March 2022

For the first two weeks of March we enjoy Bahia Honda State Park.  It was not exactly what we were planning but the weather just would not open up for us to begin the trip across to Mexico.  We enjoyed our friends and all the new friends we made.  Endeavours are all together so we explore some of what the park has to offer besides beautiful beaches.   These beautiful sand sculpture created by a volunteer.  Lot of Pelicans.  The manatees continue to come and eat the seagrass.  Which proved to be a lot and a constant battle in the basin. Seeing all the new arrivals of boats into the basin, this one was suspect.  Finally, the helicopters from military, USCG, and the workers on the power lines.  Wish I had that video.  But the weather is the main culprit keeping us here.  Yes that is rain coming and coming hard.  Watched quite of few boaters caught out in that one.
Dinghy exploring was another great adventure we had just around the park shores, Horseshoe Beach on the other side of the bridge, One of our favorites was a magnificent sunset dinghy ride with Scott and Mary from Salt Wife.
For us if it is not the sunsets then Meeting so many friends both new and old is one of our favorite things to get to do while cruising.  Endeavour cocktails and dinner aboard each boat.  Meeting friends on other boats like Moira and Brad Roberts with dog Koda and Mark and Shawnett on board Now or Never and of course all the friends we made learning to blow Conchs  at sunset at the top of the old bridge with the park ranger.  Many thanks to Chris and Sue Oehler from Paradise for the great Conch pictures and sunset pictures from the bridge.  Because some of the best reasons to be at Bahia Honda State Park is watching the sun go down over the water.
The end of our two weeks is coming and the weather finally looks promising.  Salt Wife is off first headed to the Bahamas.  We soon follow headed down to Key West for some final prep before heading out to the Dry Tortugas.  We arrive in a familiar spot, Key West and the cruise ships are back!  The first night we are in Key West we anchor North of the mooring field off Dredgers Key for easy shore access for some final prep  The next evening we move to other side of Wisteria Island for a quick departure on St. Patrick’s Day!  We are going to Mexico!

The weather a Bahia Honda State Park at the end of January tried really hard to keep us there longer, As you can see only the Kite surfer could enjoy and the park officials worried about him.  We finally got a slight break on Feb. 4th and made our run up to Naples.  No pictures because it was a rough ride a good portion of the day so when the waters calmed we were ready to get all the way into Port of the Island.  It is an hour into the Ten Thousand Islands to reach the marina, so we had planned to anchor out and wait until the next day.  We were just so ready so up the channel we went.  We were greeted by so many friends and were glad to be on the dock before the sunset. The next morning we saw our alligator friends and the dock heron.
Friends on the dock when we arrived told us that on the airbnb boat behind us was a girl from Mooresville.  We finally met Shara.  Crazy story - Her grandparents lived about a mile from Dee and I.   and where Dee grew up.  Dee’s Dad and her grandfather were like partners in an appliance repair store a long time ago.  We met her mom and stepdad who have place in Naples, her sister Kristin who visited and her husband, Chad.  When he came to visit we took them out to explore Panther Key in the Ten Thousand Islands.  Shara was here for a month with her dog Higgins who became a regular at our sugar scoop for a treat.  We loved loving on Higgins.
We enjoyed catching up with friends from Naples.  Mike and Karly just moved into their new home and we were invited to a house warming party and Dee got to experience “Virtual Reality” - loads of fun to watch.  Dee and I continued to explore the Ten Thousand Island area and it all came back quickly for us.  We did much needed boat projects like out with the old and in with the new forward AC unit!  Lots and Lots of provisioning as we prepare for Mexico.  We crossed path with some more Mooresville friends who have a camper in Naples and enjoyed sharing experiences about our travels.  Catching back up with Karen and Dan on board Story was another favorite.  We picked back up with lots of laughs and good times.  We spent one day out on their boat floating in the Gulf of Mexico.  Before we left we said good bye to new friends Kitty and Dave aboard Gran Plan.  We are excited about what the future has in store for them and their new sailing catamaran.  Finally, March 2nd arrives and it is good travel day so we are off the dock early trying to beat low tide.  I said an hour but it was more like 2 before we could move off the sandbar.  We missed the depth in the channel by about 20 yards.  So close!
We were still able to make Shark River where we planned to meet Salt Wife, Scott and Mary for the evening and dinner.  As we pulled in Journey was being hailed on the radio by Selah Way with Amy and David on board  who were also making anchor in Shark River.  Everyone joined us on Journey for cocktails.  This is what we love about cruising.  Beautiful sunrise as We were up and off early with Salt Wife headed back to Bahia Honda State Park back.  We are ready for Mexico but need some good weather.  Salt Wife is joining us at the park after making a fuel stop in Marathon.  Rick and Christi make their maiden voyage on the new Inked Mermaid (formerly Kulana) up to hang out with us at Bahia Honda for a few days.  Great to have three endeavours together and check out all the differences!  And to hang out with the manatees…More Bahia Honda Fun to come for like 2 weeks!

