Winds were strong from the northwest last night but we were secure in our slip. Watched the Chris Parker webcast at 7 and listened carefully to forecast and travel recommendations for Cape Lookout to Charleston. We also listened for information that may help the Fishes on their trip south. It looks like we have a window for Saturday. The winds will drop to manageable levels and then die out Sunday only to pick up from the Southwest on Monday making travel southward more difficult. They will then build quickly ahead of the next front. Rapid succession fronts seem to be the norm, making for narrow windows for travel. Sent Fishes a predict wind model and table and the Chris Parker email.
Adorable little girl in the bathhouse this am, giving her waiting mother a moment by moment account of her success at the toilet.
Spoke with Island mike and another boater Dave about departures. Island Mike wants to sail, Dave wants to get south as quickly as possible. One would like to leave earlier to take advantage of stronger winds from a sailing direction. The other does not care about the possibility of motoring involved. It seems there are always options that we have not considered. There is the possibility of sailing to Wrightsville Beach or stopping at an anchorage in Georgetown, which is not far from Charleston inside or outside. The multiple options make us feel better about trying it. It would be nice to leave with the other boats.
Boat chores occupied the remainder of the morning. Topped off fuel, placed jack lines on cabin top and deck. Worked with John on blog for awhile. Laundry, was done. Good boat talk in the laundromat. Restaurant suggestions, blue moon bistro, the bar across from marina that has live music.
Visited the creamery during the dry cycle for caffeinated coffee ice cream afternoon pick me up. A friendly dog was in the laundromat,when we returned, the first labradoodle I have seen that was more lab than doodle. Very lab affectionate. ]
Went for a long walk down front street along the waterway. Bright sunny day. Beaufort has to be the most dog friendly place I have ever been. So many dogs everywhere. And I have not encountered a single dog poop or dropped dog bag anywhere. We passed a little free library that included dogs. Thought of Beate and Burt.
On our way home, we noticed tents being set up at the park and the bank property across the street had been taken over. Pirates! This weekend is the pirate invasion, a pirate equivalent of a war reenactment. They set up primitive canvas tents and brought in iron lanterns and casks of ale. Some were dressed as pirates already.
Spaghetti on boat.spoke with Austin, he plans to get here tomorrow afternoon/evening. Thought of anchoring out but may stay at marina in order to have car to pick him up in Morehead City. Listened to music, worked on the shower curtain. Lost at Chauncey again.
