mile 244.5-202
We were the first boat out of the anchorage at first light. The Nordic tug Swell followed us. The mud on our anchor was impressive as we pulled it up. We headed out toward the Onslow Beach Bridge. This area, including our anchorage and the bridge is home to Camp Lejeune. The marines can close the waterway for exercises at any time.
The Onslow Beach Bridge is a new draw replacing an old swing bridge. Apparently there was not enough room to slope a high fixed bridge here. They are in the process of dismantling the old bridge so they have an opening schedule that seems to change daily. Apparently the bridge opens on signal before 7 and after 5. Otherwise, there has been a 7 o’clock opening and a 12 o’clock opening, when the workers are at lunch. We wanted to get there before 7.
We arrived at the bridge at 6:30 but the tender initially said it would open at 7. We had current with us so we turned around. Swell came up as well. Then the tender radioed that he forgot that before 7, it was a signal opening. Everyone is having trouble remembering the schedule! He apologized as we went through.
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful. I did see a turtle surface as we were cruising by. It stayed on the surface long enough for me to get a good look. A lovely surprise. I was talking to Michael at the time.
We arrived at Beaufort around 2. It was perfect because the current was fairly slack at the dock although it was already going out at the inlet. Docking was easy with help from the dockhand who had 3 boats coming in at once and was not flustered.
We cleaned up and David got fuel from the marina down the street. It was a beautiful sunny day, cool but pleasant, and the wind was offshore. We launched Fat Tuesday and headed across the channel to the Rachel Carson Preserve. This is such a beautiful place and so close to town. Fat Tuesday was very happy to be off the boat for awhile. She glided through the water and landed easily on the beach.
We walked the trail and watched the horses grazing. We took the trail across the dunes to the beach. Some sanderlings were on the shoreline but they did not want to be photographed. We also saw herons and egrets. We walked for a while on the beach and napped there. We walked back through cedar trees. Horses were grazing again on the town side.
Back on the boat, we showered, did a little shopping and headed to a wonderful dinner at Mezcalito. David had the medium margarita which was gigantic. The tacos were delicious. We left with two boxes of food.
It was a great day and a peaceful afternoon to reflect on my good fortune. I have loved and been loved. I have journeyed with a remarkable soulmate for over 36 years.