Bogue Sound

Today was an interesting day!

We left Beaufort just as a light rain was starting. It wasn't too bad and there were very few other boats. Call came across the radio, tow boat was towing a fishing boat that was coming through the bridge we were about to go under. We spotted the tow boat and of course I had to take a picture. Immediately passed the bridge is a railroad bridge that is usually open unless a train is passing through.

Tow boat towing fishing boat.

Railroad bridge in open position.

Moving forward heading into Morehead City, NC (we were glad we stayed in Beaufort) we passed several big ships and barges. Again, a call came across the radio.  I heard "something about an American war ship leaving port". We did not see anything until passing a huge barge and then right there on the side of us (Rob would correct me and say starboard side) appears this huge Navy ship with tug boats moving it into the channel. Thank God it was going the opposite direction we were going.  WOW! It was very impressive.

 USS NEW YORK (LPD-21)
A San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock.

After that little episode the day was nice.  It was calm, we saw several dolphins, and some beautiful homes on the waterfront.  The only issue being the Bogue Sound was very shallow.  As you can see from Rob's Aquamap picture.  He loves Aquamaps! He has Bob423's tracks, overlaid on the USACE (Army Corp of Engineers) surveys overlaid on AM charts. Well it was calm until not one, not two, but three police boats passed us fairly close and not with a slow pass.

Aquamaps 

Third police boat to pass us. No lights.

At mile marker 235 there were lights and signs posted to inform boaters of Camp Lejeune's live fire zone.  If the lights are flashing red you cannot proceed, apparently you are just suppose to drop your anchor and wait sometimes 4-5 hours.  We planned ahead and called to make sure there was no exercises schedule for the day.

Warning for Camp Lejeune's live fire zone.

We reach the Onslow Beach bridge and have to wait about 25 minutes for the bridge to open.  As we are waiting along with several other boats there is a storm approaching. Minutes before the bridge opens, the winds picked up and we were caught in a major thunderstorm.  As the bridge is opening with the winds really blowing (to me, because they won't open the bridge if the winds are too high) and the rain is coming down pretty hard, one of the sailboats in front of us was having some difficulty.

Waiting for bridge to open with approaching storm.

This boat passed way too close for my comfort.

The rain, wind, and lightning continued as we headed to the Mile Hammock Bay to anchor for the evening. I had my rain boots and rain coat on with hood cinched tight  (it would have been an awesome picture) to drop the anchor (I have all the hard work).  Of course once the anchor was dropped the sun appeared.

We are in this Cove with 14 sailboats and one power cat.  The dolphins are swimming around (I didn't get a shot worth sharing).  Dinner, backgammon, and Goliath.  A great night to be on the hook.

I should sleep good this evening!😴😴😴