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!