A Welcome Bath

L O N G DAY!!! Well we finally made some tracks today. The last couple of days we went about 12 miles each - today we went 40+. We left Broad Creek early this morning at 7am, it was a mill pond. Even the Neuse was flat for a mile or two then we had 2 foot waves and 15+kts on the nose. Not too bad but not a cake walk. The ride up the ditch was fine -- lots of snowbirds heading south - mostly trawlers. Then we hit the Pamlico. I thought we would get some wind protection but no it was straight down the river in our face. It was blowing 17 with gust to 20. The waves were not bad but the combination had us slogging along at about 4.7 kts. It was a long 12 miles to Bath Creek.

One memorable moment occurred. Out in the middle of the river with nothing around in 18 feet of water and the chart showing 18 feet suddenly the depth alarm goes off - 6.9', 6.3', 5.2', 3.9' - I throttle back and the depth goes back to 18'. Hit nothing but I was sure we were going to be aground.. Whew!!

We had a confused entry into Bath Creek but didn't bump. Plenty of room to anchor but the first attempt didn't hold. I ran about another 20 feet of chain then it did.

Whew - long day and I'm beat but it is only 3pm!!

It was showers all around, a quickie nap, then we had Craig and Dovie over for extended snacks - no dinner required tonight.

The wind has laid down and the sky is clearing. Should be some good star gazing tonight. I did some last night trying to re-acquaint myself with some navigation stars. Only about half I knew are up around 9pm he rest come out after midnight.. Maybe tonight I'll get for awhile and look for them.

Just 15 miles from Washington, NC but first we will visit Bath in the morning then go to Washington and maybe get a slip for a night or two.

Sleeping will be easy tonight.