Wrightsville - Saturday January 20, 2024

 Today was cold and so we stayed onboard and I got to sew and work on my new quilt top.

I finished all thirty squares so now I can assemble when I get enough space to lay it out.

Time in Wrightsville NC Friday January 19, 2024

 

We had a day of decision making. We contacted Blair and asked for the people's name who want to lease a water lot at Sea Harbour Yacht Club in Oriental. The couple are in Utah as the husband teaches skiing and so they hauled their boat out in November. Blair offered to come by and check out the alternator and bushing problem but we can do that when we get back to Oriental. 

We took a walk up to the beach which is about a mile away. We found a church we can go to on Sunday. The children's play ground had this cool play structure. The sourvenir shop is still here that we went to in 2008. I made porkchops and fried eggs for supper.

Layover Day in Carolina Beach

 Relaxing at breakfast Dick opened the new tablet and the device was locked. We dinghyed into the anchorage to find a place to get wifi and google the problem. I also texted Nick to see if he could google it and text me back. We went to get a coffee at a MacDonald's and my phone would not let me connect to MacDonald wifi. Fortunately Nick got back to us and said hold the volume and start button at the same time. 

Our alternator is not charging the batteries so Dick tightened the belt not sure that fixed it. Our concern today is the temperature drops to the negatives for overnight. Our heater needs electrical at the start up.

We have decided to go back to Wrightsville Beach in the morning and get hooked up to electrical at a dock for the next four days of negative temperatures overnight. 

We went to the beach on our way back from downtown. 

Camp LeJeune to Carolina Beach Tuesday January 16, 2024

 We woke up at 6:00 am and decided to wait until 7:00 am to take off. We were nervous about travelling through this area by the New River. This is where we hit a dredge pipe last year. We had purchased a new tablet and Aqua Maps software and were having some issues getting it to work. To even cause more drama we were navigating with our chart plotter and maps, when a dense fog set in. We inched our way from one buoy to the other. When we went by a marker we were totally blind until we saw the next one loom up.

Talk about overcoming our fears and getting back on the horse.!!! Thankfully we made it safely and missed the detour of the New River. We decided to go to Carolina Beach and take a mooring ball.

Carolina Beach has been taken over by developers. All the marinas have been bought up and the only place to stay with no services is on a mooring balls run by the municipality. There were two dinghy docks to go ashore. We opted to go to the first one and walk down town. Tomorrow will be a layover day.  The new software provided current information and we got some local knowledge about the centre of town.

We had to pay online for the dock so we went ashore and found a variety store/restaurant/ bar and the staff was happy to give us wifi.  (North Blend Cafe).

Oriental to Camp LeJeune Monday January 15, 2024

 We  woke up at 6:00 am both Dick and I had a restless sleep, we ate breakfast and headed out in our winter coats by 7:00 am. Fortunately we had a sunny day and my favourite part of the trip was the Bogue Sound where the inlets create small sand islands. On the other side of the river is lavish waterfront property homes. When you go by the inlets the current can reverse so you either have a following current or an opposing current. We made it to Swansboro by 2:00 pm so we decided to go another 15miles and make it to Mile Hammock Bay at Camp Le Jeune military base. There are two bridges we had to time and the wait was about 20 minutes. When we got to the anchorage the there was five other boats. This was a significant place because last  year we got into trouble at the New River and we were sent to the anchorage by Boat Tow US. 

I made hotdogs for lunch maybe to make it feel more like summer.

The new furnace was wonderful to have we were nice and toasty warm.

Last day in Oriental

 Our last day in Oriental was an opportunity to visit Oriental Baptist one more time and enjoy the worship and fellowship. True to his southern hospitality Fleming invited us to lunch and darts following the service. We took time to drop in before a trip to Walmart to provision for the trip. We set the alarm for 7:00 am and hope to get away as soon as it is daylight. We have a high tide until 12:00 pm. The high temps will be in the 60 ies.

Preparations at SailCraft in Oriental 2024

 We arrive January 4, 2024 at Triton Yachts and set the ladder and electrial cord and moved aboard our home away from home Moonstruck. It was great to be back and Dick had brought a diesel heater to install. It took three days, multiple trips to the hardware and a few trips to New Bern to purchase two new batteries K22 which are suppose to be four times more powerful.

We got up for breakfast and took a few minutes and looked back on the trip from 2008 and it is amazing what you forget and so I have decided to keep the blog active even if it is just for our reference. The temperatures are suppose to be -6 degree C. for two nights this week.

Day 23 Journey to North Channel July 23, 2021

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 Little Current to Tobermory

Dick got up and as soon as the store was open he called to see if he could get a drill and parts. The gentleman on the phone did an amazing job of finding the parts and getting the drill delivered for free to dockside. When Dick came down the stairs I started to sing Happy Birthday to him. He managed to get the repair done and we were able to catch the 10:00 am bridge to Tobermory. The wind was on the nose the whole way there. When we got to Tobermory the harbour was packed with boats and the deck hands were still tying people up. Dick and I were put along side a Tug Dawn Light and we were able to meet and enjoy a visit with the owner Captain Dan. He is making it into a museum.

