Day 60 & 61 of The Trip Home

We left Mink Island heading for Canadian waters.  Along the way we came to the most Eastern Point of the US. Located, of course, in Maine.  You can see the lighthouse on the right of the photo.  

Beautiful Lighthouse with a blue top and red and white stripes.

We headed for Beaver Harbor to anchor for the night.

We crossed into Canadian water early afternoon on Friday.  So glad to be home.  We contacted CBSA and checked in with them.  They took all our information and told us to report to Head Harbor on Campobello Island.  He told us to tie up to a safe wharf and wait a few minutes to see if an officer came down to the boat.  If not, he told us to head on to our destination.  No one came so it was an easy entry.

This is us  crossing the border.  Yippee!!!

We travelled to Beaver Harbor to a good anchorage.  We thought we had left the wind behind us in the US but apparently not.  The winds were quite strong in the morning when we pulled anchor.  We were looking forward to this being our last day on the ocean.  Although it was not quite as calm as was predicted it wasn't to bad.

We got to Saint John and made our way through Reversing Falls.  It was an easy pass.  We were finally out of the ocean.

This is us heading through the Reversing Falls

Canada is such a beautiful country.  We anchored in Farry's Cove.  So beautiful and peaceful.

Farry's Cove

Tomorrow we will head home.  I am so looking forward to seeing the kids and grandkids.  And, of course, I can't wait to see my Bestie.  We will head to St. Stephen as soon as we can so see Aunt Lynda.  It's been so long.

Day 55, 56, 57, 58 & 59 of The Trip Home

There hasn't been to much to report.  I was running low, okay maybe to the point of running out, of my medication.  I had my daughter, sweetest girl ever, send me my prescriptions.  To ensure I got them in time she sent them by Fedex.  Okay, that was a mistake.  The FDA go involved and instead of my meds getting here on the 24th they finally arrived on the 29th.  

So, on Saturday night we anchored in Mackerel Cove and ended up spending four nights waiting for the meds to be delivered to Southwest Harbor.  

On Wednesday we went to Dysart's Great Harbor Marina.  We picked up my meds, did some provisioning, did laundry, pumped out, took on water and fueled up.  Busy day.

We left there and decided to go to Prospect Harbor in order to make our day on Thursday shorter.  That was a good decision.  We had a nice anchorage in Prospect Harbor.

The seas were suppose to be relatively nice all day Thursday.  I am not sure who puts out these reports but it wasn't quite accurate.  It wasn't what we were expecting, again, but we managed fine.

We are spending the night in Mink Island tonight.  Right next to the US Navy Antenna Farm.

Mink Cove

US Navy Antenna Farm

Tomorrow we will enter Canadian waters.  We are both looking forward to this.  We will call Canadian Customs when we enter Canada.  We are not sure if they are on strike or not but we will deal with that in good time.

Day 50, 51, 52, 53 & 54 of The Trip Home

I tried posting a couple of days ago but the connection was very weak and I couldn't get anything to work.

The anchorages have been pretty much all the same.  Rough, windy, and tide swells.  Not necessarily good for sleeping but you do get use to it.  

We anchored in Casco Bay, which wasn't too bad (or so we thought) but it seems that the wind kicks up around 9:00 pm regardless of where you are.  

The water has been fairly consistent the last few days, not calm but we have been able to manage fine.  I know, we are probably just getting use to it.  

Brian found a lovely little spot called "Christmas Cove" which he figured would make me really happy.  I was really happy with being in Christmas Cove.....until....well we had problems.  We were a little too close to the rocks so we decided to move.  That is when the anchor caught, frigged up the winch and chain.  I looked to see if  Santa was coming to help but didn't find him.  Brian had to pull the anchor up by hand.  We moved to Little River and spent the night there.

Last night we anchored in Lawery Cedars.  We had to move once which meant Brian had to pull up the anchor manually.  It was a bit rough and again the wind and waves picked up around 9:00 pm.  In the morning he managed to get the chain untangled some and was able to use the windlass some.

