June 9th- Carolina Beach to Sloop Point, NC

Before leaving Carolina Beach we stopped into the North End Java Stop for coffee, egg sandwiches, and 40lbs of ice.

We had two bridges to negotiate today. I had to wait an hour for one. The other opened as soon as I radioed the bridge tender (not on scedule).

The evening was spent at Sloop Point anchorage in Topsail Sound. I did a little research and found that Sloop Point was a town for only two years. It’s near Surf City. Ollie had some fun chasing birds at the Surf City beach.

June 10th- Sloop Point to Swansboro, NC

Next stop: Swansboro. Both the current and winds helped us along today.

For once we were the first in the anchorage. Two other vessels showed up later. The weather has been mixed and looks like it’s going to stay that way for a while. Later in the night the wind speed increased. Our anchor held well but eventually I had to go on deck to secure a few things.

Morning scenes from Swansboro.

Mr. Intense waiting to launch.

Catalpa anchored in Swansboro.

June 11th- Swansboro to Beaufort, NC

Today turned out to be a sailing day. We started off with the usual motor sailing. Later, I raised the main and was able to shut the diesel down. A few hours later the wind increased so much that I was putting a reef in the main sail. “Reefing” is a reduction of the sail area using various lines. It was difficult to stay in the dredged channel while we were flying along. It seemed that other boaters were surprised to see a sailboat sailing. We quickly got to our destination, Beaufort, and anchored off of the town docks in Taylor Creek.

Morehead City.

June 12th- Beaufort, NC

Last night was a quiet one. Due to weather (and a need to do laundry) we decided to stay in Beaufort for an extra day. Our decks are getting a wash down.

Our trip has always been about the places we stop at. On the way south we spent a few days in Beaufort. There are many nice stores and restaurants. History is on display everywhere. There is a good brewery. There is even wooden boat building happening. I like this place. Unfortunately, coronavirus has put a damper on some aspects of our adventure. North Carolina is having a worrying surge in cases. We don’t see many people or businesses taking precautions. It’s difficult to stay six feet away from other folks. The lack of precautions really bother us. Seeing a bunch of people going about “business as usual,” makes us more worried. I hate coronavirus. Put me first in line for a vaccine. Rant OVER! (Edit- Lynne went into a few local businesses that were using masks. Some required and supplied masks also.)

Weather permitting, we’ll move on tomorrow. We’re not sure about where we’re stopping next. Originally we had planned on spending a few days in Oriental but we’re having different thoughts now. Further debate is needed.

Some scenes from Beaufort.

The docks.

Catalpa anchored under a steel gray sky in Beaufort NC.