November 2, 2011
A beautiful morning with a persistent North wind. There was no need to get U/W early so we didn't weigh anchor until 0912 hrs. We only have nine miles to Oriental. There are two other Valiants behind us and I have asked them where they are going to berth in Oriental. It appears that Seacraft Services with allow yachts to raft up to another boat for $30 per day with shore power. That is the cheapest marina we have found.
So in we go to Whitaker Creek and raft alongside another Valiant at 1115 hrs. Oriental is a yachting mecca and many yachts call it "home". It is a quaint little town built around fishing and yachts. The locals are all knowledgeable in seafaring matters and very friendly. It is pleasant to walk around and see the shops and people. We have a severe Wx warning given by NOAA and the USCG for gale force winds extending from Cape Hatteras to Cape Fear. We'll be here a few days!
November 3, 2011 Thursday
We have used today to organize and set up our Monitor Wind. This apparatus will self steer the boat using only wind power. It is on the transom of "Solstice" and hasn't been used in many years but is in good condition. I'm putting new lines it and getting it ready for the long Atlantic and Pacific crossings. Additionally, we have an auto pilot which will steer the boat using DC power. Between the two units, Phyllis and I won't be slaves to the helm. This gives us time to accomplish other navigational tasks.
There are six Valiants here at this Marina. That means a whole lot of info can be collected. One of the Valiant owners on "Tamure" is a two time circumnavigator. He and his wife did their first circumnavigation in the early 80's. Then they took their two children on another circumnavigation and home schooled them aboard. How many children get that opportunity??
Gale and Storm Warnings Up for 45-50 kt winds. Not going anywhere.
November 4, 20011
The wind is howling outside at 45-50 kts. Reports offshore indicate wave height in excess of 15' out to 20 nm and then 25' beyond that.
Scott and Kitty Kuhner from "Tamure" have been very kind to invite us over to their boat for talk and drinks. Scott has spent a good part of his time downloading the navigation programs onto our laptop that will take us to the end of the world. For the first time, we are now in the cruising world that is moving South to the Bahamas, Caribbean and South Pacific. The amount of knowledge and experience that exists in this transient cruising world is staggering.
November 5, 2011 Saturday
Gale and Storm warnings continue. We continue to meet other cruizers. Tonight Scott and Kitty from "Tamure" gave a slide show of their circumnavigation with their two boys who were 9 & 11 years old at the time. They were home schooled aboard the yacht and have had a unique education that few ever get.
We will leave Oriental tomorrow and go to Beaufort, NC which is only 25 miles from here. It appears that we will have to continue in the ICW to Cape Fear and try to come out at Southport, NC on the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The Wx isn't moderating and we are anxious to make time. It has been a very rewarding experience to be here in Oriental with those that that have been there before. Everyone is willing to give and be helpful knowing that the day will come when, they too, will need help.
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