We leave Jacksonville's Sister’s creek Free dock  at high tide - maybe it was a King Tide.  The boat ramp didn’t even look like a boat ramp.  We were making a short run to north of St. Augustine.  We anchored in a beautiful spot just off the ICW called Pine Island South.  Perfect spot for us for the night away from busy St. Augustine.  The next day we passed through St. Augustine and the beautiful homes along the ICW.
Into Daytona Beach for a few days.  Where we explored the Beach, found a chalkboard bar, got some shots of Journey from shore and enjoyed watching some nightlife from Journey’s front deck.  This dock not far from where we anchored seemed to be home to lots and lots of sea gulls. Not sure what to even say about this picture.
Our next stop was New Smyrna Beach for some time on the dock and to let some weather pass.  We enjoyed the pool, finally time to make bread in my new bread machine and off to use the new to us folding bikes to make a Publix run and explore the beach area.  It was a great stop.
We pulled into Titusville for fuel and got a glimpse of Revel on a mooring ball.  Wish we were stopping and could get to know them better but we are off to the free city docks at Cocoa Village.  We arrive to one spot just for us!  From here we could walk to a Dunkin Donuts and get some good wifi and coffee to work and ended the day at Ryans Pizza and Pub with a great view of Journey and a large slice of pizza.
After another few days were continue south down the Indian River and caught this plane circling not sure if they are just having fun or spraying.  We anchor in Vero Beach The no wake zone  is tight here and we rolled a lot in this anchorage.  But the Sunset was stunning.  So we were up early and off out the Fort Pierce Inlet and down to Lake Worth to anchor in West Palm before the next storm arrives.  It was a beautiful smooth ride down to West Palm.  A little exploring, but mostly waiting for the weather to pass. This was a big storm across Florida but we ended up being fortunate as it was not that much in West Palm.  Before we head on south, we catch a rocket one night going up from Cape Canaveral.
Finally, we relocate back close to the Lake Worth Inlet for a quick out and plan to head all the way to Miami, but it did not take long before our ride got really rough and we managed a few bad hours before heading into the Port Everglade inlet near Fort Lauderdale.  We finished along day waiting for a bridge in Miami and then finally free of Miami we head into a new anchorage that we really loved near No Name called Hurricane Harbor.  It was a really quiet overnight which we needed after that rough ride.  

The next morning is a perfect morning and the sky is just beautiful as we head across Biscayne Bay and leave Miami behind.  As we arrive into Key Largo, we are always greeted by Dolphins who spent quite awhile in our wake.  We caught This stunning synchronized jump just for us!  We passed Bella Gato heading North who are now spending their summer in Maine, before heading into Islamorada to anchor and enjoy a beautiful anchorage with a stunning sunset for arrival back into the keys.  
We head out and down to Marathon and tuck back into our favorite anchorage at Coco Plum to again hide from winds and see if we can get a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor.  What we learn is the waiting list is would be about 3 weeks, so we make reservations down at Bahia Honda for the next weather event and plan to head down there and try to figure out what our next move will be.
This is our first time at Bahia Honda and we fell in love with this place.  The people are great that volunteer and work here.  They are so good to cruisers with free ice and a drink each day.  The sunsets are spectacular.  The weather is not giving us a break and we can’t find a permanent home in the keys for a month, so we are off to spend the month of February in Naples.  Enjoy the sunsets.