Day 22 Journey to the North Channel July 22, 2021

 South Benjamin to Little Current

Oh dear we  just got to the best part of the trip and we have to head home. We made it to Little Current about 1:00 pm and I ran to the shower and had time to check out the stores on the main street. The Needle Box where a mother and daughter run. The mother has been working there 45 years! After I meet Dick to show him Turner's. They have a great Art Collection upstairs. We called Sally to see if we could take her out to the Anchor Inn for supper but she was busy. Due to limited seating we had to bring our pizza back to the boat. Before we went to bed Dick checked the engine and he discovered the alternator bolt is broken. He did not bring a drill, I said do not worry I know where there is a Rona in Little Current. Our plan was to leave early and get to Tobermory because we had another day of all day rain in the forcast. I am starting to think of this place as the Everglades.

Day 21 Journey to the North Channel July 21, 2021

 Clapperton to South Benjamin Island

The most beautiful part of the trip no wonder the anchorages have 40 to 50 boats in them. We meet Ed and Jane and Dave and Sandy and Wayne and Max on the red rock on the shoreline and some of us proceeded to take a stroll up the cliff. There is so much flaura and fona to take a look at. We found lots of juniper berries and of course my favourite blue berries. The forest was back from the shoreline and so there were not as many bugs and we did not even have to wear the spray here. We had our last gathering on Wayne's boat and tonight we will stay here and all depart for separate way tomorrow morning. It is time for Dick and I to start our journey back to Port Stanley.

Day 20 Journey to the North Channel July 20, 2021

 Layover Day in Logan Bay Clapperton Island

It started raining at 3:00 am the night before and it rained all day until suppertime. Consistent down pouring the whole day. We stayed aboard and read and relaxed. I made some beets and apple sauce to keep the cabin warm. We radioed our fellow anchor folks but did not venture out in the dinghy which was soaked with water.

Day 19 Journey to the North Channel July 19, 2021

 Little Current to Clapperton Island

The men called for a skippers meeting at 8:00 am. I told my skipper we were not leaving before 12 we had groceries to get and Wayne had asked if Sally could take him to get an oil pump. So the Admiral had plans and the Captain had others. Unbeknowst to me he had agreed to leave at 10:00 am as the direction was great for a tack to the Clapperton Islands and they wanted to play with their boats. Sally graciously came to take Wayne for an oil pump and we saw the Napa store and across the road a Rona. She started to give us a tour of the town by car and then Dick said we are leaving so she brought us back to the boat.

I was furious and so disappointed to not get more time with Sally. She said to call when we were back that way. There was a quilt store there but it had not opened before we left. I must say the race to island was a fun because we caught up to the other two boats. By the time we got to the Logan Anchorage at Clapperton the winds were 20 to 25 knots. When we got in and settled we had a Cockpit Gathering on Nice Butt. 

Day 18 Journey to the North Channel Sunday July 19, 2021

 Heywood Island to Little Current

Love sleeping in until 8:00 am not rushing through breakfast, leaving at 10:00 am  and arriving at our destination around 12:00 pm. Little Current has a bridge that opens on the hour so we navigated very slowly to get here at the appropriate time to avoid the current. On our way and Ed hailed up and Vertigo 1 and Moon Dancer will be with us at Little Current.

Dick and I ran to the grocery store as soon as we got here and had a visit with with Sally onboard Grace C. We had a thousand connection points with Sally and really enjoyed her visit. She offered to take anyone that needs a car to get supplies. I gave her the gift from Angela but did not make plans  as we always never know what we are doing next. 

I walked the main street not all the stores are open because it is Sunday. The sailors meet in the park for munchies. Maxine has a sore back so I had some girl time on Nice Butt. We were offered a delicious meal of Chinese food from Wayne when they got the order it was a huge amount of food.

The wake calms down on the wall so we had a good sleep.

Sa

Day 17 Journey to the North Channel Saturday July 17, 2021

 Killarney to Heywood Island

We had to top up the diesel, water and pumpout at the dock before we left Killarney. One more trip to the Gateway Bake shop for some delicious bread and brownies. Ed and Jane and their friends on Moon Dancer went back up to Bai Fine and Nice Butt and Grace C headed to an Island called Haywood on the way to. It was not far but of course light wind on the nose. When we got the anchor set we dinghied Wayne up the shoreline through a cove. We were looking for a historical medical centre that had been a place of safety when the school children travelled over the ice to school. We had a nap a swim and a cockpit gathering until into the evening. Wayne and Max are celebrating their 56th anniverary.

Tomorrow we head for Little Current! I send Sally a head up and she agreed to meet up later in the day.

Day 16 Journey to the North Channel July 16, 2021

 Anhorage at Baie Fine to Marinne Bay 

Up early again and on our way to do another trail at Marianne Bay. Dick led the way and the chart plotter brought us right to our goal. Wehad lunch and dinghied over to the trail. This one was marked orange but they warned me it would be difficult. I decided to enjoy the woods, take pictures and go as far as physically possible.

