We then turned our attention to our next challenge in the wind. Last night, the dreaded red light came on for our holding tank. We <i>needed</i> to get to the pump out dock and take care of business. Once again, we prevailed even with the wind adding a greater degree of difficulty to the process. That was two in the victory column for the <i>Crossroads</i> team this morning. At 1:30 the final canvas installation began. All went well and our new bimini top fit like a glove. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJINSKWfsQ53CQKphSncjC2eTKkZHU_RKRc327nrTM2LGeyion65kBcpzOdIg01e87NUzmuVM7TgSy5_f9RiOyuWlX4fZEirhhSvfWAaU_2E4h0TZbma04tM5AqOfMpP90rZY2dzN4URrZrWBmX0LO19Xw4iGh6zVi5svcirhok1ev0MhvGhC4NDnN_Qr/s2000/2_26%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJINSKWfsQ53CQKphSncjC2eTKkZHU_RKRc327nrTM2LGeyion65kBcpzOdIg01e87NUzmuVM7TgSy5_f9RiOyuWlX4fZEirhhSvfWAaU_2E4h0TZbma04tM5AqOfMpP90rZY2dzN4URrZrWBmX0LO19Xw4iGh6zVi5svcirhok1ev0MhvGhC4NDnN_Qr/w640-h176/2_26%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The new heavyweight canvas was stitched with UV-resistant thread. It has a nice crown so that water will drain off of it, and drip edges to keep the area underneath drier. Velcro straps have been attached to prevent the edges from flapping (something for which our original bimini was notorious). A nice breeze made sure that everything was tested under semi-stressful conditions. We celebrated by returning to Island Grill for another great dinner, taking advantage once again of their Monday night BOGO entree special. After dinner we went back to our favorite beach access point and watched dusk settle over the dunes. The flags at the Atlantic Beach bridge were still flying stiff as we crossed the ICW to Morehead City.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpwCkTPltFJEv17HYUWrRuuTD1yW4XPOgfY243PFSi3HeGahgOJy5xti1VGT_D37FD1xOQrk4q7OehxGdvktz9KivDP64fY5JNZBWXNQTgltEKEsJVFcSbTcGgXmjiS954pj6cKKQyqfK3bDT0kKpkfVX8_9V5aWtysyDpLnx-xYJguT_rflOxsY5KT60/s2000/2_26%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpwCkTPltFJEv17HYUWrRuuTD1yW4XPOgfY243PFSi3HeGahgOJy5xti1VGT_D37FD1xOQrk4q7OehxGdvktz9KivDP64fY5JNZBWXNQTgltEKEsJVFcSbTcGgXmjiS954pj6cKKQyqfK3bDT0kKpkfVX8_9V5aWtysyDpLnx-xYJguT_rflOxsY5KT60/w640-h176/2_26%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The few last moments of color were savored as walked back to <i>Crossroads</i>. As Hoke left this afternoon, he asked us if we knew we were going to be stranded in the windiest place on the east coast. We all chuckled. We thank him for delivering a great product under trying conditions. We believe we are now put all back together. We have a final road trip scheduled for tomorrow, then will see how the weather pans out for a departure. From a look at the forecast, the wind will continue to build tomorrow and Wednesday will bring more excitement as the next front builds offshore. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTu7-ugEUIxXdOlTcpr_4B7AYytDt92Vq3WcDBOm6SWKED8dR58m9jj14kMrE6HItWiVhVB7z82MrxZM6eFltwiUMK55aUGKoYJkaMZqJUHEQFmam-FEDDLSZgXM5hSLt_blmv9NEnVHVDE8lNsg5RjgQh3SdVczrnXDGeIhSOvoZBDICB_m1_dYS01ll/s2000/2_26%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTu7-ugEUIxXdOlTcpr_4B7AYytDt92Vq3WcDBOm6SWKED8dR58m9jj14kMrE6HItWiVhVB7z82MrxZM6eFltwiUMK55aUGKoYJkaMZqJUHEQFmam-FEDDLSZgXM5hSLt_blmv9NEnVHVDE8lNsg5RjgQh3SdVczrnXDGeIhSOvoZBDICB_m1_dYS01ll/w640-h176/2_26%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-2620471844493569252024-02-25T21:21:00.000-05:002024-02-25T21:21:17.777-05:00Veja Du, What Works For Me Might Work For You<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>A quiet morning quickly became chaotic when Barry asked, "Do we have any mayo?" Although as a rule I avoid the stuff, he <i>needed</i> it to make his tuna salad for lunch. I checked my inventory sheet and sure enough it was in the starboard commissary cabinet. Soon thereafter, one paddle board, four crates, five bags, and several cases of drinks were removed from the below floor storage so that I could get into the commissary and open the cabinet doors. In the third lidded plastic bin was the elusive jar of Duke's. He was happy and made his lunch as I repacked the commissary with way more food than we will ever use on this trip. All of the special crackers, nuts, and hors d'oeuvres purchased for anticipated sundowners and appy hours have gone unused. Don't even ask how many cans of green beans are still down there. Once everything was stowed out of sight, it was definitely time for a walk.</p><p>We decided to try a new spot and stopped at the public access parking lot for Atlantic Beach. There were several cars in the lot, but it was not full. I can't imagine the line of cars circling and waiting for a spot to become available during the summer months. There were no dunes between the parking lot and the surf. We walked straight toward the water, passing an inactive lifeguard tower. Posts for several volleyball nets lined the sand. The net was up on one court and a group of guys were hitting the ball around in the bright sunshine. The beach was flat and broad. The tide was low and gentle waves broke far out on a sandbar and rippled up to where we walked. Little sandpipers flitted along clean virgin sand. I find it fascinating how some areas are covered with shells, and others have nary a trace. The occasional object in the sand brought additional excitement. A plastic lizard was easy to spot, as was a bivalve still safe from the birds in its closed shell. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm6u7BCV3jlEWhbD2ZiD3A9U-utZZM5whO_LiqcVo1sd2GvnO2nlLTm1wT7MiUJuRtS5sPXGwfEVs2QcKJDgDgQ6I5doDPoO1jKRKNgPwHKnun3BN8StsqmTaPwij_7k3B2WRb45vjyEXin7sLa91TtbS3XXks3C6zzvsX5kN4B8S4r0R8vz2x11pIn_3/s2000/2_25%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm6u7BCV3jlEWhbD2ZiD3A9U-utZZM5whO_LiqcVo1sd2GvnO2nlLTm1wT7MiUJuRtS5sPXGwfEVs2QcKJDgDgQ6I5doDPoO1jKRKNgPwHKnun3BN8StsqmTaPwij_7k3B2WRb45vjyEXin7sLa91TtbS3XXks3C6zzvsX5kN4B8S4r0R8vz2x11pIn_3/w640-h176/2_25%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After picking up the lizard, a Jimmy Buffett song got stuck in my head. The chorus of <i>Off to See the Lizard</i> played on repeat: <i>Deja deja deja vu / Believe it and it will come true / Veja veja veja du / What works for me might work for you</i>. Most folks are familiar with <i>deja vu</i> alluding to the strange looking familiar. <i>Veja du</i>, in contrast, is looking at a familiar situation with fresh eyes as if you've never seen it before. Maybe that's why I enjoy beach walks so much. Most folks see it as the same stretch of sand, but I enjoy noticing subtle changes whether in the position of the tide on the sand, the small ripples as the waves' energy is finally depleted, or new sights in the wrack line. New today, were crab parts which we had not seen before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJprgAEHaxBk6xYFDhmCvqX3XDvvfGpH6oViyJe-AxbTaFyzHwQBhqr9HD2UJgzfgOu9_itiG1Bs9KMnGKNv86SU7_6fxOJABY1hfhayDntnJ3Ql2b-bPKmLxijTFBYC4f2KiupeRiwFqzbvqjjnRqsXrNK6ApxpAb_8_2moaaIqRAdFdtxLZsrPWduC/s2000/2_25%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJprgAEHaxBk6xYFDhmCvqX3XDvvfGpH6oViyJe-AxbTaFyzHwQBhqr9HD2UJgzfgOu9_itiG1Bs9KMnGKNv86SU7_6fxOJABY1hfhayDntnJ3Ql2b-bPKmLxijTFBYC4f2KiupeRiwFqzbvqjjnRqsXrNK6ApxpAb_8_2moaaIqRAdFdtxLZsrPWduC/w640-h176/2_25%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'll always be fascinated as to how a fragile open shell can land on the beach intact. Birds continue to grab my attention with their walks through the sea foam in search of a snack. Folks were out and about today, trying their best to transport themselves to the warmth of summer. Sitting on the beach bundled up in heavy coats and blankets is not ideal, but bonus points go to these folks for making the best of the day. I removed my jacket for close to a half hour and tried to soak up a few rays while the faded whiteness of my skin tried to reflect those same rays. The shadows grew longer across the sand and we headed back to <i>Crossroads</i>, passing the sign asking us to "visit us again soon." We will, and again will walk the sand with fresh eyes scanning the scene as if we'd never seen it before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr43QANhqHW1ePJPToGFWYD32flKw2ths06ZAsLjMB0uy-Gb9H6xeLicgCbSDY2d_ZuramlJjPOMdnuaxDGC9l7bnQFd-NPweUBQoTpSRt6oRw1lbDKa-WnFUq98vdJZY06bZoKLqrf4aT9Nc9M6DVQZV8DZrD6f-q0AZR-j4w6UZhN_Z9BCA_io7bIbd1/s2000/2_25%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr43QANhqHW1ePJPToGFWYD32flKw2ths06ZAsLjMB0uy-Gb9H6xeLicgCbSDY2d_ZuramlJjPOMdnuaxDGC9l7bnQFd-NPweUBQoTpSRt6oRw1lbDKa-WnFUq98vdJZY06bZoKLqrf4aT9Nc9M6DVQZV8DZrD6f-q0AZR-j4w6UZhN_Z9BCA_io7bIbd1/w640-h176/2_25%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The sun now sets after 6:00 pm and is positioned under the bridge. These signs indicate both how long we've been here and that spring is coming. Fingers crossed we'll have our canvas finalized and installed by the end of day tomorrow. If/when we ever get to cast off from Beaufort, I'll put together a comparison of this nightly sunset view representing the very interesting passage of time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenThJdi5xnwJWKJdoU6z2kfB2du25ou51RrD3A0lCZsYOOFR4kPvgTcSd8N5Go6rdG5ac_q_XJfWFYMiyI8HpphyphenhyphengdMBhlKS4PiV7siGDxOlzzFFvAAU_gc0bwjsIo2eWz470ujXo1FBmDvDd9-AmhI4towI2U0ZPC6YVC9k_nKnDLWY0tds-Fy2VnXCT/s2000/2_25%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenThJdi5xnwJWKJdoU6z2kfB2du25ou51RrD3A0lCZsYOOFR4kPvgTcSd8N5Go6rdG5ac_q_XJfWFYMiyI8HpphyphenhyphengdMBhlKS4PiV7siGDxOlzzFFvAAU_gc0bwjsIo2eWz470ujXo1FBmDvDd9-AmhI4towI2U0ZPC6YVC9k_nKnDLWY0tds-Fy2VnXCT/w640-h176/2_25%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-81015150313186722092024-02-24T22:06:00.000-05:002024-02-24T22:06:07.650-05:00Hitting The Trails<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>What to do on this sunny day? We both agreed that we needed to get out and walk. Neither one of us wanted to retrace our many steps through the streets of downtown Beaufort. Barry is not fond of walking on the beach. Thankfully, it did not take me long to remember the nature trail at Fort Macon. We crossed the ICW onto Bogue Banks and drove through Atlantic Beach to the state park. The parking lot was almost full with other folks looking to enjoy a beautiful day outside with comfortable temperatures. The Elliott Coues Nature Trail is a 3.3-mile looping trail that passes through natural wetlands, dunes, and early growth maritime forests. A sign at the trailhead identified Coues as a physician and naturalist who was stationed at Fort Macon from 1869-70. During that time he wrote the classic <i>Key to North American Birds</i>. We set out on a well-defined path and shared it with a few other walkers, joggers, and mountain bikers. A mature canopy covered much of the trail. Songbirds called in the thick forest as woodpeckers provided the beat. Fresh green spring growth was limited, but the bright red berries on the Youpon Holly provided some color. The most prevalent trees were red cedar and massive live oaks with branches that extended in all directions. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmq1RMWbDvzbMt-6EfpT-3ti1cBl6jRAxxCI7NJ9XQb4KSFztZXUf63DLUWdaamqA_2b36pdF4r61B6H7JVeFKNs1spbpxDoriaaIdpuudGJ9LKFNuPNCz6DuA8-jitkECbUzXNIGBt9G7oWMbFiyQTb-7cPUkv8F6FzWF5z2gTnmyfzHj1dtYuabdb9n/s2000/2_24%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmq1RMWbDvzbMt-6EfpT-3ti1cBl6jRAxxCI7NJ9XQb4KSFztZXUf63DLUWdaamqA_2b36pdF4r61B6H7JVeFKNs1spbpxDoriaaIdpuudGJ9LKFNuPNCz6DuA8-jitkECbUzXNIGBt9G7oWMbFiyQTb-7cPUkv8F6FzWF5z2gTnmyfzHj1dtYuabdb9n/w640-h176/2_24%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The trail was well marked and many different knowledge stations were positioned to identify common flora and fauna. We crossed Highway 58 and began our inbound route along the large dunes fronting the Atlantic ocean. Out in the open sunshine, the day warmed nicely and we shed our extra layers. This portion of the trail loop had much more traffic. Families with young kids and dogs entered the trail at the public beach access parking lot. We came upon a Yorkie sniffing things out and I had to stop and give him a few ear scratches. I have to keep my fingers limber and well-trained for when I eventually get to see my two favorite Yorkies. Soon we were back to the WWII gun emplacement we visited last week. The parking lot/finish line awaited a short distance through the dunes. We had finished our Fort Macon 5k. It felt really good to be outside and sweat a little. We visited the water fountain in the visitor center for a post-walk cooldown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_xeP8O5gQjg11Mjcn3VPPvMpeKtrDFhTIg-uvPmg5OR4_XqnzZ0Fv8OFj8-uQQtaKkG0Xiqs8WBFBgYz2Ztvl9g6HqBsXQ1TE9pm6qv_PryV_g8fvI0nK5vdxDMMgr64CXaDA3W9Z1BfM3fz74doGMzL3p9_hbJSjmX9qA-45xFi7N74lGG7EJa_kksy/s2000/2_24%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_xeP8O5gQjg11Mjcn3VPPvMpeKtrDFhTIg-uvPmg5OR4_XqnzZ0Fv8OFj8-uQQtaKkG0Xiqs8WBFBgYz2Ztvl9g6HqBsXQ1TE9pm6qv_PryV_g8fvI0nK5vdxDMMgr64CXaDA3W9Z1BfM3fz74doGMzL3p9_hbJSjmX9qA-45xFi7N74lGG7EJa_kksy/w640-h176/2_24%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We drove back into Atlantic Beach and picked up a quick sandwich for lunch. At the edge of the shopping center parking lot was the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Preserve. Numerous signs flanked both sides of the trailhead. The general information sign told of how the 31-acre property was purchased by the North Carolina Coastal Federation in 1997 to save the site from proposed condominiums and a marina. It remains as one of the last undeveloped pieces of land in Atlantic Beach. Another sign touted the preserve as a Watershed Protection zone. The area is also part of both the NC Birding Trail and the NC Civil War Trails. In March of 1862, the Burnside Expedition was carried out as the Union army ferried troops and equipment from Carolina City, five miles across Bogue Sound, to Hoop Pole Creek during high tides. A last sign warned the area was closed and it was unlawful to take oysters, clams, or mussels. Once clear of the signage, we walked onto a nice boardwalk and into the maritime forest. The boardwalk transitioned to hardpacked sand as we approached the shoreline of the estuary. It was low tide and the broad mudflat was exposed. Great blue heron and egrets glided in front of us over the seagrass. We took a different path inbound, walking closer along the water. The entire length of this afternoon walk was only a mile, but it was a most pleasant stroll. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad-ypp1L6JSTpvG-4ErZ-3vWHlCx7xgsX4gs39W-USS1bvwg0RajuD2kMBd_jUKa90554nYMQXPligktmTU5bV2Qectsko-OPOSTpC1r43aVVCJqEXusLW4qtFcsF8hMMFgMKzV0rM4MOKPgA_lix0bBSFxxETcLAhrkwQuDtl3z2wzA-K9kEftVyQUzW/s2000/2_24%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad-ypp1L6JSTpvG-4ErZ-3vWHlCx7xgsX4gs39W-USS1bvwg0RajuD2kMBd_jUKa90554nYMQXPligktmTU5bV2Qectsko-OPOSTpC1r43aVVCJqEXusLW4qtFcsF8hMMFgMKzV0rM4MOKPgA_lix0bBSFxxETcLAhrkwQuDtl3z2wzA-K9kEftVyQUzW/w640-h176/2_24%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We returned to <i>Crossroads</i> in time to watch some bad basketball, which led into a colorful sunset. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjKAe7BwaJgxG96M_Ho6kqnODDWybhyphenhyphen1AxywbPdz0gdaTeoOv0U4LOmzfhK2PfQiL7SzSSQmtcvyxzA9Inj9F0OBH7NaSNTqwW6QIw-Q9uCou1czRh_PEJR6ceKPse_Xf1i67rtliabBVCBtjjwBQy3ctPeu8PwTKcPW4GMQ9hxmqFfuXAR5C-p4pi9hP/s2000/2_24%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjKAe7BwaJgxG96M_Ho6kqnODDWybhyphenhyphen1AxywbPdz0gdaTeoOv0U4LOmzfhK2PfQiL7SzSSQmtcvyxzA9Inj9F0OBH7NaSNTqwW6QIw-Q9uCou1czRh_PEJR6ceKPse_Xf1i67rtliabBVCBtjjwBQy3ctPeu8PwTKcPW4GMQ9hxmqFfuXAR5C-p4pi9hP/w640-h176/2_24%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-78179483631296906062024-02-23T20:15:00.000-05:002024-02-23T20:15:09.337-05:00OK, This Is Interesting ...