We are finally off the dock in New Bern and headed south down the Neuse River.  Our first stop will be back at Camp Lejeune and the  Mile Hammock anchorage.  We headed back down Adams Creek by the helicopter passing Beaufort, NC and Morehead City and into the Bodie sound.  Just before the Camp Lejeune area we passed Nina for the first time.  We would get to know Nina so much better real soon.  Before anchoring In Mile Hammock we pass through the live fire range.   Nina soon followed and anchored behind us and we enjoyed watching the dolphins before the sunset.
The next morning we set out and passed through so many beautiful areas.  Anchored overnight near Southport then on through Myrtle Beach area to anchor in Enterprise Oxbow.  We also passed Orza multiple times because she had to stop for almost all the bridges that were drawbridges while we cruised on through.  

Oxbow was just beautiful and quiet……
We continue on down the ICW towards Georgetown, SC and spot an Endeavour 44 Bodensee.  We love Georgetown, SC.  Would that soon change?  As we enjoyed exploring Georgetown again,  we watched a boater get stuck in the shallows which is pretty much known about in the area but just in case Stay away from the island on the south side.  We celebrated New Years Eve and welcomed in 2022!  We had anchored farther back in the corner to prepare for the cold front coming.  Just as the sun was setting the night of the blow,  Nina arrived and anchored in front of us.  Long night ahead.  We woke to winds in the middle of the night and began watch and not long after the winds picked up reaching gust of 50 mph.  Nina began dragging close to us.  After it was all over around 4pm in the afternoon.  We had dragged quiet a bit.  The small sailboats were rearranged.  We re-anchored and Nina soon followed.  Now it was time to meet Ingrid and Dayton and get a look inside Nina.  She is a beautiful wooden schooner with a wood stove!  We exchanged stories and said goodbye.  We were ready to head south and Nina would stay and explore Georgetown!
Our next night was just outside of Charleston near Isle of Palm as we prepare for our first overnight.   We set out from Charleston Harbor around noon into some beautiful water.  A little rough for awhile before sunset but things settled down and the overnight was uneventful from sunset to sunrise.  But the long dark night seemed to go on forever.  It was dark for about 13 hours.  The long track is over and we are headed into Sisters Creek Dock in Jacksonville for some sleep and recovery.  We have made it to Florida!

We finish out November with Thanksgiving in Alexandria, VA with Jesse.  Her apartment is now settled from the move and we get to enjoy it and the beautiful view she has from her balcony!  We spend one day traveling into DC to see the mall and some Christmas exhibits.  It is always a favorite of ours to visit our nations capital.

On Thanksgiving day we took a long walk from East Potomac Park and ended up along the Wharf in Washington, DC.  An area we had not explored and enjoyed.  Jesse was excited to find a new area she could continue to explore.  Three people and so many thanksgiving favorites so we had it across three meals.  This was the big Thanksgiving day meal with sweet potato pudding for each meal!  Before heading back to Journey we helped Jesse get into the Christmas spirit by decorating her tree and her apartment.

As soon as we were back Willys needed to be worked on so Dee dropped her off and rode his bike to Crema Brew in New Bern.  It was a cold windy day, but the coffee hit the spot.  We went back several times to enjoy this coffee shop.  

Dec 1 arrives and it is time to fix that leak that has been a thorn in our side since Savannah, GA.  back in May   along with some other that requires Journey to be out of the water.  We head out early on a beautiful still morning and head up the Neuse toward New Bern and Bridgeton.  It was a stunningly calm morning on the water.  For the Nicholas Sparks fans, If you read the book, The Return, which is set in New Bern, NC then this is Green Srings Swimming area which is now closed to the public, but I got some great shots from Journey.

