Slipping Through The Neuse

Belhaven to Beaufort |  8 Hours  |  60 Miles 

For this first stage of our journey, it's all about making miles. Early to bed and early to rise. The one benefit of this schedule is we get to enjoy the multi-color displays of the dawn sky. Today was 10 degrees warmer than when we left Coinjock yesterday -- a balmy 35 degrees. Bundled up with four layers top and bottom, I had the anchor up right on schedule at 7:00. From past experiences in this anchorage, I knew our anchor chain would be coated with a thick layer of black mud. That held true. Twenty minutes later, the anchor platform and forward deck were all clean.

The sun rose as we entered the Pungo River. Duck hunting is a very popular activity in this area. These fellows were up early and already had all of their (decoy) ducks in a row. 

The water was once again mirror-smooth. Water conditions could not have been better. If it had been 40 degrees warmer, it would have been a perfect day. We welcomed passing traffic, just to watch the ripples in the water. Two converging wakes created interesting moguls. A single wake formed ripples colored in multiple hues of blue as they rolled to the shore.

I had told myself I wouldn't take pictures of any more bridge reflections, but I couldn't resist as we moved through Hobucken. Fishing boats at the R.E. Mayo dock glistened in the sunshine. We exited the canal into the Neuse River and struggled to make out the horizon.  

Barry and I were dumbfounded. There was no sign of wind ripples or current. This river has been our nemesis for many years and we always expect wind, waves and chop. Our trip through here last time sent waves crashing over our flybridge. We definitely enjoyed today's trip past Oriental and into Adams Creek. 

We were already making great time, but gladly hopped into a one-knot current that gave us a nice boost. Crossroads does not see 8.9 knots on her own. This speed requires a little help from Mother Nature. Familiar sights announced our approach into the Beaufort/Morehead City area. We always look for the house with the helipad. Soon the channel split and we went left towards Beaufort. Once under the bridge we encountered several derelict boats that we had to weave through. We turned tight along the docks into Taylor Creek and immediately saw a massive sailboat in front of us. Kaizen is 159-feet long, with a 33-foot wide beam. She made quite a statement as we passed by her on our way to the anchorage. We found a good spot right across from the town dinghy dock, quickly set the hook, then lowered Backroads (our dinghy) from the upper deck. 

Darkness settled in quickly with a heavy cloud cover. The Beaufort dockside district glowed and we were able to enjoy one final reflection for the day. Notice the "skyscraper" to the left of the photo -- it is the well-illuminated mast and spreaders of Kaizen.  

We will stay here tomorrow before heading to Wrightsville Beach. It will be breezy, but sunny, and we hope to enjoy a walk around town.