Sherry Pickett

After a leisurely morning at anchor we left for a short trip down the ICW to Carolina Beach. This stretch of the ICW has several inlets from the ocean with areas of shoaling caused by the currents. Following the charts carefully takes a lot of concentration so it was nice to have a very short 11nm tip today. Stopped at Carolina Beach YC for fuel and a pump out. Pump out is out of service and won’t be repaired this season. So we continued on to the Town of Carolina Beach Marina, guided in by the Harbor master, Larry - pump out is self serve and free. We had reserved a mooring ball but due to a mix up none were available so Larry gave us a slip at the Marina for tonight. We took a walk on the beach and the board walk. Beautiful warm late afternoon. Stopped for a bite to eat at Sunny Daze Smokehouse with a view of the ocean. Good pulled pork and brisket. Then icecream at Beach Bunny.

About 10kts wind behind us. Current both with and against us at different times in the tide. Another day of playing keep the boat in the narrow channel and avoid the areas that shoal. Thank goodness for Bob423 and his wonderful tracks that he shares with all boaters. Thanks Bob!!

NE winds 15 to 20kts. Finally passed through the Onslow Beach swing bridge that was closed for construction last week. Arrived a bit early for the 11AM opening so had to hold back from the bridge with the winds from behind and also some current with us. Travelling through Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base Camp, no live firing going on today but they do close the area apparently and boaters reviews of the anchorage say they often see practice operations. No sign of that today.

Hot sunny day, navigating very narrow section of the ICW with shoals. Thank goodness for Bob423 tracks! Channels are well marked it’s just nerve wracking to know there is no room to go outside the channel at all. We anchored just off the channel outside of Swansboro for the night. Strong current here and wakes from passing boats. Had a rain shower but not expecting much wind until early tomorrow.

NE winds around 10-15kts, gusting to 20, kicked up some waves in the shallow Neuse River but settled down once we were shelter in the narrower rivers and channels of the ICW. Windy conditions again on arrival at Homer Simpson Marina, great direction and assistance from the Dockmaster. Very nice marina, great facilities, free laundry and loaner van. After a walk around town and a burger at the Royal James Cafe we took a drive to West Marine with Dawn, Bill (who we met in Oriental) and Duane. Cool evening, and windy. Have the heat on and settled in for the night. Expecting high winds for a couple days and a bridge is closed this week for construction on the next stretch of the ICW so we may be here for several days.

Flat calm conditions, easy motor up the Neuse River to Oriental. Very helpful staff for docking at Oriental Marina. Fun atmosphere with Tiki bar at the Marina. Locations is great with coffee shop steps from the boat, spa across the street and other restaurants and marine stores/hardware stores very close. Haven’t used it yet but plan to try out the pickup/delivery service to the Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Marina is very pet friendly 🐾

Best part of the ICW so far! Very pretty cut from the Alligator River to Pungo River. Beautiful sunny day, 10kts of wind out in the Pungo River. Anchored opposite the Town Dock in Belhaven.

Started off with a beautiful sunrise but turned completely overcast before we got underway. Raining on and off but light winds. Navigated the Alligator River, through one swing bridge. Not much boat traffic on this stretch of the ICW today. Saw two other pleasure craft and a coast guard tug. Anchored just off the channel in the Alligator River. Very remote, will not be going ashore here. We were the first boat here early afternoon but by evening there were 10 boats, a lot more room than it appeared! Lots of room for everyone.

Weather continues to be very pleasant, winds around 10kts behind us crossing Albemarle Sound. ICW was quieter today and no lift or swing bridges today. Anchorage is good for current conditions, only us and Duane anchored here tonight. Several crab pots around.

Sunny clear weather, light winds. Good day to motor south on the ICW. 13 bridges, only four that had to open for us and one lock. Stopped for the night at Coinjock Marina, rafted up to Someday V (Duane). Very busy popular marina and restaurant. Having dinner at the restaurant with Duane, famous for their prime rib.