04: Cruising: US East Coast
Our journey begins: Oriental > Beaufort

Our journey begins: Oriental > Beaufort

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We leave our beloved Sailcraft home this morning – all smiles. We LOVED Oriental and the awesome friends we made at Sailcraft, but it’s time to get the adventure started!

 

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Leaving Whittaker Creek for the last time.

 

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After about four hours of motoring down the Intracoastal Waterway, we made it to a drawbridge (bascule bridge). We weren’t sure what all of these fishing boats were doing all crowded into this little section. When we got close to one, I asked and they answered, this is “the spot”. Apparently for a month’s time every year, this place is the place to be to catch fish. While he was talking to me, the guy pulled up TWO fish (he had two hooks on his line)!

 

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Passing through the bascule bridge.

 

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Stephane maneuvered us safely through “the spot” and the bascule bridge.

 

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This little tug pushing the barge was named “WAHOO”.

 

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Lots of boats anchored/moored on Taylor Creek in front of Beaufort. On one side of the water is Beaufort and the other is Carrot Island where WILD horses run free! Here is a picture of a wild horse and a wild boat! Complete with pirate flag.

 

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If sailboats could talk. I’ll bet this one’s been there done that.

 

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We find a spot in between two boats that looks pretty decent and drop anchors (we set two because the current in this particular area is super strong and shifts 180 degrees with the tide). On our first try we are able to anchor – success! On the left is Beaufort, right Carrot Island.

 

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We hear the current ripping by us and are hoping we don’t drag anchor. Anchor alarm is set…good night!

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