Sunday and Monday, April 17 and 18

Sunday, April 17, Surf City to Swansboro Village Anchorage:  What a difference a day makes; we had a beautiful blue sky this morning when we left.  We had gritty sand all over everything, both inside and out, from the storm yesterday but we feel very fortunate that the tornado's did not touch down in Surf City.  We had a short day planned with only 33 miles to go to our anchorage.  We stopped for gas at New River Marina; where we had originally planned on staying.  We were glad we changed our minds.  They had the cheapest fuel in the area but that is all they had.  Not the most friendly, dirty restrooms, and wide open to being waked and storms.  As we left the fuel dock we saw about 20 dolphins playing in front of us; it was like they were having a family reunion!  We went past Camp Lejeune restricted area without any delays (about Mile 240.0).  Of course, Keith had me take some pictures.  We anchored in Swansboro Village just next to the marina in 15' of water; it was a little windy and the current was pretty strong but we had a good hold on the anchor.  After dark the winds died down.

N34 41.124
W77 07.161

Monday, April 18, 2011, Swansboro Village Anchorage to Portside Marina, Morehead City, NC:  We had another short day planned so we took our time before leaving.  The water was smooth and the current was still very strong.  Today we passed Marine Corps Air Station where the Harriers were practicing take-offs and landings.  They were very loud, especially when over head.  We got to the marina and were put on the T-dock.   The marina is right next to the Port Terminal which is very busy so we got waked quite a bit.  Very friendly and helpful owner; reasonably priced and free laundry.  We took a walk this afternoon to check out the town and we stopped at the Chamber of Commerce.  We plan on staying here for about 4 days.

N34 43.119
W76 42.314

CO's comment:  The tow boat companies are very busy daily.  It seems like we hear of someone going aground every day.  Yesterday we hear a mariners warning of a car in the water by the Onslow Bridge and we hear another warning of a mooring ball in the middle of the ICW that was 1' under water by the Beaufort Bridge.  We are monitoring Notice to Mariners daily.  Ever since we have been on the east coast boaters in smaller craft, for some reason, stand up while driving.  I don't understand this but they all do it.

This house on the ICW kind of
jumps right out at you

Camp Lejeune Marine Corps
restricted area

Camp Lejeune Practice Range

Onslow Bridge run by the Marine Corps

You see all kinds of boats on the ICW;
this beautiful, old boat we saw when
we were leaving our anchorage on 4-17-2011

USMC Harrier