Side trip to the Outer Banks

On this trip we had planned to explore areas we missed last winter
and the Outer Banks of North Carolina was at the top of the list.
Our plan is to transit the Ablemarle and Pamlico Sounds then rejoin
the ICW at Oriental.


Tues Oct 27th- The winds have veered to the north and an exodus of
boats is taking place in the early morning fog. We waited for the
fog to lift and were off by 8. Had a great sail down the wide
Pasquotank River into Ablemarle Sound and on to historic Roanoake
Island. As we entered the protected harbor after a 47 mile run we
were suprised to see the only boat at anchor was the ketch
Moonshadow belonging to Wes and Snow whom we snorkeled with in the
Tortugas last winter. We tied to a free town dock along the
waterfront boardwalk and found Snow nearby busy weaving her
hammocks. She and Wes joined us aboard later and we had a great
time catching up.


Wed-After a rainy start the day cleared and temps climbed into the
80's. Snow took us on a tour of the Outer Banks (she grew up here
and was a great guide). In the afternoon we took a long bike ride
to the Fort Raleigh National Park, site of the historic lost
colony.


Thurs- Headed out at daybreak in strong north winds for our 70 mile
run down the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke. This is a huge body of
water at least 80 miles long and over 30 miles wide near Cape
Hatteras and the rough seas kept us at the wheel all day. Our
autopilot is useless in big waves but a great crewmember when it's
calm. Arrived in the protected harbor (Silver Lake) at 5PM and anchored in calm waters
among 5 other boats.

Fri- Sunny but still cool, biked around the area ending up with a long walk on the beautiful wide ocean beach.

Sat- Sunny and warm, our first real summerlike day. Great sailing all day as the wind built and we kept reducing sail. By afternoon it was blowing at 20 kts and we had double reefed main and just a bit of jib. Covered 40 miles before anchoring in the calm waters of Broad Creek. Warm evening under a nearly full moon.

Sun- Headed out in thick fog on glassy water. After about an hour the wind was howling as the temps dropped 20 degrees and we ran for cover into Oriental Harbor. Spent the afternoon wandering about town. Rainy and cold late afternoon. I bought a few needed items at a great marine consignment shop.

Mon-Cloudy and cool, We are now back on the ICW, motor sail 23 miles to Beaufort, anchor in town creek, walk around town.