<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>The rain had already begun to fall before we woke up. This was expected as it followed two nice sunny days. This is the cycle we've become accustomed to. Boat projects were on the docket for the day and we assembled all of the tools and parts to complete Part 2 of our bathroom vanity upgrade. We had completed the two faucet installations over the past week or so, but had not yet changed out the drain assembly. As with most original installations on this boat, we did not know what to expect. Barry's remark of, "OK, this is interesting" has become a standard prelude to projects big and small. He tried the drain wrench, then the larger channel lock pliers. In Indiana Jones fashion he followed with "Why did it have to be adhesive?". The Taiwanese factory workers were overly aggressive in the amount of adhesive applied to the sink drain. Time to bring out the power tools. Eventually the old pitted unit was removed and the shiny new chrome ring was installed. We broke for lunch then repeated the process on the second sink which provided less resistance. All was looking shiny and I followed behind with a good cleaning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh1L6S041wUWiInDh9V0UNs_PgIM8-AW7pR4KQRLAosY2GoF6O3xVJIz1Ii5IvQJevxw_qnjLk5u6u8wZFHekAU1JDkCGUgCIF-5d3taKOhhmSo2AES4BetGREFzWAjJr-9RNjduKvKsvCDtuj1HjMLm8J6beRxXJFmv1kgyvgYLWdJ5FjkC3PbO444e3/s2000/2_22%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh1L6S041wUWiInDh9V0UNs_PgIM8-AW7pR4KQRLAosY2GoF6O3xVJIz1Ii5IvQJevxw_qnjLk5u6u8wZFHekAU1JDkCGUgCIF-5d3taKOhhmSo2AES4BetGREFzWAjJr-9RNjduKvKsvCDtuj1HjMLm8J6beRxXJFmv1kgyvgYLWdJ5FjkC3PbO444e3/w640-h176/2_22%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Rain and gusty winds continued throughout the afternoon. I was lucky to catch the sun at the moment it peaked through a small opening in the clouds on its was beyond the horizon. It stopped raining, but the wind continued to howl. The full moon rose into a cloudless sky. We're hoping the sun will come out tomorrow and we can get out for at least a walk. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl_eeCtPQKatnmlyjlDu7iEmlPkC0AtXxGfJkNTG8xHS-7E1weiYoinv0MS4r6-rSiPyqg7A9F5tKz6YUL8rZcnW9csp8Nrh4LTrhboWX_0VKofUqK3CDodQRydXgdhd2qL-EjqMuBg1xlV4WDbWWJU_YWSLjK9JiSrdzCBzIfWiOgQ_QRtmOViyGpUB6/s2000/2_22%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl_eeCtPQKatnmlyjlDu7iEmlPkC0AtXxGfJkNTG8xHS-7E1weiYoinv0MS4r6-rSiPyqg7A9F5tKz6YUL8rZcnW9csp8Nrh4LTrhboWX_0VKofUqK3CDodQRydXgdhd2qL-EjqMuBg1xlV4WDbWWJU_YWSLjK9JiSrdzCBzIfWiOgQ_QRtmOViyGpUB6/w640-h176/2_22%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-73944262312440986522024-02-22T22:16:00.000-05:002024-02-22T22:16:54.353-05:00A Few More Checks On The List<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Low wind this morning meant that our bimini could be marked for its final fitting. The canvas was then carried back to the shop where a tuck will be made in one area. After that, it should be good to go. Not long after the canvas contractors departed, two representatives from the local US Coast Guard Auxiliary came to do the annual safety inspections on both <i>Crossoads</i> and our dinghy. We received our new stickers and are good for the next year. It was a productive morning, with two big items being checked off the list. After lunch we walked around town to stretch our legs. We have one elusive item left to find on our Beaufort Scavenger Hunt. It was a pretty afternoon. The sounds of songbirds filled the still air. We had already walked these streets several times, but today we paid a little closer attention to the historic train depot. The plaque on the wall provided a build date of 1907, but this building looks much different from the town's other buildings of similar age -- from top to bottom. Red tile shingles cover a steep hipped roof. The flared eaves extend outward to create deep overhangs. Impressive wooden brackets provide the support for the stucco building's roof. Passenger service ended here in 1938. The building served as home to the town library until the 1960s. The train tracks that ran through town were removed in 1994. Today it is the home to the Beaufort Woman's Club and has a display of early railroad memorabilia inside. We still did not locate our last hunt item.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiHMfqjyQCQfOV8wY46so4ZYJq521lGnPTFzHSFJWzufbTfDUrhJkLuxCD0GqcggBESuOVJkDhu7fQvSH3jqFgJO2DTROX6oz6uDOKIWTDvywDZdu_jUizfwtxzICdFaKNJip86Wbxm1pBEWf41fAuZ2c-27-JG-_taVx0UE5RpqixpIzGYeLs8mAmiTH/s2000/2_22%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiHMfqjyQCQfOV8wY46so4ZYJq521lGnPTFzHSFJWzufbTfDUrhJkLuxCD0GqcggBESuOVJkDhu7fQvSH3jqFgJO2DTROX6oz6uDOKIWTDvywDZdu_jUizfwtxzICdFaKNJip86Wbxm1pBEWf41fAuZ2c-27-JG-_taVx0UE5RpqixpIzGYeLs8mAmiTH/w640-h176/2_22%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We expanded our exploration and went further east on Front Street to the site of a new planned development. A sales office is located in town and we've looked at the brochures and displays for six weeks. The best part of this new community is that the homes are not all mega mansions. Several sections are set up with both houses and townhomes under 2,000 square feet. Sunset soon followed with an increase in cloud cover. I settled in and watched the UVA women put together a strong performance in a sweet win over Miami. Tomorrow will be rainy and breezy (gusts to 35 mph ... again) with a chance of a thunderstorms. It is not looking like a good day for canvas installation, but we'll keep our fingers