Chris arrived at my house Wednesday evening and we stayed up late catching up on each other's lives. Thursday morning headed into town for breakfast and an impeller for my outboard. Afterwards we spent the day launching Chris's Suncat and loading our boats. This morning we waited for the sun to burn the dew off before leaving. We motored down the creek, under the bridge, and raised sails just pass the marina. Windfinder was indicating 8mph winds, but there was barely a breeze. As afternoon rolled around, the predicted 13pmh winds built to 18 and battled them until something went wrong with the Suncat. Ducking into Broad Creek, Chris fixed the problem and we headed back out. However, now the fetch had built the waves to 3 and 4'. We gave our best shot, but thought it prudent to return to the creek and anchor for the night.
Left the creek about 650am and entered the Neuse river with the same conditions as yesterday. Wind and waves were hitting us hard on the port beam and several times I was given a saltwater bath. Swinging to port as we entered the Bay river had us flying down wind before entering the Pamlico river/ICW channel. The wind was diminished by the trees, but we sailed the entire length with only a stop for lunch. After lunch we continued north until heading west on the Pamlico River. Our destination is Bath, but we kept to the south side to avoid the nasty fetch. Realizing we wouldn't make Bath until sunset, we dropped anchor in 3' of water just east of the Aurora ferry terminal. After only making 11 miles yesterday, the 36 today feels good.
Another day of pounding through a broad reach with 3' seas, but ut was short day sailing into Bath were we tied up at the free docks. We met the mayor and he tolds us were we could get a good meal and hus suggestion was right on. Returning to the boats, we met another trailer sailor from Charlotte. He was sailing a Catalina Capri 18 and headed to Norfork, VA. I had to borrow Chris's stove as my stoves "O" ring failed and started a fire. This morning we left with light SW winds and had a beautiful sail until the winds started shifting and gusting. Arriving in Washington we tied up at the free docks where showers, laundry, and bicycles are also free. We used the bikes to explore the town and buy a new camp stove and purchase more ice. Of course we couldn't oass the icecream shop without stopping in After a shower we walked across the street from the docks were we had a delicious ribeye dinner and I had 2, too many painkillers. Tomorrow we'll do a bit more exploribg of the town.