Gale Wait

Broad Creek
N 35 04.418 W 76 37.416

Sunday
We are sitting, on the hook, in Broad Creek. We sailed up here last night from Oriental in a rush to avoid the coming storm. The evening sail up was very pleasant. There were lots of sailboats our here when we started, but by the time we pulled in, we were the only vessel in sight on the Neuse River or on Pamlico Sound. Once at anchor, the air was nearly still around sunset and the whole scene here was very reminiscent of the Chesapeake.

This morning they upgraded the weather warning. They are saying winds to 50 knots, gusts to 60 knots, and seas 18-21 feet (higher in the Gulf Stream). Of course, that's offshore. Its much milder here. In our sheltered spot here in the creek, we haven't seen any gusts more than 34 knots, and only one foot choppy waves. That is not to imply that it is safe to go out there sailing on the ICW. Pamlico and Abemarle Sounds are big bodies of water and they are very shallow -- 10 feet or less in many
places. That makes for very close, very steep waves that can be quite dangerous. We'll have to be content staying here to wait it out. The rest of Sunday, and probably all day Monday also. After that we'll still have North winds against us, but not so strong.

It's funny. The word gale suggests a raging storm -- dark and rainy. Actually, it is partly sunny, cool and very pleasant outside as long as one isn't standing exposed to the wind. Outdoor activities such as hunting in the forest would be great on a day like this.

Our friends on Summer Salt left Oriental this morning on their Chris Craft cruiser with the intent of motoring another 20 miles north of here to Eastham Creek. However, they found it so rough out on the Neuse River that they put in to Broad Creek, the same place we are. I think our decision to leave last night was a good choice.

p.s. No cell phone signal here. Sorry.