Heading South - But Still Windy and Cool

Well, hurricane season is over, so I am proceeding down the Intracoastal Waterway as quickly as possible as it has been rather chilly this year.  I spent 2 days in Elizabeth City due to weather, it blew pretty hard the second day, and rather than try to cross Albermarle Sound in a blow, I elected to wait in Elizabeth City.  Went to the Museum of the Albermarle and looked at the history of the region.  But after the front went through, it got noticeably cooler.  In the morning when I was getting ready to leave, I was slipping all over the deck as it was icy!  Now, that is cold.  

That morning I traveled down the Alligator River and the Alligator-Pungo Canal and anchored that evening at the end of the canal.  The next morning there was no frost like the morning before, but it was still chilly.  I then proceeded to the Neuse River and spend two days in a marina called River Dunes.  The first day for a place to stay and to do laundry (I hear I smell better now!), and the next to wait out weather again.  Fortunately weather did get better, and I headed for an anchorage associated with Camp Lejune called Mile Hammock Bay for a night.  Although calm, it was still cool, hence my hurry to get south.  From mile Hammock Bay I went to Wrightsville Beach, NC, picked up 50 gallons of diesel fuel, and anchored not too far from the ocean.  I could hear it all night breaking on the beach.  

Waccamaw River

The next morning I raised anchor for Little River, SC.  I stayed in the Light Keepers Marina as it is close to a friends house, Lee Bragg,  and we had planned to have dinner together.  Lee and I worked together for many years in Elkton, MD.  We did have a good dinner, and for that I thank him.  Unfortunately, the weather had turned bad in the afternoon, and stayed that way all the next day, blowing 25-30 knots almost all afternoon.  Many of the swing bridges that one must negotiate on the Waterway will not open of the wind is blowing more than 25 knots, so I stayed put in Little River for another day, today.  It will be good to get underway again tomorrow, as it is still chilly.  Today, Lee and I went wine tasting in a local winery and had a good time.

Georgia Waterway

The weather looks pretty good for the next week, maybe even a little warmer, so I should be able to make good time heading south.  By the end of the week I hope to be in, or very near, Florida, and warmth.  I will let you know how I am progressing around mid week if the trip is not too eventful.  Sorry there are no new pictures, but the weather keeps me busy, and I don’t always remember to take them.  Please stay in touch so I know how everyone is doing.

Cliff Baker

S/V NAVIGATOR