On Wednesday morning, left Myrtle Beach for Southport, NC - a run of 40 miles. The weather was "breezy" but we were hoping it would calm down. As I have said many times - Hope is not a strategy. The trip up the ICW was fine and the wind, although "breezy" was not a problem until we arrived in Southport around 2 PM. Mother Nature decided at that very moment to "really blow" and the gusts were more than 30MPH. Quite an experience getting into the marina but we made it with the same amount of gelcoat on board as when we departed MB. All is well that ends well.

The first couple of pictures are of John and Sue aboard "Just Relax" as we depart MB and as we wait pass through the pontoon bridge in Sunset Beach NC. The bridge opens on the hour and if you are early, you have to wait. We had to wait for 35 minutes in the wind - not an easy task.

Did you ever wonder why fishermen wear rubber overalls even though the sun is shining bright? Pia took this picture as we discovered the answer to this intriguing question - notice the birds that are "hovering" above his skiff. You may need to click on the picture to find the answer!

So we finally arrived at the marina in Southport (remember the winds?) and the wind finally calmed down. Looking at these pictures makes it hard to believe that the wind was blowing so hard just a few short hours ago but now all is beautiful again!

On Thursday morning, we left Southport headed to our first night on the hook at Camp Lejune, a run of 60 miles. When we arrived in the anchorage area, the winds were once again a factor since we were so close to the ocean. We dropped the anchor and were joined by John and Sue. Because of the high winds, we decided to drop another anchor. This picture is John and Jack in the dingy taking a spare anchor out as far as possible - just for insurance. Please notice that neither one was wearing life jackets and were promptly scolded by Admirals Pia and Sue!!!

After a dinner cooked on the grill, all of us slept great and were up early for our 40 mile trip to Beaufort NC. We continue to be amazed at the sights and the environment. This first picture was taken about 6:30 AM as soon as we got out of bed. The second picture was taken about 8 AM as we headed up the ICW shortly after pulling anchor. Beautiful sights!!

Just in case you were wondering what a First Mate/Admiral does while the Captain is driving the boat, we thought we would share a picture that was made after lunch while cruising.

So, on Friday at 2 PM we arrived in Beaufort and plan to stay here until Sunday when we will leave for Oriental, NC. The final 2 pictures from this post is "Just Relax" as we come into the downtown Marina. As we were on the dock on Friday evening, we took this final photo of wild horses on an uninhabited island directly across the harbor from the marina.