Wayne and Max meet us when we got back to Killarney. The marina is full for the weekend but we had reserved a space. There was a dinner reservation made for all of us to gather. We were sat on the patio with tables of 4. The music was excellent. and my favourite song that he wrote was The Georgian Bay Blues.

The sun is shining and we are planning to head to Little Current today. To start the North Channel piece.

Day 15 Journey to the North Channel July 15, 2021

 Anchorage at Baie Fine

At 3:00 am it started raining and it poured until evening of the next day. Day living board with no cell service goes like this.

Sleep in

Eat three meals a day and alot of snacks

Clean out the bed from flys

Bail the Dinghy

Swat about a million flys

Read a book

Watch Netflix predownloads

Run engine because solar panels are not cutting it

Day 14 Journey to the North Channel July 14, 2021

 Baie Fine Fiord

The journey today took us out to the beautiful fiord at Baie Fine and we anchored before the narrow passage to the pool. We took the dinghy's up to the end and and there was a dock to tye up at called the Pool. What a beautiful anchorage protected on all sides. Because of our 6 ft. draft we anchored  in 30 feet of water at the  south side of the fiord. We took a trail that is marked with orange arrows and as you know on  paths like this you cannot take your eye off your footing for too long. So all six of us missed the left turn to Lake Topaz and we found ourselves on a blue trail that went back down  only not on the side we came up. We headed back and Ed was able to locate our error so all the way back up the ridge. 

I almost gave up but a lady came along and said keep going it is worth it. So that is what we did.

The scenery was breath taking and the spring fed lake was refreshing but not to cold. It will be a happy memory for time to come.

Dinner and a peaceful sleep with the physical exhaustion.

Day 13 Journey to North Channel July 13, 2021

 Killarney

Life is so funny sometimes. Since I had a minute after breakfast I got a list of things to do and see out of my purse. Angela had told me about a couple she knew from a boat called Georgian Mist. When I got the list out I saw their name and boat name. I said to Dick there name is Bob and Kathy and their boat is Georgian Mist. Dick said to me they are anchored on our bow since yesterday.  I knew to look out for it and had neglected to tell him. He notices every make and name and keeps track of all of them.

We went over to introduces ourselves as their dinghy was being towed to get the motor fixed. Sure enough it was the right people. We went for a walk at 10:30 am and got back at 1:30 pm It was a 7.5 km and through wood, over rocks and mud puddles. 

Our beautiful cool sunny day changed to rain and it was ok because I could have a much needed nap.

We are booked to come back here for Friday Night. Music and dinner with the group and hopefully Wayne and Maxine can join us by then. Tomorrow we plan to see Portage and then Bai Fine.

Day 12 Journey to the North Channel July 12, 2021

 Club Island to Killarney

Raised the anchor after breakfast in which we had time to eat before we set sail. There was a nice breeze but once again on the nose. We arrived in Killarney before lunchand found two mooring balls across from the Mountain Lodge. We tied up and I ran for the showers. We had not had an opportunity since Port Elgin

We are allowed to use all the amenities and the ball only cost 40.00 plus a resort fee of 10.00. After a shower we toured the town and meet Jane, Ed, Terry and now Lyn at the World Famous fish and chip place. They have  upgraded from a bus Angela.

After supper we took a dinghy ride out into Killarney Bay. We decided to stay another day. Jane and Ed want to do a Trail Walk. I am looking forward to that.

Day 11 Journey to the North Channel July 11, 2021

 Tobermory to Club Island

We were able to sleep in and have our breakfast finished before taking off. Foodland was a quick walk and I managed to get some vegetables. Everything here is a quick walk and the tourists had not landed on the streets yet. The village was setting up a booth so I managed to get a map of the streets. We had agreed to set sail with Jane and Ed and Terry at 10:00 am. Set sail,

we did even though the wind was light we were able to sail for the first time. We had decided to stop and anchor at Club Island so that meant we could sail there as slow as we wanted to. This was a real joy to be able to not listen to the motor all day. We had a passage to get through at Snake Island and that is the first time I realised you could see the bottom and looking at all the rock was a good scare even though the depth sounder said there was enough water.

Once we got to the anchorage we still had time to take down the dinghy and have a cockpit gathering aboard Vertigo 1. When Dick went to take the dinghy motor lock off he realized the lock he had on it did not have a key in the bag. There was a key on the floater and a lock in the middle of the dinghy bag.

These are the kinds of things that can drive you insane. After a while he got the hacksaw out and cut the chain and we were able to progress with our day. 

Bev and Alastair this was our first launch with the new hoist and it works great. Once we trusted the rope to hold it in mid air we were able to set it in a matter of minutes.

Having the dinghy in the water gave us an opportunity to scrup down the hull and get the carbon off the exhaust hole.

Thanks to Ed and Jane for a lovely refreshing opportunity to relax again.