Lawery Cedars - As you can see it was a beautiful spot

Tonight we are anchored in Mackerel Cove.  My figures are crossed.  It is beautiful and calm.

Day 48 & 49 of The Trip Home

We made it to Kittery, ME which is right next to Portsmouth, NH anchoring in the same place we anchored on our way south.  It was a great anchorage then.  We spent the night rolling with the big swells.  It is a really nice spot but not when the water are rolling all night.  We were just over the state line into Maine.

We decided to leave early because the seas were to get rougher as the day progressed.  Overall it was a nice day on the water, we had sun in the morning and it turned cloudy in the afternoon.  The seas weren't too bad or maybe we are just getting use to them.

Our goal for today was to make it to Portland, ME.  We are anchored just south of Portland.  So far it looks like a really nice spot.  CALM...... 

Day 46 & 47 of The Trip Home

We ended up staying in Plymouth until Monday morning.  The seas, winds and wave periods were to much for us.  We had a good opportunity this morning so we left.  However, as usual the posted weather conditions were not exactly accurate.  The only saving grace today was the 9 second period in the waves.  It made it bearable.

We planned on anchoring in Marble Head, stopping at the town dock to top up the water and pick up just a couple of things at the grocery store.  We did stop at the town dock and Brian topped up the water and made the 3 minute walk to the grocery store.  However, as you can see from the pictures below, space was very limited.

Consequently we had to find another place to anchor.  We found a really nice spot and are hoping it will be relatively calm.  You just never know.  The name did not deter us.

Misery Island

At one time there must have been some kind of castle on the island because the remnants are still here.  I wish we had time to explore a little.  I'm sure there is a story here.

Tomorrow we are off to Portsmouth, NH.  It will be about a six and a half hour day.  Fingers crossed for good weather.

Day 46 of The Trip Home

We went into Safe Harbor Friday morning.  They have a great Marina.  They take very good care of everything.  While we were in Plymouth they had a full size replica of the Mayflower vessel.  When we got there a school group were just entering to do a tour.  Brian got a picture of the Mayflower.  We did not realize the many colors it had.  

We did laundry, topped up our water and pumped out.  We headed back to our anchorage.  Brian thought, given the direction of the wind, we would be better on the other side of the anchorage we were on.  We tried it but as usual the information wasn't exactly accurate.  We ended up going back to our original anchorage.

The weather is not looking very good for the next two days.  We may have to wait it out here until Monday.  

Day 44 & 45 of The Trip Home

We made it to Plymouth on  Tuesday.  We found a nice anchorage for Wednesday night that was quiet and calm.  For some reason it was noisy during the night with water hitting the swim platform.  Yet the water was calm.  

We woke up to rain and a bit rougher water.  Our plan was to go into a nearby Marina and top up the water and do laundry.  We decided it was too windy and rough.  We will stay in our anchorage Thursday night and will see what things are like in the morning.

Not much to report.  We are hoping to be home by the end of May if all goes well.

In the meantime one of my granddaughters got home from a back packing trip with her friends in Europe in time to graduate from University.  One of my other granddaughters is heading to Europe this month to do the same.  Lucky girls.

My daughter-in-law and one of my other granddaughters is heading to Iceland in July with the Scouts.  Busy girls.  Then of course is my very amazing grandson who has learned how to draw and is doing great work.  So proud of him.

Little Cora is looking forward to being on dry land.  These rough waters have really bothered her.

Day 43 of the Trip Home

 We headed to Newport on Sunday and were able to find an anchorage in Mackerel Cove.  However, the anchorage which seemed really calm  at first ended up with us rolling from side to side all night.  We stayed in Newport so we could provision on Tuesday.  We tied up to the town dock.  We met some really nice people, went for a late lunch/early supper and stopped at Ben & Gerry's for ice cream after.  It was so delicious.  

