Last night temperatures dropped into the low 20's, maybe even the teens, and tonight they're saying teens... Another cold day at the helm, started with a cup of coffee and when the sun peeked up, we took off. ICE COLD! I can't believe the seams in the sail didn't rip out, it was sooooooo cold. All day motoring, and made it to Mile 275 to Scotts Hill Marina, where we were able to plug in for 12 bucks! The end dock where we are is just barely deep enough to allow the boat...may even be on bottom at low tide, but hey, isn't that what this boat's used to? Ran aground several times all due to shoaling at different mile markers. Followed Skipper Bob's manual the entire way and bumped and stopped probably 1/2 a dozen times, almost didn't get off at Green 55...very stuck.
Shoaling was terrible all through Camp Lejeune, and of course we hit it right through low tide, which didn't help considering what we draw. All in all a good day though, so far we've used maybe three gallons of fuel, almost all of it today. Motor's running great, Budge and the gang are staying warm with the heater and the motor running, motor puts off a good amount of heat. Lots of condensation all inside the boat, ceilings, walls, everything was very wet last night. We're really looking forward to a warm weekend, so we can open everything up and dry it out...
Last night we heard what we thought was someone knocking on the boat, which scared us to death when they didn't answer (we asked who it was, no answer.) I went up to see and no one was there. Went below and sat down, and a few minutes later...knock, knock, knock... so I checked again, and nothing.
After much investigation, our fender was making a knocking noise when it pulled against the lifelines, which sounded identical to someone knocking on the boat....talk about being scared...we didn't know what to think, it was really startling. Anyway, all is well, boys have been schooling while underway, which is new to them, so they're excited. Another good day, just need a little warmth. If all goes well, we'll be in Wrightsville Beach tomorrow.
