Saturday November 2: Left New Bern But Deja Vu

It was the perfect day to leave New Bern where we've spent the last month. It's been a really fun time being able to spent so much time with Matt and Wendy. An added plus that Rebecca was able to join all of us for an unusual 4 days with all of us together.

The days are beginning to cool - the leaves beginning to change. Definitely time that we should be heading south.

With the 60 years spent in Ohio winters, this life we've adopted of following the 'summers' has been quite enjoyable.

The Neuse River treated us kindly today as there wasn't a ripple to be seen as we passed under the bridges and headed back toward the ICW.

The ride to Morehead City was going to be an easy 7 hours!

Of course that was not really going to be the case as the weather continued to deteriorate throughout the day.

Not terrible but first the sky clouded over then the wind picked up.

By the time we reached Morehead City, the rain was off and on, the wind gusting and just getting into the dock with the wind and the current was a challenge.

Steve took a bit of time to clean the fenders but for the most part we just kind of hunkered in for the night.

Definitely no biking around today!

By morning the wind was howling through - enough for the small sailboat anchored across from the city docks to pull its anchors.

Fortunately Steve was able to push it off a bit from the concrete pillar behind us until one of the anchors caught. The owners finally showed up and were able to get it into one of the docks nearby.

But we couldn't decide if we should go or stay put. Not a lot of open water but the winds were really blowing. What was the 'smart' thing to do?????

The decision was at last made: we'll go. Forecast was ok with winds that would be ok given the waters we would be covering.

So we ended up in Swansboro - a short 25 minute drive from Camp Lejeune! Wendy came and picked us up and off to their new home we went! Seems like we never didn't see them every day :-)

It was a nice chance to help with the unpacking and putting thing back in order.

I worked on the swing - sadly not recognizing I was missing some parts. But eventually the battle was won :-)

Matt and Steve spent their time working on hanging a new door with a small doggie door for Fozzie. One on the inside door and one on the patio so he can come and go as he pleases!

Of course there is lots of training going one so Fozzie can find his way in and out :-)

Lots of food involved in this process as well. Steve called it the magic door as food seemed to appear anytime Fozzie successfully managed to make it in and out of each door.

You have to remember he's 13 years old! And deaf ... and can't see very well .... but still seems to smell food pretty well :-)

Meanwhile, Wendy and Matt have both been busy getting things unpacked and settled. The living room looks like it was made for their furniture.

And again there is a fireplace!!


We are now back at the boat in Swansboro (thanks, Matt!). Tomorrow we leave for Wrightsville Beach. About 7 1/2 hours - assuming we are able to time the bridges well. I think we have really bade farewell to Matt and Wendy until ?? Thanks so much - it's been a great time :-)