We found a spot to anchor ⚓ around MM100. It was a little choppy and we were hoping it would settle down (boy were we wrong). We could send and receive texts but no data. I was afraid Rob was going to go through withdrawal. We had been eating out when possible trying to help the local economy, so we were ready to get the grill going. We made bruschetta chicken with sauteed spinach and baked potato. I will be adding the bruschetta chicken to my recipe list.
We were all ready to relax and watch TV, oh no we were receiving very few channels and the ones we were receiving did not have the best reception. We were unable to watch game 6 of the World Series. Time to go old school and watch a DVD. It was great watching one of our favorite movies, Top Gun, at full volume (no one around). Even got to watch a second movie Sixteen Candles.
As the night went on the rocking did not subside. Not only was there a lot of rocking, the waves were constantly slapping against the hull. It did not make for a very good night of sleep for the crew.
Next morning pulled up anchor ⚓ and continued our way down the Alligator River. We entered the Alligator \ Pungo River Canal (the canal connects the Alligator River to the Pungo River). It was a nice calm ride, considerate boaters requested slow passes. The Island Explorer, a tug pushing a barge was on his way North. We and the boat in front of us moved over as far as possible to avoid him. The water has been a brown color reminding me of coca cola.
After being underway for 4 1/2 hrs and 32.5 nautical miles we arrived at the River Forest Marina in Belhaven, NC We called to get a slip assignment and was told follow the flag in, spin around, port side tie up, and they will be on the dock to assist. Guess what? The wind picked up. Are you kidding me! That is exactly what we did. In case you don't know I hate docking, I'm a nervous wreck every time. 😨😨 Successfully docked but it was ugly!
We got a pumpout (they charge) right where we are docked. They roll the cart and hose right to your boat. You can also fuel up where you are docked if necessary. Henry and Eddie who work at River Forest were great. The marina has 2 nice size clean bathrooms, laundry room (free), and golf carts available (also free).
Downtown is a nice little stroll from the marina (getting our steps in). There are several shops and a couple of restaurants right on the main Street. We had dinner at The Tavern At Jack's Neck. Rob had the Hawaiian pizza and I had the covered and smothered burger. Came back to the boat and did a load of laundry and watched the World Series. Way to go Nats!
We were planning on leaving the marina and heading south but bad weather was coming so we decided it was best to just stay put for the next 2 days. We decided to take advantage of the golf cart and went to Food Lion to replenish our supplies. Also decided we should do some more laundry. Everyone spent the day adjusting and readjusting lines preparing for the gusts of winds that were being predicted.
I was curious about the Manor located at the marina and Rob asked Henry about it and he asked if we wanted a tour. Of course we do! The mansion was started in 1899 and completed in 1904. The detailed finishes were completed by the same Craftsman who did the designs at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC. At one point it was turned into an inn with full service restaurant and marina, a speakeasy was located on the third floor and now the Manor is used for special events.
It's Halloween! I had some decorations and I had candy ready but no trick or treaters here. Guess who will be eating the candy except for the Snicker bars? There were several houses in the neighborhood decorated and we did get to see some kids in costume. Missed being able to trick or treat with the Julian's this year. We enjoyed the Tavern so we went back for a second time, this time we met Jeff the bar tender who is also dock master at Dowry Creek Marina and Yacht Club. We may try them next time through.
Now the fun begins, it's 2 am and the winds are whipping through and now pushing us against the dock. It's pouring down raining and all the boats are rocking like crazy. Rob put out more fenders and rechecked the lines. The other boaters are doing the same. Rob went out to assist and I made him put on his life jacket before getting off the boat. Safety first! There is little to no tidal change in the Pamilco Sound. Last night blew the water out and the water level is about a foot and half lower than when we went to bed. Yesterday was in the 80's and we had the air conditioner on. Heat on this morning it was a chilly 52 degrees . We did get to see a beautiful sunrise.
We are both exhausted this morning. We are spending one more day here at River Forest even though it is a beautiful sunny day. It will be a day to relax, do some reading, and make a pot of soup.
No comments:
Post a Comment