Taking Advantage of a Weather Window

Beaufort to Wrightsville Beach |  9 Hours  |  70 Miles 

After 17 days onboard, we have fine-turned our morning routine. The alarm sounds 30 minutes prior to our planned departure time. That gives me 20 minutes to put on four layers of clothing (top and bottom) and then 10 minutes to get the anchor up. It was a pleasant sight to look out the window and see still water in Taylor Creek. For two days we have sailed at anchor, swaying at the mercy of both current and wind. Despite all the movement, the anchor and chain came up clean and for that I was very thankful.

We rounded the corner into Beaufort Inlet and were greeted by the morning's colors. Once in the Atlantic, it was time for breakfast.

Put that thought on hold. US Warship 24 was inbound in the same channel. We gave the USS Arlington, an amphibious transport dock ship, a good look as we turned in front of her to make a direct shot to Wrightsville Beach. Back to breakfast. NOAA got the forecast right today as the wind was light and the waves calm and following ... a great weather window to jump outside and save a day of travel on the ICW. The sun warmed up the pilothouse and the morning passed by quickly. Just before lunch and as we approached Camp Lejune, another dark shadow appeared on the horizon. As we got closer the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) contacted us to maintain a three-mile safety zone. It was deploying LCAC hover craft from its stern. No problem. It was interesting to watch. At the same time, Blackhawk helicopters were circling and a flock of Ospreys flew inland. The Osprey are near and dear to Barry's heart as he was an avionics systems integrator who worked on the design for Boeing Vertol.

Cloud cover thickened throughout the day as we crossed Onslow Bay. We entered Masonboro Inlet on a slacking tide and followed previous tracks on our chartplotter past the water tower and to the anchorage. There was plenty of room for us and My Cat to pull in alongside two small sailboats. Darkness fell and the Blockade Runner lit up the oceanfront shoreline.

The same weather event that is wreaking havoc in the eastern part of the US will keep us here tomorrow. Heavy rain and gusty winds will make for a slow day. We hope to be back underway on Monday. Only 810 miles remain between us and Key Biscayne.