We found a place in New Bedford that had cheap diesel.  That was our goal for Tuesday.  We fueled up and continued on our way.  We had a long day of about 8 hours.  We anchored outside of New Bedford in Mattapoisett Harbour.

Tomorrow we are headed for the Cape Cod Canal.  It is our hope to make it to Plymouth.  I wish I could post some interesting pictures but there isn't much.  I posted the best pictures on the way down last fall.  If I see anything of interest I will definitely take a few pictures.

Day 41 & 42 of The Trip Home

We left Old Saybrook and headed towards Newport.  We knew we were not going to go all the way to Newport but we did find a nice anchorage in Fishers Island.  Beautiful view of a Lynx golf course and calm waters.  Our plan was to head out Friday morning for Newport.  We did head out but after about and hour we were going against the current, wind and waves.  Consequently we were travelling at less that 4 knots and it was very rough.  We decided to turn back to our anchorage in Fishers Island.  We went from less that 4 knots to over 8 knots.  

We stayed at anchor until Saturday morning hoping to be able to head out to Newport.  However, the seas were about the same as Friday and we decided to stay put.  Things look better for Sunday so we will see what the morning brings.

We will take the opportunity to do a bit of work on the boat (cleaning, etc.).

Day 39 & 40 of The Trip Home

We left Bridgeport and headed to Old Saybrook Connecticut.  We decided early on that we would travel only part way to Saybrook.  Once we got going and the seas were decent we decided to keep going.  We anchored close to the Saybrook Marina.  We couldn't believe how swift the current was.  At one point in the night we could a repeating fairly loud noise.  Brian got up and finally discovered that the boat was spinning so fast the it was turning the propellers.  That is the first time that happen to us.  We have had several unusual things during our adventure.

In the morning we went into the Marina and pumped out and topped up our water.  We didn't leave until around 11:00 because our day was a nice short one of only three hours.  Again the seas were what we now consider calm.  The first part of the day was nice with the sun shining.  However, that didn't last.

There was not much to see along the way.

This is the view when you are boating on the ocean

We made it to our destination of Fishers Island and anchored in a very beautiful spot.  We won't be spinning tonight.  The water is calm and the view is a beautiful golf course.

Tomorrow our destination will be Newport, RI.  Closer and closer to home.

Day 36, 37 & 38 of The Trip Home

We left for New York City on Sunday.  The water was calm and we planned on hitting it at the right time.  Consequently it was smooth sailing through New York.  At one point we had a drone just in front of us.  We called out to it and it turned and filmed us.  Whoever was operating it new how to handle it.  It stayed a few minutes and then flew off.

I took anther picture of the statue.  The day was foggy, as you can see.

Staten Island Ferry

This cruise ship passed right in front of us.  I waved to the people on their balconies.

I waved to a lot of people through New York City,  Only two waved back.  Not a great average for a city of 20 million people.

We anchored in Port Washington, a place we had anchored in on our way down.  The houses are amazing.  More like hotels than houses.  I sure wouldn't want to have to clean them.

We had a great anchorage and left in the morning for Bridgeport.  We are getting closer to home every day.  

Day 35 of The Trip Home

Nothing to report today.  We stayed put in our anchorage on Staten Island.  Tomorrow we will head for New York City and the Battery.  We have to hit it at the right time of the day.  Something similar to the Reversing Falls.

I will let you know later how things went.

Day 33 & 34 of The Trip Home

We left Atlantic City making our way to New York.  We planned on going about half way to New York.  We anchored in Metedeconk, NJ.  The houses are absolutely amazing along the way.  

I know the picture isn't real clear but that's what happens when you take it from a moving boat.

Gotta love Atlantic City with all it's hotels.

Today we travelled about 5-6 hours  and have anchored in Great Kills Harbour, which is off of Staten Island.  The water was rough and it made the day longer than it should have been.

We will likely go through New York tomorrow.  We have to make the tide at just the right time.  On our way down we didn't and it was rough going through New York.  

