Southward Ho

Bogue Sound

34 43.089 N 076 54.404 W

 

Our southward migration is under way. None too soon I might say because it is cool outside.

 

Yesterday morning we stopped at Sailcraft in Oriental for some engine and rigging work. I'll write more on that later, but for now I'll tell you that both jobs turned out to be simpler, faster and less expensive than I expected. Such surprises are welcome.

 

Long time readers know that in recent years, we sail outside as much as possible and on the ICW as little as possible. Part of that is being jaded - "been there, done that." But often we plod down the ICW hoping and praying for a weather window to go outside. Guess what? Such a weather window began today, and it will continue for 5 days. We could sail all the way to Miami in this window. But this time we are ignoring that.

 

We decided that this year we will take our time and see more of the sights than in recent years. Cruisers are privileged to not being held to a consistency standard. I'm sure that there are delights on the ICW that we haven't seen yet. We will also visit with friends where possible. We will stay on the ICW at least until Beaufort, SC and Port Royal Sound Inlet.

 

The risk that we take is that the weather will turn cold and nasty. We don't like cold nasty weather any more. Too bad; we'll take the risk.

 

Last night we were comfortable and secure in Spooners Creek. We were surrounded with luxury houses and luxury yachts, but after dark I couldn't see lights on in any of the houses. None of the owners were there

 

Tonight we will anchor at Mile Hammock Bay inside Camp Lejune. But first we have to get past Brown's Inlet. Thst is a place that always shoals such that it is impossible to pass at low tide. Low tide today is at 1330 (1:30) and the next high tide is at sunset around 1900 (7:00). We will try to time our passage between 1700 and dark. By the way, the last time we passed Browns Inlet a year ago, we did run aground.