The calm before … Thursday 25th October 2012
As the forecast degenerates the marina seems to fill up. First thing this morning the forecast was suggesting that hurricane Sandy would move further off the coast. That meant that the chance of high winds for Beaufort, NC was reducing. So we arranged to go to Beaufort a day early (Friday) and wait out the storm there. We spent the morning cleaning the dinghy and putting it up on the fore deck. Then we cycled into Oriental (more about that later). When we got back to the boat and checked the forecast again, the expectations seemed to have worsened. Now the wind speeds for Beaufort are predicted to be higher - 30 knots gusting to 42 knots, and with the track of the storm closer to land the chance of tropical storm force winds of 50 knots is 30%. So we decided to stay put here at the River Dunes marina on Broad Creek. We are thinking we’ll be here until Monday or Tuesday.
Oriental is a small town that describes itself as the sailing capital of North Carolina. Everyone says there are more boats than people and that could well be the case. We had seen a map at the marina with little markers for restaurants, cafes and marinas. Our expectations for the town were tempered by a conversation with my sister-in-law Fran who pointed out that the Mobil travel guide only listed one place for Oriental… As it transpired, the town is tiny but appealing with neatly kept homes and lots of marinas. We cycled around, took the view of the harbor from the bridge, studied some shrimping boats at the docks. Most important of all we found a place for lunch. This was called the Food Emporium and was fantastic. Mike had a cup of vegetable soup and a pulled pork sandwich—Carolina style. I had something called a Porky Pang sandwich—pork and peppers and hot sauce with lettuce and tomato. It was outstanding. We even bought a loaf of bread there—it was so good. We rounded out our tour with a trip to the marine consignment store. Here there was a bewildering array of stuff. To be honest, most of it I couldn’t even recognize. What kind of a sailor am I?
Shrimp Boast being painted at the dock in Oriental
Painter taking his lunch break at Oriental docks
The Pool complex at Dunes River Marina
Reflections in the Pool
The club house at Dunes River Marina from the dock
We think that's the best move -- staying put. We already have 20 - 30 MPH gusts here on Oak Island . . and 5 foot waves for my walk this AM on our normally calm, south-facing beach.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that good NC pork and we'll see you whenever you get here.
We hope it doesn't get too rough down there for you. Shades of Forrest Gump and Lieutenant Dan? Hope not!-Susan and Stew
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