crossed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1SLobBYabIpn6TQqFHI_u35Rrj7iLt6D4mTxjzB6ze6_6vakzEWkmaKZm6M5RNK7E-OyPgOzDv5ZM9tcRX7KtoxqMeUoKqg99DZVSaSNvScYZypIUgNl1sowcFBMeB7J98a8Y4AzGZq-OHMPgEUcXkf5lVqO8B2mDr2N3zleeBldcgL4qdFxUDxseK1z/s2000/2_22%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1SLobBYabIpn6TQqFHI_u35Rrj7iLt6D4mTxjzB6ze6_6vakzEWkmaKZm6M5RNK7E-OyPgOzDv5ZM9tcRX7KtoxqMeUoKqg99DZVSaSNvScYZypIUgNl1sowcFBMeB7J98a8Y4AzGZq-OHMPgEUcXkf5lVqO8B2mDr2N3zleeBldcgL4qdFxUDxseK1z/w640-h176/2_22%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-84410701557374461442024-02-21T22:42:00.001-05:002024-02-22T00:06:48.764-05:00All Aboard In Wilmington<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>Today's stop on the Chicken Salad and Lemonade Tour was the Historic Downtown section of Wilmington. A few weeks ago we had visited Eagles Island on the south side of the Cape Fear River to tour the Battleship North Carolina. We had identified a few places we'd like to explore in Wilmington proper and decided to make a day of it. Friends David and Sue travelled from Shallotte and met us at The Wilmington Railroad Museum at 10:30. Exhibits are housed in Warehouse B which was built in 1883. In the main hall, displays ranged from a stunning stained glass depiction of a steam locomotive to railroad signs and symbols, and historic details. Wilmington has long and deep railroad roots, dating back to 1840 when the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad was completed and was the longest in the world at the time. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was formed in 1900 and grew through aquisitions to have tracks reaching from Richmond to Florida. In 1965, the company headquarters were moved to Jacksonville, FL. A merger in 1967 with Richmond's Seaboard Air Line Railroad formed Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Years later it has evolved into what we know today as CSX. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8A72cP1uEuW0Ewb65uokbOxctLWAqaRjHbsjUY1UVb10N7ePfWLf5ak7sWwNf8QIFJB31-y-_beNEbtTnAcWpUZvqlWEPCnFBVoYSvo3rfZmPIARTWxKyBNkf5XrasnxV1PBJxEiv_i6_r0O4Sdy4Nl6UjoI6c7SCO-YKgO7TWxyHkodfkQm2y4ybZ0q/s2000/2_21%20beaufort.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8A72cP1uEuW0Ewb65uokbOxctLWAqaRjHbsjUY1UVb10N7ePfWLf5ak7sWwNf8QIFJB31-y-_beNEbtTnAcWpUZvqlWEPCnFBVoYSvo3rfZmPIARTWxKyBNkf5XrasnxV1PBJxEiv_i6_r0O4Sdy4Nl6UjoI6c7SCO-YKgO7TWxyHkodfkQm2y4ybZ0q/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Several large glass cases contained exhibits on uniforms, evolution of sleeping cars, dining on the train, and communications. I found the display of vintage luggage very interesting as they are literally a portable chest of drawers. This museum has the distinction of setting a Guinness World Record (which still stands) for the longest model train. On April 23, 2011, railroaders from the museum constructed a 925-foot long HO scale train with 31 locomotives and 1,563 cars. It traveled continuously for over 750 feet in the Wilmington Convention Center. I can't picture what that would look like, but I was blown away by their huge train room. Billed as the largest model train layout in the region, it includes areas for HO, O, N, and G scale models. The detail in the scenery was incredible. Barry and David worked through a scavenger hunt to discover oddities, including the Weinermobile. I enjoyed pushing all the buttons to activate the many trains and sounds. The recreation of the Wilmington Roundhouse, which allowed engines to rotate and enter any repair bay from the main access line, was top-notch. While the boys were searching for deer, their final item in their hunt, I took a seat on one of the vintage station benches and read <i>The Little Engine That Could</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEq6s-XQj1Cyl1sDsLUxRzliv4sHvg0VZsWZ5Mn-qmMVvu1v6ZO_22-5FGZEWnZKxH7aVEUD5FEtiAziEzMThsav1jRu-mbimWjBzB2wR14rOoOVEdtECPXvuQTt02gE9ig0PFChn8g5pwImPfwf9fMdoV9KqsVni-xKCNXakabNbuICJseDXf-7YiIr6/s2000/2_21%20beaufort2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEq6s-XQj1Cyl1sDsLUxRzliv4sHvg0VZsWZ5Mn-qmMVvu1v6ZO_22-5FGZEWnZKxH7aVEUD5FEtiAziEzMThsav1jRu-mbimWjBzB2wR14rOoOVEdtECPXvuQTt02gE9ig0PFChn8g5pwImPfwf9fMdoV9KqsVni-xKCNXakabNbuICJseDXf-7YiIr6/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The top feature of the outside exhibits was steam engine #250, built in 1919 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. It was the final Atlantic Coast Line locomotive in service, running between Wilmington and Fayetteville in the 1950s. The "Welcome to Railroads" statue is made from pieces of rail that guide trains through switches while changing tracks. An authentic concrete milepost was on display. The number 243 is the distance on the Atlantic Coast Line as measured from the center of the James River Bridge in Richmond to Smith Creek Yard in Wilmington. Another marker on display was the whistle post which was placed several hundred feet before crossings to signal the engineer to start blowing the whistle. The stripes represent the sequence of two long blasts, a short blast, and another long blast -- the standard signal for trains approaching a crossing. The former headquarters for the Atlantic Coastline Line Railroad has been repurposed as part of the aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center