November 3, 2011.

Oriental is being Oriental again. If it wasn't for the whole “cold in winter” thing, this place would be perfect. Town is looking pretty good considering that Oriental was walloped by hurricane Irene. They experienced about a nine foot tidal surge and quite a bit of town was under water.

The best thing about town is once again, the people. We generally stop here twice a year as we pass through. We have friends that we knew from Jersey that have made their home here and allow us to tie up at their dock whenever we're here. Through them we've met several other couples that we've become close with as well.

Between doing boat chores during the day and trying to keep up our end of the bargain when it comes to the rigorous social schedule, it can all be very exhausting. Last night we were included in a cruisers get together that was held in our friends, Don & D's house. A half dozen locals along with a dozen cruisers invaded their home for a sit down dinner. Our friend Carol baked 6 chickens and everyone brought something to share. It was very Thanksgivingesq, right down to the stuffing and cranberries. 20 people for a sit down dinner with an afternoons notice, just another day in Oriental.