We arrive in Bridgeton at Bridgeton Boatworks across from New Bern and prepared for our haulout.  Always a scary time!  Right behind us for haul out was another 44 Endeavour.  Efferevescence - owners Glenn and Debbie.  We were excited to get to know some more endeavors owners and share stories about our past and futures.  They are headed to the Bahamas this winter.  Although the view was beautiful from the boat yard there was work to be done.  A little set back was finding the one shaft - the leaking shaft was pitted.  The boatyard was able to find a guy to build it up and turn it down and voila like new again.  While doing all this much needed boatwork and maintenance such as touching up the bottom paint and cleaning Shelby.   we were able to get in some much needed grand baby love.

This is the time of year for the Christmas Mouse Calendar and Christmas pictures.  We were able to  watch our little Christmas angel pose for her Christmas / 3 month pics.  And of course some baby sitting for mom and dad.  Super exciting times watching this little one grow and watching the puppies.  We love our grand dogs!  Finally, Journey is ready to go back in the water and we can head back to the marina.  Get Willys back home and get ready for Christmas.  Our time is coming to an end here in NC.

Christmas has arrived and so has Harley and Jesse.  Dee and I can not believe that our time with Lilia is coming to an end so soon.  But it was a memorable and different Christmas this year with a little one in the house.  We enjoyed our family time which included Fire pit time all afternoon and Jesus Birthday Cake to wrap up Christmas Day.  

Dee and Closed out our time in New Bern with our final glass of wine at the Brown Pelican which is also being forced to close and hopefully move to a new location.  If in New Bern try to find this great little bar where local musicians play their tunes.  Our final day brings Rick and Bill out to New Bern for a visit.  And some much needed paperwork from the Coast Guard.  We are now set to head South.  Thanks for the the paperwork and the visit.  Cheers to our departure and Good Bye NC.

the first of October brought Pit Bull to NC and Dee had purchased  box ticket for my birthday.  We headed to Charlotte for the concert and but first  we met up with some good friends for a fun night and a cold beer.  Concert Time - the best way to watch a concert at our age is with box tickets and a server!  Opening act was Iggy Azalea and then Pit Bull He preformed an awesome concert with an awesome message.
Mid October and we finally get a chance to travel out to Ocracoke.  We had been planning this trip since before we arrived in New Bern, but just could not get it scheduled but finally the weather and time aligned.  The weather was cool but perfect for our ride out to Ocracoke.  On Our trip out we passed on of the Ocracoke ferries just as we caught sight of land.  We were glad the ferry was headed in the opposite direction because the entrance seems a little narrow if you have to share it with a large car ferry.  We entered into the the anchorage area of Silver Lake which is very protected from the winds.  It took a little time to find a spot to anchor where we were happy and settled but we had a great view of the lighthouse from Journey.  Cocktail time before sunset at Ocracoke.  The next day we set out to see the lighthouse and explore the little village.  Everything one would need is in walking distance.  We would have loved to gone the length of the island and see the pony pen, but that stretch is around 12 to 13 miles and it just didn’t seem like worth renting a vehicle when desolate beaches could be reached by Shelby.  The next day we took Shelby and head south toward the Ocracoke Inlet and explore the beaches on the southern end.  This was probably our favorite part of exploring Ocracoke the unspoiled beaches.  
As we headed back toward  New Bern we caught sight of lots of fishing vessels slowly cruising in the Pamlico Sound.  We decided not hurry back to the dock because we love being out at anchor and headed into South River for a quiet night surrounded mostly by nature.  We were joined by two other boats but we each chose spots away from each other. The South River area has many anchorage choices and secluded spots, and One more spectacular sunset in the books.  
Now that we were back on the dock it was finally time for the big galley project.  First, Dee pulled out the old rusted oven and stove and next he removed the old countertops.  Now it was Jorge turn.  He had already measured, ordered, cut and polished the countertop but it was time for the final fit and polish to install the new countertop.  Dee was a great assistant along with Jorge’s granddaughter Isabella.  We met Jorge as he was doing major renovation on a boat across from us on the dock and we feel fortunate we found someone who knows and understand working on boats. We are super excited about the finished look of our galley!
The HOA where our marina is located  hosted a block party with food trucks and Due East to close out our October in New Bern.  Oh Yeah!  And the flood waters attempted to come.  