hotel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYDlANDgPAKaocq6nNNTNjeq27cLJJlUJwDZKOGEKf4FEjJMApqFPYfPHywEUgFV3pEF1-PEdjsEodfmqzfBJMXLzRWTq9VRm1DHJyu6f4ZiBwgReYMMMFQz2BY-z5pMgFEjRgHx8Xv45cZ5v96rowyzjaoeTQTn63-DeT4s5zft1tKC-ViyidkFXK3z2/s2000/2_21%20beaufort3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYDlANDgPAKaocq6nNNTNjeq27cLJJlUJwDZKOGEKf4FEjJMApqFPYfPHywEUgFV3pEF1-PEdjsEodfmqzfBJMXLzRWTq9VRm1DHJyu6f4ZiBwgReYMMMFQz2BY-z5pMgFEjRgHx8Xv45cZ5v96rowyzjaoeTQTn63-DeT4s5zft1tKC-ViyidkFXK3z2/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was a beautiful afternoon for a little trek around town. We walked to the Cotton Exchange. The former home to the Cape Fear Flour and Pearl Hominy Mill in 1884, the mill was the largest in the South at that time. In 1919 the building was repurposed as a home to Alexander Sprunt & Sons, the largest cotton exporter in the world. Today the Cotton Exchange is home to restaurants and shops. For something totally different we stopped in at The German Cafe for lunch. The exposed beams and old brickwork added to the Old World vibe. The German Chocolate cake looked devine, but we passed after our reubens with authentic German potato salad. After that lunch we needed to walk some more so we headed up Market Street and admired all the classic architecture. St. James Episcopal Parish occupies an entire city block and is the oldest church in Wilmington (1729). The red brick of the 1892 New Hanover Courthouse, with its recently renovated bell tower, made quite a statement. Next to the courthouse stood the William Allen Cobb Judicial Annex in much different, but still exquisite, architectural style. First Baptist Church, dedicated in 1870, has traditional Gothic features -- two towering spires (not pictured) and elaborate window arches. Two streetside cannons provided an interesting accent in the church grounds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmY3srYe7nhovKvsUyQIOfVo8xwmnzMew13QoGnAfBeiwLpATiCIJL6eSi_ZjF_o8VtRRyFt8h750EK1m3-_VOI3qLk_AQ5IqonUCrdwo5K-rABtPOxoM7O_oKksQ97q24olhxMNYh1dYbF0CYRthMfkwSU33kLCKMDBLMI8FyJsp7ntD3JGvLG29MZO/s2000/2_21%20beaufort4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmY3srYe7nhovKvsUyQIOfVo8xwmnzMew13QoGnAfBeiwLpATiCIJL6eSi_ZjF_o8VtRRyFt8h750EK1m3-_VOI3qLk_AQ5IqonUCrdwo5K-rABtPOxoM7O_oKksQ97q24olhxMNYh1dYbF0CYRthMfkwSU33kLCKMDBLMI8FyJsp7ntD3JGvLG29MZO/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We took a quick stroll through the grounds of Bellamy Mansion, one of North Carolina's finest examples of historic antebellum architecture. The full colonnade and the huge 154-year-old magnolia tree were the highlights for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoRCjzgeiW6QZxmC8A3q_vA4g33AZPTP0EF9E-UUifPlOvRtVFcFs5KxQFgg-MBLLPaJdmV9Lfq07ucSqX1t2SOb7B9xY_wBaRA3nffTtwsHyAJ1pnDeQtZZdEwZb-_va58WCK9T4_2IzuOp3EArdStrofUsWQVK8whr9amU_qrHN0E93qZKKP4jZsa6U/s2000/2_21%20beaufort5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoRCjzgeiW6QZxmC8A3q_vA4g33AZPTP0EF9E-UUifPlOvRtVFcFs5KxQFgg-MBLLPaJdmV9Lfq07ucSqX1t2SOb7B9xY_wBaRA3nffTtwsHyAJ1pnDeQtZZdEwZb-_va58WCK9T4_2IzuOp3EArdStrofUsWQVK8whr9amU_qrHN0E93qZKKP4jZsa6U/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I must admit that I was overdressed for the day which turned out to be warm with no wind. We walked back the Cape Fear River and passed a fountain-horse trough in the median at the bottom of the Market Street hill. Across the river was the Battleship North Carolina which we visited a few weeks ago. The federal building was completed in 1919 and makes quite a statement along the waterfront.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ttpnme5QYROjxWdmSJxkBLlogtgdkhduj8sfXMzUhyhiNc_e3j3SFx8jYNY5nrSYXM3l7bG5YBb61pUHsBX-KowiGQRK9SNQnbc8e6bfWv1P4i5qKgCnx5VdSle72WrQgjLpy3jXPjTbG2GKj2qMbJsunEvvcuz6pCSXkzZcerCcIAjhXUJs7u3xcQzj/s2000/2_21%20beaufort6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ttpnme5QYROjxWdmSJxkBLlogtgdkhduj8sfXMzUhyhiNc_e3j3SFx8jYNY5nrSYXM3l7bG5YBb61pUHsBX-KowiGQRK9SNQnbc8e6bfWv1P4i5qKgCnx5VdSle72WrQgjLpy3jXPjTbG2GKj2qMbJsunEvvcuz6pCSXkzZcerCcIAjhXUJs7u3xcQzj/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Wilmington Riverwalk is well-decorated with sign pole banners, informational placards, and seating areas. The Cape Fear River begins northeast of Sanford and empties into the Atlantic in Southport. More than 29 counties and 9,000 square miles make up the Cape Fear River Basin, the state's largest river basin. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge shrank in the distance as we walked back to our vehicles past an interesting pelican sculpture, and following the markers in the sidewalk. We said goodbyes once again to David and Sue again thanking them for all the recent visits. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegCzBHXU_5iPnwsXGf6H-5EyXiForj16od_b4KwAMlGd6jr5UN79hE-d__egdj-lvVLvzbI42RVYJTZwH_yJbKxcIqB96RIYrsLpRTySWs8ySPpCM8YSXwTNCwkc-uTShFfctbWotHYhQFIuxbzgmEiuV4bYDW3ckBUPN6Y96KCy3SPOl510GPUCMKCX6/s2000/2_21%20beaufort7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegCzBHXU_5iPnwsXGf6H-5EyXiForj16od_b4KwAMlGd6jr5UN79hE-d__egdj-lvVLvzbI42RVYJTZwH_yJbKxcIqB96RIYrsLpRTySWs8ySPpCM8YSXwTNCwkc-uTShFfctbWotHYhQFIuxbzgmEiuV4bYDW3ckBUPN6Y96KCy3SPOl510GPUCMKCX6/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We drove back to Beaufort and walked down the dock to <i>Crossroads</i> as the final light of dusk faded beyond the bridge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9hORekvO4b5M58LqrCm0aPOu0ea60ZSYWKVjf8Vt3UmXGHa6Yrtj6Psv6Z68DkeLKsyNqFjJPmqV46nrQJ1gp5byRKKZnyz6XpuXguKWbqpzKCpJYbGuK42DRm7kw2IxQ7b4TCeKYQF0jXFYVj6BgGg3F7rU11otjJ-kStLga2O98e2cgcMoE-LEjEVp/s2000/2_21%20beaufort8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9hORekvO4b5M58LqrCm0aPOu0ea60ZSYWKVjf8Vt3UmXGHa6Yrtj6Psv6Z68DkeLKsyNqFjJPmqV46nrQJ1gp5byRKKZnyz6XpuXguKWbqpzKCpJYbGuK42DRm7kw2IxQ7b4TCeKYQF0jXFYVj6BgGg3F7rU11otjJ-kStLga2O98e2cgcMoE-LEjEVp/w640-h176/2_21%20beaufort8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-23784325794089953182024-02-20T21:50:00.002-05:002024-02-20T21:50:58.990-05:00Guidance From Dory<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>We could only laugh. There wasn't another choice. We woke once again to the loud groaning of the dock lines stretching tight against the strong wind. My first comment was, "I speak whale," referencing a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJGeeryk0Eo" target="_blank">classic line</a> from <i>Finding Nemo</i>. We both chimed in with "whale speak" to echo the sound of the lines passing through the hawseholes above our head. After layering up we went outside to inspect all the dock lines. The wind was on our nose and the bow lines were tight, but in good shape. Faced with another windy day in Beaufort, I then quoted another line from <a href="https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Dory" target="_blank">Dory</a>: "Just keep swimming." Bless her optimism. We received a call from the canvas contractor telling us the obvious. -- it was too windy to measure and mark. We shifted gears and began working on a few more boat projects. Barry replaced the faucet in his head (bathroom) to match the one recently replaced in my head. I started polishing other stainless steel fixtures and moved on to the ports. The view out of the port in my shower was of the starboard piling. The visible wetness and growth (either barnacles or oysters) indicated we were very close to low tide. The nice reflections in the frame was evidence of a job well done. As is usually the case, one project leads to another, and then to a trip to the hardware store. The wind was still whipping the flag stiff as we drove into Morehead City for a few additional parts from Lowe's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2jW8iMznNtq51eaPUlwJDJwpsDDMR1NNyF4_yBlsCLNDRUXAWLUQnOPELmWzR9WHChspaq-FcUjDMO4ZKCJK9JnaA8GIkwhReNJZZX6hUcQQwQPdoODPcYOdcyrpFzri-HyBhIq7SvuC2U_75W7-wT3FS0AQoUvc3mNKZJ_TVi9RMIeSw13GxIqmVIH/s2000/2_20%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2jW8iMznNtq51eaPUlwJDJwpsDDMR1NNyF4_yBlsCLNDRUXAWLUQnOPELmWzR9WHChspaq-FcUjDMO4ZKCJK9JnaA8GIkwhReNJZZX6hUcQQwQPdoODPcYOdcyrpFzri-HyBhIq7SvuC2U_75W7-wT3FS0AQoUvc3mNKZJ_TVi9RMIeSw13GxIqmVIH/w640-h176/2_20%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This evening we enjoyed a great sunset and planned the road trip for tomorrow. We are looking forward to a new adventure. On Thursday, we'll try again with the canvas. We'll continue to be like the little blue tang, Dory, and just keep swimming. In a nutshell that statement "gives us the hope we need to reach our goal -- to finish strong, and to persevere through hard times. Essentially, to never give up."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDl2hjl6wZGIwBM2st9bX1gRzKFpc4izOFGFpLnNRan3HnsjwtKGUQA1r9v-GINd5qldjKoNhQEp5wjW9Zu3k7TOjgXInjr5m8EAh0vkLUFlqFVMhtrw53EcZlcxNEaLuqLgqFBUDDTA0lNfhEJ9GvtmwVLlRmEafxIAYoGrQUvn9_50FeZE2theubSc9/s2000/2_20%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDl2hjl6wZGIwBM2st9bX1gRzKFpc4izOFGFpLnNRan3HnsjwtKGUQA1r9v-GINd5qldjKoNhQEp5wjW9Zu3k7TOjgXInjr5m8EAh0vkLUFlqFVMhtrw53EcZlcxNEaLuqLgqFBUDDTA0lNfhEJ9GvtmwVLlRmEafxIAYoGrQUvn9_50FeZE2theubSc9/w640-h176/2_20%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282787747673779128.post-47033114572680566982024-02-19T22:24:00.003-05:002024-02-19T22:24:41.627-05:00Feelin' Alright<p><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;">Beaufort</span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></p><div></div><p>It took a while to formulate today's plan. I did my morning reading from the pilothouse and looked out to a bright blue sky with plenty of sunshine. I did so, however, with wool socks on from under a blanket. It was another cold and blustery day. "What do folks do at the beach in the summer when it is either too hot or raining?," I wondered. Answer: go see a movie. That option sounded great. We did our research, had an early lunch, and headed to Atlantic Beach for the 1:00 showing of <i>Bob Marley One Love</i>. I am familiar with Marley's music, but knew very little about his personal story. This was an eye-opening look at his life which was cut short by cancer at age 36. After the movie, we had plenty of afternoon left and couldn't pass up the opportunity take a walk along our favorite stretch of beach. The cloud cover had increased, but made for a serene backdrop to the dunes as we worked our way to the Atlantic Ocean. We couldn't believe how calm the water was. All of the wind was being blocked by the oceanfront houses. With no fetch, the ocean was docile with only a minimal lapping of waves onshore.