A Final Lap Around Town

Belhaven  

A few boats exited this morning out of Belhaven's safe harbor. We were not one of them, wary of reported low water north of us. Yampa, who left yesterday, reported back that there was indeed low water in Alligator River and they had to hold up short of their destination. Hearing their report made us feel a little better about spending day six in this comfortable anchorage. The morning was like most others -- breakfast, chores, stretch, shower. A few rain showers rolled through the area, dumping heavily for a brief period then stopping as quickly as it started. After lunch we donned our foul weather gear and headed to shore for one last trash drop and walk around town. The good news is that it was warmer today. Maybe tomorrow we can trade our jeans for shorts. High tide approached the top of the docks as we walked down Water Street. At River Forest Manor a large tent was being set up for a weekend wedding. We made the turn back to town via Main Street. By now this is a familiar route, but we noticed a few new pieces of eye candy. A large grouping of bright red amaryllises were in full bloom by the front stoop. 

A bright red crab hung from a tree. The most pleasant surprise was seeing the red and yellow marbled rose buds. Soon we were back to the town dock. The street and low waterfront areas were still flooded. Barry walked the docks and chatted with the menfolk while I sat at the picnic shelter and observed the developing show. Dockhands were out moving boats (including our dinghy) to squeeze out more room. They then made multiple trips up and down the dock, walking off the distance. With little scientific accuracy, they radioed that there was 48 feet available between a power cat and the bulkhead. In came a sport fisher and a few tense moments ensued as they worked their way into the opening with inches to spare. True, their waterline fit in the spot, but their length overall was much longer because of their large protruding bowsprit. After the show was over, we headed back to Crossroads as showers again rolled through the area. Before dinner we put the dinghy back on the upper deck. We are ready to depart in the morning and make the final dash home. In this case, we hope that the creek does rise ... just a bit.