We are headed to Alexandria to move Jesse into a much bigger apartment.  Since we were in Eastern NC we just jumped on the train to Alexandria and back after the move.  The trip was much easier than the move!
​We are back and November brings Bill and Angie out to visit in New Bern.  A little cool but able to see all the great spots around New Bern and some more spectacular sunsets.

Hola from Mexico!!!  Journey served us very well on our crossing.  We have heard so much feedback from people so here are more details about this entire experience. ​

Our Journey to Mexico started last fall as we began trying to decide between the Bahamas in hopes the islands would open (including the Bahamas), and Mexico which is fully open to cruisers.  Just as we were leaning toward the Bahamas they once again changed their rules and we heard from cruisers not to come that it was too much of a hassle to move between islands, so back to looking at Mexico.  We made contact with Gerardo in Puerto Aventuras in October and continued to connect with him off and on.  He felt sure he could accommodate us long term in Puerto Aventuras, as we decide whether to stay 6 months or a year.​

​Wrong!  We are ready to head back to the Florida Keys the first week of March and back into Bahia Honda State Park to stage but we ended up there for two long weeks.  This is a great park and area to hide from weather but we never thought we would be here that long.  We did meet up with Salt Wife and the Inked Mermaid (Kulana in the picture). Rick and Christi had just purchased their 44ft Endeavour and her official name change had not happened.  This was a great time!  Two weeks later, We finally head to Key West to pick up Zarpe paperwork for our crossing and final prep, like the Key Lime Pie for Gerado his only request to secure our spot. The Zarpe comes from the border patrol office.  One is located in Marathon and another in Key West.  It is easy and simple to get just do not go until the day before you plan to leave for Mexico. It is dated and Mexico expects your arrival to be within a doable time frame.  We are glad we got the Zarpe paperwork.  There are work arounds like receipts for fuel, marinas, etc at your last stops in the United States.  We also saw Rick and Christi on the new Inked Mermaid one last time while in Key West.  We initially anchored north of the mooring field in Key West, but made our way to the other side of Wysteria island to prepare for departure the morning of March 17th (Happy St. Patrick's Day) for the Dry Tortugas.  Another thing I decided to do before we left was prep food.  Sometimes I can not be below for extended periods of time, so I prepared meals and sandwiches.  I did not know at the time what a blessing this would be.

Of course, in hindsight we should have jumped in Shelby and gone just after arrival as the waters were smooth and calm.  We woke to rougher waters the next morning but still headed out.  We snorkeled around Loggerhead Lighthouse in the area known as Little Africa.  We were headed back in some really rough seas for Shelby and I hurt my back.  Something must have pulled.  It felt like I heard a pop in my back.  I dropped straight down into Shelby.  I sat in the dinghy floor the rest of the way back which took forever in the waters going slow.  Dee got me out and on the bed.  We were trying to decide what to do and I said lets give it an hour.  I got some meds.  He rubbed me down with Icy Hot and we improvised a back brace.  We were pretty sure nothing was broke and I was doing ok just very sore.  So I said let’s Go!  Neither of us knew if it was the right decision but we committed to crossing.  Now was when I was very thankful that I had prepped food for our crossing.​

Just as we passed the tip of Cuba (San Antonio) a SW wind rolled up the seas for a couple hours giving us a bronco ride in 6 footers. Just before dark we made a more westerly turn and as predicted the winds started laying down and the seas more following and we were thankful for this better ride as the sunset on our last night.  Tomorrow we would be in Mexico.  My back is still very sore and some movements cause a lot more pain than others, but I have almost completed the crossing, although it was not as I expected with the injury.  Night was again all we could ask for and moon gave us some visibility. Around 3am we hit the Yucatán current and slowed to 4-5kts at times then periods of 6kts. Up till now we had been averaging 7 to 8kts. This slow travel would stay with us till arriving. ​

We arrive and dock in at the Marina of Isla Mujeres where we are allowed to use the resort facilities while we wait for the check in process to begin.  I realized that throwing lines was not what my back ordered, but I would have to dock in PA one more time and throw lines before putting this back injury behind me.  I enjoyed soaking in the pool at the resort in Isla Mujeres and although the wait to check in was a little long.  First, we arrived on a Sunday and second, Monday was a holiday - Benito Juarez Birthday.  Benito Juarez was the 26th President of Mexico and the first of indigenous origin.  ​

