Carolina Cruising

[PBzeer]

One reason I didn't head there! Oughta keep you and Carl busy though

[PBzeer]

Well, missed out on the dockmaster job, though I did give him my spiel and card. Who knows, the guy he got may not work out. So I guess tomorrow I'll start looking for "normal" work. Would like to find something boat related, but no wheels makes it hard to get around. Oh well, something will turn up, I know that much.

[sbkittrell]

Don't leave out Washington if you are still near Bath. They've really upgraded the waterfront in the last couple of years. You can anchor out or dock at the city docks. There are some great places to eat and drink too. Washington now reminds me of the way Beaufort NC was back in the eighties. In fact it's more like Beaufort now than Beaufort is. Also, I don't know if you've cruised this area before, but before you leave check out Ocracoke. It's kind of mandatory for NC sailors and it's well worth the trip across the sound. You can make it in a day from Oriental if you leave early, if you are in the Pamlico River, I'd anchor out behind Indian Island or Rose Bay and make the trip across the sound from there. Oh yeah, and don't forget Belhaven up on the Pungo. It's little, but it's a really cool little town and there are a few good places to eat here.

[PBzeer]

This is my second season here in NC. Currently I'm in New Bern. Orcacoke and the Cape Lookout Bight are the only two places I haven't been, and I'll get to one of them within the next couple of weeks. Belhaven is one of my favorite stops, at the Belhaven Waterway Marina. Brenda and Les are really good folks, and they have the best shower I've used at any marina.

[sbkittrell]

You saved the best for last then. Lookout Bight is the closest thing we have in NC to the Bahamas. You can anchor close to shore just inside the bight. Whelk shells by the thousands, sea turtles, dolphins. It's a paradise. You're going to love it. I'm sure you've already been well briefed on these two spots by people you've met here, but I have to say that Ocracoke is like something out of a book. The people who live there can be kind of clannish, but give them time and space and they'll accept you just fine. Once you get to friends with one of them, you are like member of the family. Sad thing is, the real estate values have driven up property taxes so much that a lot of families that lived there for generations have been forced to sell out, so there is a little bit of resentment towards "outsiders". Nothing bad, they are just a little stand offish. It's a great place to go. Once you go there you won't want to leave. If you are still looking for work and you aren't too choosy, I think Washington would be a good "base". The waterfront is right downtown and there could be opportunities within easy walking distance. Good luck to you.