In Beaufort area, we actually anchored off Sugar Loaf Island which is on the Morehead City side of the inlet.
With the forecasted light winds, anchoring off Morehead City positions us further along our way down the ICW.
Often, there are strong SW winds in this area and we anchor over on the Beaufort side next to the USCG base with good protection but, that would be a little backtracking when heading south.
With clear and cold skies we had a nice sunset and sunrise the following morning. Today is a relatively short run (7hrs) to Hammock Bay. The only challenge is getting through the Onslow Beach bridge in a timely manner as it is under construction.
The ICW cuts through a shooting range within the Marine base Camp Lejeune. In our 20yrs of cruising, we have seen the ICW close once for active firing. On this cold January day there was no problem passing through.
We had called ahead to confirm there was no maintenance ongoing on 02 Jan and when we arrived at the bridge that was the case (the bridge operator doesn't control the maintenance schedule, he just reports what he sees - no one working). We passed through at 3pm and were anchored in Hammock Bay by 4pm.
Next morning we are up and ready to head for Masonboro after Rivah completes here morning duties.
The challenge today is getting through the Figure Eight and Wrightsville Beach bridges in a timely manner.
This is one cold waterman out working with no enclosure. Temperature in the 40s is really cold when on the water with a breeze blowing.
This will be our 3rd night jumping into a cold bed with no heat. Fortunately the temps are staying in the mid 40s at night. Takes a bit of time warming the bed, but once its warm we are good for the night.
Another cold morning, departing the anchorage at sunup. With clear skies and a bright sun the cockpit will soon be in the 60s, but that is a couple hours away.
Today's run is down the ICW to the Cape Fear River, then on down to Holden Beach.
Made it to Holden Beach in mid afternoon. Time for a walk on the beach to check the sea shells. Quite a bit of beach erosion going on. The community paid several million $$ a few years ago to replenish the beach and it seems to be eroding away fairly quickly.
We will stay in Holden Beach for two days at the Town Dock where we can plug into shore power (means HEAT), and use the showers and laundromat. Clean sheets plus clean bodies with hot showers - a cruisers dream!
Sue got a few shells, pickings were unusually slim for Holden Beach.
