Anxious to get under way again

At this point, it looks like we will be underway again Tuesday morning...weatherwise, it's looking good for an over night sail off-shore.

It has become apparent that a previous owner had once removed the keel. There are also a number of scratches all along the bottom, so they have definitely hit hard bottom previously. The previous workmanship was not near the quality of work

Julie applying a barrier coat

that is being completed by Sailcraft here in Oriental. The fibreglass is completed and 7 coats of  barrier paint have been applied by Julie and I. The interior floor is installed and I have applied 3 coats of Polyurethane...looking good, but makes the old floor scream for an area rug! I have been working 8 hour days, 6 days a week helping complete the work as well as our own projects for the boat...we're anxious to be moving again. Although Sailcraft has a pool, we haven't even dipped a toe in it.

The people in this little retirement town have been so friendly, everyone will say hello or wave as they drive by. We have had at least 3 offers from others cruisers/live-aboards to use their car and lots of advice on sailing south or the local restaurants. If it had clear water and palm trees, I could consider buying a southern home.

Deer season opens

Julie found out abruptly that deer season had just opened while on a ferry driving to Havelock with a fellow cruiser.

Our friends from Nyack Boat Club, that we also met in Hampton, VA, had arrived in Oriental Thursday evening. We met up with them at the Tiki Bar for a drink. The next morning their 20+ boat rally, led by Wally Moran, headed out continuing their journey down the ICW to warmer waters...I'm sure we will meet up again. It seems to be a small community as we run into the same people time and time again.

Celebrating the weekend

Friday at 17:00 (quitting time) we had a handful
of the Sailcraft staff over by our boat to help kill a bottle of rum. Alan, the owner, stayed for a couple as well.









This is the local coffee shop called The Bean

The Bean coffee shop

where Julie became a regular...when she missed a day the other regulars would ask where she had been.












Saturday we stayed at the hotel again because of the fumes from the Polyuethane applied to the floor. Sunday, we will finish coating the floor and the keel. Then it will be ready for the trim and the bottom paint (a.k.a. anti-foulant which prevents seaweed and barnacles from attaching to the hull) on Monday. All going according to schedule, we should splash on Tuesday morning. So far, the winds and tides are looking good to make up some lost time and distance.

The Silos Restaurant

The Silos serves gluten-free pizza...we've ordered 6 already. And here is a picture of the small West Marine store.

Tuesday's weather window was still looking good.