April 25, 2011.

We had the choice of a 2 day trip up the inside or waiting 3 days for the wind to turn back in our favor. So it was up the ICW for us.

On the first day we did 3 bridges as we motored north into 5 knots of breeze. About an hour before our intended stop at Mile Hammock Bay the wind kicked up to 15 knots on the nose. The weatherman was predicting more for late afternoon. It worked out perfectly because as we turned off the ICW and into the anchorage the wind piped up to 30 knots.

We were the first boat into the anchorage and in the next 2 hours another 8 boats filled in around us. Mile Hammock Bay is part of the military reservation at Camp Lejune and we ate dinner to the sounds of a live fire artillery barrage. Oooh romantic.

The next day we were up early and busted ass to get Oriental. With the breeze brisk from the northeast crossing the Neuse River was a bit sporty but we had loads of water as we eased our way into Whitaker Creek.

We’re tied to the dock behind our friends Ken & Carol’s house. Whenever we’re here we try and knock out as many niggling chores as we can. First and foremost was eating as much pizza as I could stomach at Silos. Then we defrosted the fridge, bathed and groomed Tucker, did laundry, bought groceries, visited our stuff at the consignment shop, hit the Post Office, filled a propane tank, Flitzed the stainless, topped off the fresh water tank, dealt with a head issue and pulled all the curtains down, laundered them and wiped the walls and ceilings with an anti mold cleaner.

We enjoyed a fabulous Easter meal and the even more popular Easter meal leftovers the next day. The Veranda and Tucker are clean, my stomach is full and its time to get back on the road north….