We got in here just before low tide and had less than 6inches under the keel entering the canal over the bar. Once in the canal its 8ft deep up to this small pond area. There was one boat in before us but 3 more followed us in later in the day. A very protected, but tight anchorage.
No wind today under blue skies and we motored up the Cape Fear River with a little helping current, then down Snow's Cut again with the current to Carolina Beach and still trucking up the ICW.
Normally we stop at Masonboro to anchor but we were making good time so proceeded on to Hammock Bay.
Always have to be alert and ready to react when transiting the ICW. We knew this dredge was operating north of Carolina Beach and you had to pass very close aboard him, just a few feet off his port side. Just as we were about to pass he decided to reposition out into the channel. We had to stop and wait for him to get reset, then were able to proceed close aboard without any problems. Several boats have gone aground here passing too far to the left.
After a long day we got to Hammock Bay just before dark. As one of the last boats to arrive we found 13 boats already in the anchorage and one more coming in behind us. Fortunately there is room for all here.
Sue snapped this picture of the full moon over several of the anchored boats beside us. Their anchor lights are like little fairies.
Next morning and next challenge up the ICW. The Onslow bridge is under construction and a tug and barge block the opening. There is a passage 30ft wide for boats to pass through. We have a 13ft beam so not a problem for us. Some large catamarans with beams around 30ft have to wait for the one hour opening each day when the barge moves.
Sue wishes she could live in the tiny home on the island just opposite Swansboro.
We got to Beaufort at the end of the day and decided to stop here before transiting the last hour trip to Cape Lookout as the winds had been strong all day long and the ocean waves were 5-7ft. Tomorrow morning is no wind so we will head to the cape tomorrow.
We normally anchor here just off the USCG station but found tugs and dredge pipes blocking our anchorage spot. We were able to talk to the tug and he told us where the submerged pipeline was and we were able to anchor inshore of it. We were surprised in the morning to find two other sailboats anchored alongside us.
