We are finally leaving the New Bern Grand Marina heading to Oriental!! A Nor’easter hit as forecast on Saturday, November 1st. Bringing with it heavy rain and more importantly high winds and seas. We were forced to enjoy the shops and restaurants of New Bern a few more days than planned. This morning we woke to a clear sky and almost no wind but it was cold! The little bit of leftover rainwater in the dingy was frozen. Definitely time to head south.
We requested passage through the 8:30 am opening of the Cunningham Bridge and were on our way. I have learned lots of new things these past 5 days but all while tied to the dock. So it was great to be cruising! I was at the helm after we cleared Highway 17 bridge and having a blast. About an hour into the trip I was at the helm and Steve said we were nearing the Cherry Branch ferry crossing and that I should keep an eye out for the 2 ferries that might be crossing our course. Okay. Then he said he was going down in the engine room to see how everything was performing. WHAT?!!
Okay, I guess I should have expected to be left alone periodically…the engines have to be monitored. But one hour into our first time out?!! The last time I had been at the helm of a yacht was 10 years ago before Steve sold the last Hatteras. And that was in the middle of nowhere in the Bahamas and there was always at least 3 people on the boat. Okay, I can do this…what could happen? Steve had taught me what to do in case of an emergency, and then told me his favorite saying, “It will all become apparent before it becomes critical.” I willed those 2 ferries to stay at their landings and we cruised right through. I’m sure that was just the first of MANY more times alone at the helm during the next 6 months.
We pulled into Oriental Marina and Inn at noon. The 2 kayaks Steve had purchased were delivered and we secured them on the boat. We wandered town a bit then went to dinner with friend’s at M & M’s Cafe to celebrate Easy’s birthday!
mv/whocares 