So it was Tuesday morning before our check in began and we were able to leave by mid afternoon to see Isla Mujeres.  The marina gave us access to an agent to help us through the check in process.  Herman arranged everything and this made our check in go smoother and quicker, but it still had its hiccups.  We saw a doctor first for health clearnace,  Then Dee went to immigration and cleared us with a stop at the Port Captains office.  He came back to the boat where we had to wait on agriculture and customs.  The agriculture lady just went through the refrigerator and freezer and the galley.  The customs guy asked about alcohol and I showed him what little we had and he walked through the boat doing random checks.  Then welcomed us to Mexico!  Overall it was a fairly easy process.  We explored a few more days, but by Friday it was time to get to Puerto Aventures while we had decent weather.  The North winds made getting off the dock quite the challenge and it was sad to leave Vera, Jerome, and Bruno behind. ​

Paperwork for Checkin to Mexico: (5 copies) - It is hard to get copies in Mexico if you need any so come prepared or over prepared

• Crew List
• USCG Documentation of Vessel
• Zarpe
• Insurance for Vessel
• Bill of Sale
• Copies of Passport for each passenger

TIP (Temporary Import Permit): I did 5 to 7 copies of paperwork and photos.  Some were not needed but again be over prepared.  I read multiple websites and cruisers facebook pages, etc.  Once again, my advice is be over prepared.

• FCC Radio Authorization
• USCG Documentation
• Bill of Sale
• Photographs of Hull ID
• Photographs of the Dinghy and photos serial number
• Dinghy Outboard Bill of Sale and photographs with serial numbers
• Watermaker photographs with serial number
• Engine serial number photographs
• Generator photographs and serial number photographs
• Boat Insurance
• Copies of your immigration cards and receipt of payment to immigration office

Memorial Day weekend is over and we are headed out of Beaufort, NC and up Adams Creek to the Neuse River.  Of course, we don’t get very far before we are joined by our dolphin friends.  I am always amazed where we find dolphins. Now were are headed inland to the Neuse River, but actually we aren't that far from the coast when the dolphins found us.  We always saw bright homes along the waterway, helicopters and yes that it at someone’s house,  and play areas along the creek.  I just want to jump on that rope swing and enjoy the creek brings back some childhood memories.  Before making it up the Neuse to Northwest Creek Marina.  We welcomed by baby osprey and a perfect sunset.  We are finally here!  Before we can explore New Bern we must head back to Mooresville to get Willys ( our jeep) so we have some transportation.  And that means sunset on Lake Norman for a few weeks.  It was so much fun to be home and get some much needed time in with friends and family and watch the sun go down where our days on the water days began.
A few highlights were Brad and Cindy visited Mooresville and we had a big turn out to see them for some Wednesday night fun and one beautiful Saturday in June we all got together to celebrate Chelsea and Garrett who would very soon welcome little Brody to their family.  It is hard to believe he is now almost 2 as I write this.  We will celebrate his first birthday in July.  

Right before the end of June we head back to Journey ……. To celebrate my birthday with the girls on board.  Jesse and Harley joined us on board for a long weekend and Hannah and Aldo came out on my birthday for a Birthday cruise.  I think it might have been too much for Harley.  See pictures below.
Now it is almost time to head to Pensacola for July 4th and to watch the Blue Angels fly but first on a perfect June evening, Dee got out Chicken Hawk and got some spectacular footage of the marina and the area we are located in aboard Journey.  Northwest Creek Marina is located in Fairfield Harbor across the Neuse River and just south of New Bern.  David was the dock master and as I write this he has passed away just after New Year’s 2022 from a massive stroke.  He was welcoming from day one.  As the crow flies it is not that far from New Bern, but in Willys it is about 12 to 13 miles to get downtown.  This area is beautiful and the pace of life is slower.  People are just not in a big hurry.  That was one thing I would grow to love about this area.  Well that and the spectacular sunsets from Journey’s front deck.
July 4th weekend is upon us so we are headed to Pensacola.  First stop is Brad and Cindy’s house where every night was a good time.  We started on the back deck with Chicken Hawk in the air.  This area was hit hard by Sally and is still recovering.  Notice the new stairs leading to their back porch area if you watch the video.  We have missed them and Shade.  We were looking forward to this week catching up with both Brad and Cindy and Chris and Michele friends.  

