Underway early morning , 1 Jan 2026, and heading into the sun down the Neuse River towards warmer weather. It was about 40 degrees this morning, a bit warmer than the last few days around 30.
As we passed by Oriental, we watched about 30 sailboats out for a 1 Jan race. They had a good day for it, with sunny skies and 10kts of wind down the river. Probably some fun after race parties.
Sitting in our cockpit enclosed with plexiglass on all sides, the temperature is up to 75 inside. Very comfortable. Got up to 60 down below. Forecasted to be in mid 40s tonight, our first night with no heat for the trip.
At Oriental, we turn south into Adam's Creek which takes you from the Neuse basin to the ocean at Beaufort. We were able to hit the outgoing tide which took as down the river at 8mph, super fast for motoring on the ICW.
There's always a few barges to pass along the ICW. And,
there's always a crazy power boater that wants to cut right in front of the sailboat and the tug.
At the end of the day we anchored off Sugar Loaf Island off Morehead City. Supposed to be a quiet night and similar conditions tomorrow. Off to a great start for our trip south.
Rivah likes her new comfy bed that keeps her a bit warmer.
