October 9 & 10, 2017
At 6:40 am we were treated to a beautiful sunrise as we left River Forest Manor & Marina in Belhaven, NC. Today’s 65 mile cruise took us 10 more miles on the Pungo river, across the Pamlico River to Goose Creek, several land cuts (canals), a couple more creeks and rivers, Pamlico Sound, past Oriental and up the Neuse River to New Bern, NC. As we passed the town of Hobucken and the Hobucken Bridge, Steve told me a story about the first time he passed the bridge years ago. Now the bridge is fixed with a 65 ft vertical clearance but at that time it was a bascule bridge that opened on request. A bascule bridge has an opening section of one or two leaves that tilt vertically on a hinge like doors being opened skyward. This bridge had two leaves. A tug captain requested an opening from the bridge tender then clarified his request by saying, “and I don’t mean just half the bridge, open the ho…bucken…bridge.” Hahaha!! Say it out loud a few times, you’ll get it 😆
While the waterways today were diverse, the scenery was mostly unchanging. Beautiful unspoiled nature and remote small towns. We reached the New Bern Grand Marina at 2:00 pm, the exact spot where our yachting adventures together began three years earlier (October 28, 2014)!! New Bern, North Carolina offers visitors hospitality and southern charm. This is a rivertown, not a coastal city. The condominiums and crowded beaches are a long way from here. In New Bern you find a beautiful historic city with park benches, tree-lined streets and brick buildings. This is the home of Pepsi cola and best-selling author Nicholas Sparks.
We spent two fun days and nights exploring the city, visiting with Chuck and Ann and dining/drinks in Steve’s favorite old haunts with Kim and Brian…MJ’s yum!! and the slightly famous bartender, Chris!
mv/whocares 