First few days are out on Brad’s Boat for some beach time and some rough weather added in for extra fun!  We all dressed in our Best Red White and Blue for the July 4th to catch some fireworks with and added bonus of a marine corps fly over.  A beautiful rainbow greeted us one morning before we headed to Pensacola Beach for Breakfast with the Blues.  This is a local event on the Wednesday morning before their big event on Saturday after the 4th where the Blue Angels practice maneuvers over the beach.  Dee and I met Michele and Heather on the beach to watch….
Now it is time to take Chris’s Boat out the last half of the week, as we prepare for the blue angels to fly.  When Fat Albert flies the Blue Angels are right behind.  For some great shots see below or watch the video.  This was a massive party and I can’t really tell you how we got in or out!  So much fun!
​Before our time comes to an end in Pensacola, Chicken Hawk needs to fly over Chris and Michele’s house and get a peek at Pensacola before we head back to North Carolina.

We arrive in Beaufort, NC several days before the Memorial Day weekend to get a spot to anchor, but it was already crowded and we actually had to move 3 times before we found our happy place.  We did end up close to The Rachel Carson preserve in Taylor’s Creek - almost too shallow but not as shallow as some found as you can see in the video, but I will share below.  This was a full anchorage that continued to grow to around 25 boats mostly sailing catamarans so they take up lots of room.  The ferry boats did not like all the boats in the anchorage and would sometimes blast through all the anchored boats .  But of course when I was recording, He was behaving….
We enjoyed exploring the waterfront here in Beaufort.  So many old homes with stories that we enjoyed reading about on our walks.  A beer at the Fishtowne brewery was great but our favorite little spot was the Port James Cafe.  Checkout that chalkboard and the prices!   We wondered through a local museum mostly about Blackbeard and bought our new pirate flag.  After visiting the local farmer’s market we found the Old Burying Ground and spent some time exploring the history in the cemetery.  While on shore we got some great shots of Journey
Memorial Day weekend we spent on our front deck.  One of our favorites was watching the pirate ship cruise that so many tourist to Beaufort enjoyed.   It looked like those guys were having lots of fun!  Part of the fun was the little Scallywag that followed the big boat around, and was somehow part of the act.
Sunday morning was dreary and we woke to boats around us stuck on bottom.  Thankfully, We had stayed just shy of the shallows.  Blown Away was one of the not so lucky boats.  Blown Away anchored really close to us and since they were stuck and did not turn it seemed we were even closer to them.  They were Youtubers that had visitors all weekend, but even that fame does not keep you from making mistakes.  Memorial Day came and went with beautiful sunsets each night we were here.
We had heard and read about the wild horses on this island - The Rachel Carson preserve, but WE had not seen any from the boat yet, so we needed to do some exploring.  We started at the little beach closest to us, but this is where the ferry drops tourist for the day, so as expected we saw signs but no horses.  But we enjoyed the hike and the scenery of the preserve.  Once again we got some shots of Journey with Beaufort in the background.  After reading about the preserve and doing some investigating and research of google maps,  I was pretty sure their was a walkway further up Taylor Creek where we could try and see if we could find some horses.  So we took Shelby up the creek catching a few sights and then finally HORSES along the shore even before we find the walkway.  Finally, we see the walkway and find a place for Shelby and since it was low tide when we start into the preserve we catch sight of the ground moving with some active little crabs.  And the birds  did not want to be left out.  As we make our way out the boardwalk we find a stunning view of horses with the ocean in the background.
​On our way back down the creek we see more interesting sights and end our stay with a spectacular sunset.  It is finally time to head to New Bern and our final destination for the next 6 months.  The horses decided to show themselves from the shore as we left this morning.  Beaufort was a  great stop but New Bern here we come!