Cora has been doing pretty good.  When it is really rough she will usually just sit up on the seat with me curled up in a blanket.  She knows the sounds of the boat and the minute we slow down she thinks we are close to land.  Up she jumps and is looking out the window.  When it is calmer she likes to be close and drive the boat with Brian.

Ahhh she is so sweet!!!

Day 30, 31 & 32 of The Trip Home

Unfortunately I do not have any interesting pictures to add to the Blog.  We left Cape May and  headed for Atlantic City.  We anchored close to where we had anchored on the way to North Carolina.  This anchorage was much better.  Atlantic City is definitely a busy city.  There are lots of high rise hotels.  The gambling must be good.

Our next stop was in Waretown, NJ.  On the way there we ran into some nasty seas.  Eventually things calmed down and the going wasn't too rough.  We went to the Holiday Harbour Marina.  This is where I had my accident last fall.  The owner Bob and his wife had taken us out for Chinese food the night I fell.  I, for some reason, could not eat a thing that night.  So, we went for Chinese food again and I took advantage of being able to eat this time.  We had a pleasant visit with Bob and his wife.

Our day on Friday was a nice short day.  Only 3 hours and on the Inter Coastal waterway.  From here on we will be in the ocean until we get home.  We should be in New York City on Sunday.  Of course, it will be weather dependent.  

One thing we noticed.  Every shore is lined with houses.  It is not very often that the shore is not lined with houses side by side and so close together.  Of course some of the houses are extremely large.  

I will try and get some good pictures going through New York.

Day 29 of The Trip Home

We anchored in Cape May last night.  Our intention was to head towards Atlantic City on Tuesday.  However, we heard from our friends that we met on the way south.  We really wanted to meet up with D & H but they were about a week behind us.  They were heading home as well.  We didn't mind our delays too much since it gave us a better chance of seeing them again.  They were gaining on us and it so happened that they were going to be in our area,  We stayed put and they anchored beside us.  They came over on their tender and we spent a great afternoon with them.

We were so happy to see them and visit with them.  

Tomorrow we will head for Atlantic City.  We hope for calm waters so our trip will be favourable.

Day 28 of The Trip Home

Wow, we have had two days in a row of favorable seas.  That is so wonderful.  I had the pleasure of doing laundry today before we headed for Cape May.  We are fueled up, pumped out and water topped off.  

It was a pleasant day on the water.  We saw quite a few dolphins.  These dolphins were a very light tan color.  They seem to usually jump in pairs.

We only had to travel 3 hours today.  At least now we are in familiar territory having been through here on our way down.  We are hoping for calm waters tomorrow.  We will have about a 5-6 hour day tomorrow and hope to make it to Atlantic City.  We will anchor out again tomorrow evening.

Day 23, 24, 25, 26, & 27

We were stuck in Chincoteague for a total of eight days.  We spent Friday night at the dock in Chincoteague to provision a little.  When looking at the weather there wasn't any good travel days for another week.  We decided to leave on Saturday regardless of the weather conditions.  We knew we had to get going. 

Well, Saturday was one h--ll of a day.  The seas were very rough and we were pounded all day.  We  have mostly everything secure on the boat but we really didn't think we would have to secure our couch.

We made it to Ocean City.  We had never experienced the tidal currents getting into the Marina.  We had intended to anchor out but were to tired to fight with an anchorage so we stayed in the Marina.

On Sunday we headed to Cape May.  We planned to go only half way because the seas were showing the same kind of day as Saturday.  We figured we could do three hours.  Once we headed out although the seas were rough they were not as bad as Saturday.  We stopped in Indian River to fuel up and even though the seas weren't too bad we decided to stay for the night.  Indian River Marina is a State operated Marina.  They obviously have the needed money because the Marina is beautiful and well kept.  They also offered the cheapest fuel in the area and a very reasonable slip fee.  Delaware has not State Sales Tax.  That was a bonus.

Tomorrow we will head to Cape May.  We will have another short day and that is very welcomed.

