May 31st Update - We're in Coinjock

After departing Ocracoke on Thursday, a day later than planned due to AWFUL weather (it rained all day), we headed across the Pamlico Sound to the Pamlico River, to the Pungo River and up to Jordan Creek and the River Rat Yacht Club. It was a rolling and pitching ride until we reached Pamlico Point and then the pitching stopped and we finally got to roll out a sail for the 2nd half of the trip. We held our breath in 5'4" Jordan Creek but never bumped and tied up at the River Rat's visitors dock. Lots of wine was consumed, a nice dinner aboard Long Gone and best of all, I got to catch up with my girlfriend Melinda whom I don't see as often as I'd like.

May 30, 2008 - Little Alligator River Anchorage
Position: Position: N 35º 56’.497, W 076º 03’.398
Yesterday we departed early and headed up the Pungo to the Alligator Pungo Canal. It's a desolate place but pretty in its own way. Chris finished his book while I steered the 24 miles through the Canal. When we came out the Alligator River, we were treated to an air exercise by a couple of fighter jets. Man, they were loud! The Alligator River was rocking and rolling and we had to stop at Alligator River Marina for fuel as the Dowry Creek Marina on the Pungo blew a fuel hose trying to fill us up. We thought about stopping for the evening as it was already 6 pm, but they wouldn't allow us to stay on the face dock and we didn't want to risk docking as it was just honking by then. By the way, our experience in the Alligator River Marina was not favorable AT ALL. A surly dockmistress made us want to depart as quickly as possible (it was so awful that there will NOT be another next time for us at Alligator River Marina). Five miles up river was the anchorage that we had picked out for the night and we ducked into the Little Alligator River about 6:30 pm and set the hook. Fortunately it set right away and we were in for the night - almost a 60 mile day--a lot for the Long Gone crew. The wine was poured, the soup made hot and the crew was Long Gone in bed for the evening.

We left the anchorage this morning (May 31) at 6 am since we heard that weather was coming this afternoon. We threaded our way through BUNCHES of crab pots and made it into Coinjock by 11:30am. We were able to hail Wilde Matilde (a boat we met in Ocracoke) and she had planned to anchor off Buck Island tonight - about 10 miles south of here. We plan to meet tomorrow in Great Bridge at the City's FREE dock (yippee)! From there a grocery store is within walking distance and it's time to provision the important stuff like fresh veggies, fruit and WINE . Since we are at the marina known mostly for its excellent steaks, we're going to treat ourselves to dinner out tonight. We deserve it!!!! We miss all of you!!!!!

Cruising – Part II continues (Saturday May 24, 2008)

We left New Bern in pouring rain and it was CHILLY—so much so that we were able to see our breath in the cockpit on the way to Oriental (hard to believe we’re at the end of May!). Once we tied up at Oriental Harbour Marina, the sun broke through and the weather was gorgeous. Oriental is a town with more sailboats than people (my kind of town) and the whole town gathered on Saturday night for a block party, complete with southern style barbecue and all the fixings (box wine included!). There was a great band and the street became a dance floor. We traveled with S/V Charisma and M/V Vat 19 and their crew. A great time was had by all. We also met up with some friends (S/V Shu Shu Ga) and saw their new house being built so that was a treat too! It’s a craftsman style cottage right on the river with such great views...just wonderful!! About 1:30 am on Sunday morning, a loud explosion woke me up. I went up in the cockpit and saw flames shooting everywhere from the direction of Oriental Marina so naturally I freaked! Chris & I hurried up the dock and through the town to investigate. A large shrimp boat sitting in Oriental’s harbor was on fire and Oriental’s all volunteer fire department was having a very tough time extinguishing the flames. They finally got it under control and Chris and I were in bed by 2 am.

Sunday, May 25, 2008 – We arrived in Ocracoke
We were sailing by 7 am this morning. Yikes! It’s Donnie and Vicky’s (S/V Charisma) 1st wedding anniversary so we’re tagged along to help them celebrate. It was a wonderful sail over with a great dolphin show as we approached Ocracoke. Tonight is for “pillaging and plundering” pirate-style so this afternoon is nap-time for this tired crew. We’re at the National Park dock until we leave on Wednesday morning. Right now we’re planning to go across the Sound and up the Pungo River to the River Rat Yacht Club to visit my friend Melinda (S/V Celerity). Can’t wait to catch up on some girl talk!