Tuesday, November 1st

Rain overnight gives way to sunny skies this morning as we weigh anchor in Belhaven.  Winds will be out of the north again today.  A small craft advisory has been issued for Pamlico Sound and a gale warning has been issued for coastal waters of North Carolina.  But our course along the ICW today will follow inland rivers and canals which are well protected from strong winds.

From Belhaven, we sail downwind along the Pungo River in 15 knots of wind out of the north.  After crossing the Pamlico River, we enter Goose Creek where the ICW follows an inland cut under the Hobucken Bridge and into the Bay River.  Northerly winds increase to 22 knots as we enter the wide open Neuse River, which makes for a lively downwind sail.

[caption id="attachment_1717" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Entering the dredged channel to River Dunes "][/caption]

Our destination today is River Dunes Marina on Broad Creek, just north of Oriental, NC.  River Landing is a new upscale planned community that includes a dredged harbor, an inn, health club, homes and condominiums.  In an effort to attract southbound visitors, the marina is offering two nights of dockage for the price of one.  We take advantage of this opportunity to relax, wash clothes and give Cutter Loose a bath.   More about River Dunes in tomorrow's blog.

[caption id="attachment_1718" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cutter Loose looking spiffy after her bath"][/caption]