Day 20, 21 & 22 of The Trip Home

Well here we are again, stopped because of weather.  We went into the Chincoteague dock Saturday and Sunday night.  We left for Ocean City on Monday morning.  After about two hours the waters were so rough that we turned back to Chincoteague.  Brian has been looking at the weather constantly to find a window opening enough to get us to Cape May.  It looks like the earliest will be Friday.

We anchored out in Chincoteague and will go into the dock to provision some.  We have had some rough nights but gratefully last night was beautiful and calm.

I will blog again when we get moving unless something really interesting comes along.

We miss our friends and family at home and the great people we met in New Bern and along the way.

Day 18 & 19 of The Trip Home

As usual the winds have been amazingly strong.  The first time we dropped anchor we knew the anchor wasn't setting.  So Brian pulled the anchor up and we were attached to a metal cage.  Once we got rid of that we were able to set our anchor.  We had one rough night and one peaceful night at anchor.  However, when we raised the anchor in the morning this is what we found.

Now that is a strong wind.

On Friday we ventured into the town docks at Chincoteague.  It is a small town that is built on tourism.  The town dock is located beside a park where there are lots of picnic tables, BBQ pits, and the famous welcoming chair - LOVE.

We have a nice slip on the town dock.  Brian took a few pictures of our location.  We could easily stay here a few days....but....it all depends on the weather.

That's our boat

We ventured around the town, looked in a great bookstore, trading company store and grocery store.  We were hoping to leave on Monday given what looked like a good weather window.  However we will have to play it day by day as the weather changes that quickly.

Little miss Cora is never far from Brian.  She likes to cuddle up to him.

I guess she needs to make sure he won't get away without her

Day 16 & 17 of The Trip Home

We left later today because Brian took the time to changed the Bilge Blower and the remaining zincs on the engines.  We headed for an anchorage, hoping it would be a good anchorage.  Not so, the indicated depths of the water was inaccurate and we got caught in shallow water.  Yup, we touched bottom.  We were at mid tide at this point and had to wait until high tide to get off.  That happened around four in the morning.  The winds were unbelievable.

If you haven't travelled the North Atlantic in the spring you really don't know what winds are.  We left and headed for Chincoteague around 10:20.  The seas were quite cooperative most of the day.  The warm weather apparently is the contributor to the winds in the evening.  We anchored just outside of town.  The wind came up again as we expected but fortunately not anywhere near as bad as the night before.

The weather for the next two days is not going to cooperate.  There is a small craft warning out for the next two days.  We will stay in Chincoteague until the weather cooperates.

Day 12, 13, 14 & 15 of The Trip Hom

On Saturday we didn't move because of the very old story of bad weather.  BUT... on Sunday we were on the move again.  We basically did two days in one.  The weather was great, the seas were calm and we took advantage and had a longer day.

We were in the North Carolina cut which becomes the Virginia cut.  It's a lot like the Dismal Swamp only deeper, wider and lots more traffic.  We stopped in Coinjock and did some laundry and filled our water tank.  They have a great restaurant there so we stayed and had lunch.

Navy Base in Norfolk

Carnival Legend in Norfolk

On Monday we had great weather again.  We were in the Virginia cut heading for Norfolk.  There is a story about how to pronounce "Norfolk".  We were told several times the proper way to pronounce it.  It wasn't until a fellow boater called on the radio and said, "Here's how to remember how to pronounce it."  "We don't smoke, cuss nonf-ck." Yes, they pronounce it Norf--k.

We stopped at a free dock in Great Bridge.  There was a group of seniors having a picnic.  So nice to see.  An older gentleman came up to the boat to meet us.  He is 81 years old but looks great.  He loved to talk.  We stopped in Great Bridge to provision.  He graciously offered to drive Brian to the pet store and the grocery store.  He pushed the shopping cart while Brian filled it.  Because he is a veteran we got his discount at the grocery store.  We exchanged information with him.  Al it was our pleasure and blessing to have met you.