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz4R7EqG1alV6_wJ7R0jxknsqUjDT0Zr26zMsGKRoCp6utMi3TWgFIOqKBfbtv6wpSB6H3H-7tYKsAuxDSwVZ7WI1n5-D1xYdkHNDeqHq5FoWV2Jrsq0PFTkVokBUNXGU8dbWIDNuySBdd-0BNP6Hdn_l85grD1b6yz-Rfk2lqkDUsj7Xpq6xbYm1X9_o/s2000/2_19%20beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz4R7EqG1alV6_wJ7R0jxknsqUjDT0Zr26zMsGKRoCp6utMi3TWgFIOqKBfbtv6wpSB6H3H-7tYKsAuxDSwVZ7WI1n5-D1xYdkHNDeqHq5FoWV2Jrsq0PFTkVokBUNXGU8dbWIDNuySBdd-0BNP6Hdn_l85grD1b6yz-Rfk2lqkDUsj7Xpq6xbYm1X9_o/w640-h176/2_19%20beaufort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once again, the beach was covered with shells. Beautiful olive specimens were once again plentiful. New today, probably the result of the gentle wave action, was an abundance of intact clam shells. After I took my photo of the open bivalve, a little sandpiper followed looking for an afternoon snack. It was a beautiful walk to the pier. Without the wind, the temperature was surprisingly comfortable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tiO0FBKlgnjHjb0BaMGmhR1lpnVauAaI5y-Sa2C-cNrtxLj0SjMmLzM1C2PkSogMiHyzUIEgFmJww_hGv7z6kLs1o1HGHj__U3-1l7n16y6QbotLa_tU0tJE6QNGjCKY39hKfEYVLSbM80GToiknzDeZ-duf_S7rQCHlmr_pOLjcy4ENG8-DK9jwFNpp/s2000/2_19%20beaufort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tiO0FBKlgnjHjb0BaMGmhR1lpnVauAaI5y-Sa2C-cNrtxLj0SjMmLzM1C2PkSogMiHyzUIEgFmJww_hGv7z6kLs1o1HGHj__U3-1l7n16y6QbotLa_tU0tJE6QNGjCKY39hKfEYVLSbM80GToiknzDeZ-duf_S7rQCHlmr_pOLjcy4ENG8-DK9jwFNpp/w640-h176/2_19%20beaufort2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We walked through the shells pointing out interesting finds to each other. The pier cast a strong reflection in the calm water. We took advantage of the pleasant conditions and walked further than we had on previous trips. We turned around and we were treated to a spectacular view as the sun backlit the clouds. When we returned to the spot of the broken orange whelk shell, we got a sense of how far the flood tide had advanced. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1vxu-EFpnKII8rTNoXAbMCqJFwT2Dzz6RseF8PID5_ol9G4H2mD88xfMv-WsMTrOemXahqe0yM-rruXuFFIeJtQcbsbTsL2QpWbq4fZl7SbObOAsjqTL6jxwlztdanqZZ6iAxWhgQul907bM4RQmBIGprAkR4ZZCPoqONEHw0RUnV5ieST_ziJRhcSDT/s2000/2_19%20beaufort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1vxu-EFpnKII8rTNoXAbMCqJFwT2Dzz6RseF8PID5_ol9G4H2mD88xfMv-WsMTrOemXahqe0yM-rruXuFFIeJtQcbsbTsL2QpWbq4fZl7SbObOAsjqTL6jxwlztdanqZZ6iAxWhgQul907bM4RQmBIGprAkR4ZZCPoqONEHw0RUnV5ieST_ziJRhcSDT/w640-h176/2_19%20beaufort3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The decision was made to visit a local restaurant for dinner, but we had to occupy some time. We returned to Fort Macon to visit a new-to-us area of the park. Aside form the fort's role in the Civil War, it was also occupied by the US Army in Word War II. From 1941-44, the "Harbor Defenses of Beaufort Inlet" protected the North Carolina coast from German U-boats. The standard long-range mobile field artillery could fire a 6.1-inch (155mm), 95-pound shot up to 11 miles offshore at a rate of four per minute. This emplacement lies beyond the walls of Fort Macon, closer to the water. We took the beach trail back to the parking lot and received a rude awakening as we rounded the point and were exposed to the full effect of the wind. Even Barry was cold and eager to return to the parking lot. We had noticed on a previous trip that the park was collecting Christmas trees to be recycled as part of a dune renourishment program. For over 60 years, discarded trees have been used to help stabilize the beaches. The trees trap sand and eventually get buried where they will decompose and return nutrients to carry on the cycle of life. Our final destination of the day was Island Grille, a restaurant highly-recommended by my Aunt Wrenn way back during our first week in Beaufort. Oh, my gosh. My shrimp and scallops and Barry's mahi were so delicious. We have already decided that we will celebrate our final days in Beaufort (whenever that may come) with a return trip to this little gem. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsP5ohXGKI5i0s4dLWzRJV2znTmTcUaO_EHM6zP2Z_XcKX-8JIz4nwnEnlnSGXHjw-1MejWMeqgFcC54uakHThbUAqeJ-qVehL1CaGuk0ewZpwKcknP2Bq6Ia9khIt75P6mxXcq9yFzw3Arl72o4SLUctFaoy8z_M8fA8XPpadx2r0GGrkKzQ2kKm50Sa/s2000/2_19%20beaufort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsP5ohXGKI5i0s4dLWzRJV2znTmTcUaO_EHM6zP2Z_XcKX-8JIz4nwnEnlnSGXHjw-1MejWMeqgFcC54uakHThbUAqeJ-qVehL1CaGuk0ewZpwKcknP2Bq6Ia9khIt75P6mxXcq9yFzw3Arl72o4SLUctFaoy8z_M8fA8XPpadx2r0GGrkKzQ2kKm50Sa/w640-h176/2_19%20beaufort4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We thoroughly enjoyed our day which was capped off with another amazing sunset. With echos of Marley's <i>One Love</i> in our head, we were definitely "Feelin' Alright." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQuj-KRWxFkyAUfYXaejp1LfhyphenhyphenDDVx4X8cj3oNXF_un35AHc4wqgVaCnVIJ8T9XyQW1M6vPtAtdx_E2J3KjMakyNH01AcGpzrh0LZ7ZBPQ6ZjvdbmdHobrn2kOljBYlnBIGG04hbt7cTISbGWI-2_vBKobVBqdRUu0X1UQmwN_s3R1sw4S7WTvU_NrDSl/s2000/2_19%20beaufort5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="2000" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQuj-KRWxFkyAUfYXaejp1LfhyphenhyphenDDVx4X8cj3oNXF_un35AHc4wqgVaCnVIJ8T9XyQW1M6vPtAtdx_E2J3KjMakyNH01AcGpzrh0LZ7ZBPQ6ZjvdbmdHobrn2kOljBYlnBIGG04hbt7cTISbGWI-2_vBKobVBqdRUu0X1UQmwN_s3R1sw4S7WTvU_NrDSl/w640-h176/2_19%20beaufort5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Robin Newlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128907569186573973noreply@blogger.com0