Sunday, departed Osprey Marina 0800. Was able to maneuver around Journey, a small trimaran that pulled in behind us. Calm and sunny but lots of Sunday traffic out and about. Worse than the southern Florida Sunday traffic that we avoid. This waterway is narrower! Finally arrived at Southport Marina (mm 309) at 5:15. Really long day to make only 64 miles in 9.25 hours.

Monday, up early to get underway. But, what’s coming? Some nastiness……windy, rain, storms…..not a good day to tackle the Cape Fear River. Good call captain. After the storms, we walked to the town of Southport. Lunch at Fishy Fishy. Afterwards, antiquing and a good walk.

Tuesday, we’re about to depart and saw that a replica of Hemingway’s Pilar had pulled in last night. We’re invited aboard but we were in a rush to get moving. Got some great pictures. Departed….easy trip on the Cape Fear River….again, good call Captain, not to go yesterday. It can really get quite nasty. Anchor down at Mile Hammock Bay (mm 244.5) on the Marine Corps base, at 5 pm. Received notification that our friend, Pam Gwinn, had died. Sad. I will miss her. Star gazed before bed, with minimal light pollution.

Wednesday, anchor up, 7:40. This whole area is part of a Marine base. We were buzzed by helicopters all night long. Fun to watch early on then pillow over the head type night. Bet they were Ospreys. Easy, pleasant ride to Beaufort, NC. Arrived at Town Creek Marina (mm201) by 3:30. Good to see Carol and e gang, especially after COVID… our new microwave was waiting for us. This is a great marina (and town).

Thursday, yep, windy, SW 20-30, on the beam. We are staying. Walked to town for lunch, shopping, etc……

Friday, raining and windy. Borrowed marina vehicle to run errands and get Italian at the NoName. Very good, as usual.

Saturday, gorgeous day. Cleaned out the back porch and found an ant nest…explains the ants out there…..Walked to town to the farmers’ market, antiqued, lunch, a little more shopping. At lunch Larry ordered scallops instead of oysters by mistake. Waitress brought him a full order of oysters on the side…..she got a great tip!

Hurricane Elsa may be coming at us. Guess we will stay a little longer. Good place to sit.