We had a very rough night anchored out.  Within a few minutes a storm blew in.  The winds were so strong it moved our boat 500 feet in a matter of minutes.  Our anchor was holding good but wow it was quite a storm.  My morning we were knocking on the Naval Base door and they don't like that.  We high tailed it back to our anchorage and fortunately the anchor held.

On Tuesday we picked up a package we had shipped to a Marina.  We wanted to fuel up so we back tracked slightly and went into 37 North at Fort Monroe.  While fueling I spied a very interesting boat.  It was called Flamingo Obsession.  We gave the man fueling our boat one of our boat cards and he promised to give it to the owners of Flamingo Obsession.  I was trilled.  I am not the only one obsessed with flamingos.

We headed out from Norfolk towards Cape May.  As soon as we entered the North Atlantic Ocean the waves and winds were very rough.  We only went a short distance and turned around and anchored at 37 North of Fort Monroe.  After a night of little sleep and lots of concern we didn't want to face a day of rough water.

Tomorrow we will head for Cape May.  Well, if all goes well.....but it is always water and wind dependent.

Day 9, 10 & 11 of the Trip Home

Well, here we are still in our anchorage.  The wind has been unbelievable and the waves are full of white caps.  So, here we are at Friday and we haven't moved yet.  We hope to move tomorrow, please say a little prayer for us.  We would like to me in Norfolk on Sunday. 

Brian has kept busy by working on the boat.  He is working on the shower in the Master Stateroom.  It is a major project.  He has also done lots of smaller projects.

I have been cross stitching.  I am doing one that is absolutely beautiful.  It is such a joy to do.  I am doing this cross stitch for my Bestie.  It makes cross stitching so much more fun when you have someone in mind that you want to give it to.

I hope I can bring better news tomorrow night.

Day 8 of the Trip Home

Well day 8 proved to be very relaxing.  We didn't move again because of weather.  We might have to stay put a few days.  We will wait for our window of opportunity before we move again.

We did work around the boat, well Brian did, I cross stitched in the afternoon.  So relaxing.

I will keep you all posted when we are able to travel again.

Day 7 of the Trip Home

What a wonderful day yesterday.  The sun was shining, there was no wind, the waters were calm and we made good headway.  It would be nice if we had this for a few days.  We were in the Virginia cut so there was absolutely nothing to see but vacant land.  Still it was a great day.

We will have a short day on Tuesday which is always nice.

Day 5 and 6 of the Trip Home

Well, Day 5 was exciting.  We didn't move.  Weather kept us at anchor.  We are beginning to think we will have more trouble on our way home than we did on our way to New Bern.  We heard from fellow boaters, D & H, that we met on our way to New Bern.  They are on their trip home North as well.  We are hoping to meet up with  them if we have a little bit of luck.

Day 6, Ahhhh we are finally moving.  The waters seemed fairly good when we started out but got progressively worse as the day wore on.  Fortunately our destination was Manteo on the Outer Banks.  Although the water was rough it seemed to be the wind causing most of the problem.  We made it to the free dock at the Manteo Marina.  No power or water but we are tied up and hoping for a good night.

Along the way we have seen several Pacific Pelicans.  These bird are very beautiful.  Well I think so anyway.  Yellow and red heads and dull grey bodies.

I will say we have seen a few.......okay a few hundred sea gulls.  Not quite as pretty as the pelicans.

We expect to be moving tomorrow if the weather holds.  

Day 4 of Trip Home

We left Oriental around 9:00 am.  The weather looked good.  The seas were calm and not very much  wind.  We cruised all day, knowing we were going to put in a long day.  About a half hour from our destination we ran into some high winds and rough waters.  Fortunately we were close to our destination of  Broad Creek.

Along the way, near Nebraska, NC, we saw a very high tower.  The Capstar Radio Tower is 600 meters high (1,968').  Not the highest in the US but just shy of 100' less than the highest.  The tower seemed to go right into the clouds.  I didn't get a picture because we were too far off shore.

