Hunkered Down in Belhaven, NC

We have been in a four day “holding pattern” waiting for the NE 15-25mph winds to subside, hopefully swinging to a more favorable SW. Ahead of us are two bodies of water that can really kick up. The largest is the oftentimes angry Albemarle Sound. It flows south into the already agitated Alligator River making that long fetch of water very choppy. Between these two restless bodies of water is a swing bridge which does not open in high winds. We are currently east of Belhaven in the Pungo River, 42 miles south of the Alligator River... six hours of travel... trawler speed. Every marina in this area has trawlers and sailboats on hold. A couple arrived here late yesterday on a DeFever 44 with stabilizers. Looking quite haggard and exhausted, they admitted that their Neuse River crossing, near Oriental south of us, was the most frightening experience they had ever had in their 5 years of making this passage. Despite their terrifying tale, they were off at 6am this morning, making their way toward CT. The rest of us just shook our heads. We New Englanders and Canadians who are laying low are enjoying each other's company...Larry, Shannon and fluffy Pearl; Twyla and Andy and Brian.

As I was looking through the picture gallery we draw from for this blog, I was reminded that we haven’t shared our latest experience in St. Augustine, FL . We explored the Castillo de San Marco, the oldest example of Spanish fortification in this country. But why should I spoil the story for you? I’ve decided that the fascinating history lesson awaits you when the time presents itself. Instead, my time might be better spent helping you attain free admission to this National Monument and all the other National Parks, Monuments, Forests and Corps of Engineer facilities in the U.S. The Lifetime Senior Pass costs a one-time $10.00. You are eligible for it when you turn 62. Every Federal Recreational Lands site can make the sale to you upon seeing proof of age through a picture ID. How great is that! One pass is good for a car-load admission, so only one person in a family needs to buy one. Go forth and partake of the best America has to offer... for free!