We finally anchored about 5:30pm and were glad to get stopped.

Day 3 of Trip Home

What an exciting day today.  We went into the Oriental Marina and added fuel to the Starboard tank.  Then we docked on their free dock.  Brian took Cora for a walk, we went to the Marine store, and then we had an ice cream cone.  Yummy.

We ended up anchored out for the day again because of weather.  The next few days look pretty good for weather so we hope to make some headway.  We are heading for the Outer Banks for Sunday.  The owner of the Foxy Boutique and her staff are going to spend Sunday afternoon with us on the boat.  Should be fun.

We are missing C & J from New Bern, we really enjoyed their company.  We heard from D & H who we met on our way down to New Bern.  They are heading north as well.  We are really hoping our paths will cross at some point.  Our thoughts are still with our New Bern friends missing them.

As you can see, Cora had a very stressful day.  Poor girl.

Day 2 of Trip Home

 Oh my, what a peaceful day.  We didn't move an inch.  Day two brought high winds and rough water.  Needless to say we stayed put.  We may have to stay another day because the weather doesn't look much better for tomorrow. 

First, I want you all to know it took a little practice using my 7 in 1 oven.  It works great but you do have to choose between bake, air fry, toast, etc.  So, I have done a pizza on air fry but on bake temperature.  This is what it looked like.

It may not look very appetizing but I want you all to know the taste was not comprised.  Should this happen to any of you "don't throw it away".  

Day 1 of Trip Home

 Ahhh, finally we are back on the water only this time heading home.  We missed home a lot, missed our family and friends.  We met some great people while we were here and we will miss them as well.

We left around 9:30 this morning.  We had enough time to pump out before catching the 10:00 am opening of the bridge.  The first thing we needed to do was to fuel up.  We headed to Northwest Creek Marina where we enjoyed the company of Jess, the dock hand.  We did not plan on travelling very far today and planned to stop in Oriental.  (I'm not sure if it is the same Oriental as in the Monopoly Game).  

We stopped and anchored to have lunch.  It is always more enjoyable when we stop rather than eat when we are under power.  We anchored near the Sound of Freedom Golf Course.  A very beautiful course.

We arrived in Oriental just after 4:30 and anchored for the night.  I have several things I need to get organized this evening for easier travelling.

Cora quickly went back to her routine while travelling.  Now, doesn't she look comfortable?

Hopefully this will be an "uneventful" trip and we will be home sometime in May.

Coming Soon

 We will be leaving to travel home within the next week.  Stay tuned I will start blogging again.

It's a New Year

 We have rung in 2024 without any snow.  How sad....NOT.  The weather here was nice on New Year's Eve.  The City had a block party about a block and a half from our boat.  We went to the block party with our neighbors, L & G.  There was live music and an abundance of food trucks.  There was some great things for the kids to do, such as a bouncy castle, lighted balloons on sticks, games, etc.  We stayed up and saw the New Year in.

We have been taking the bus to some of the bigger strip malls.  The bus runs Monday to Friday.  As seniors we travel for free.  It seems so weird.  The city's name, New Bern, is Swiss.  Bern meaning "bear".  All through the city you can see these bears.  The are ceramic over fiberglass.  There are approximately 80 bears throughout the city.  There is a map you can follow if you want to find them all.  We plan on finding as many as we can while we are here.  A lot of them are within walking distance.

          

 Walmart Bear -  Located at the Walmart Supercenter

   

        Bear-ly-Legal -  Located outside Public  Accounting  Office

Mitchell Bear - Located Outside Mitchel Hardware

     Future Bear - Located behind City Hall

I'll post more as we find them.  

We started working on the Titanic Lego.  We are in box 1, we have finished Bag 1 (which consisted of 4 bags) and Bag 2 (which consisted of 3 bags).  It is an amazing build.  I'll take pictures as we go and post them.