23-25 April. Historic Beaufort, NC

4 SM; 0.9 hours

Decent anchorage Thursday night near the Morehead City Yacht basin and the government facilities.  A bit of wind but good anchor holding and no wakes.  Called Town Creek Marina where we have a space reserved and was told we could arrive anytime.  So preparations were made to get underway for a very short travel day.  Calico creek anchorage  We relocated the short 4 miles from the anchorage and was met by Daniel the dock master assisting our securing to a face dock in short order.  Quick and easy morning.  Great shore power and water stations very close.  Plan is to get boat work done; body work done--exercise; do our laundry, and visit friends and the area.  Town Creek Marina

Friday was a boat work day while POC aka Kim took the marina courtesy car to get a hair cut and food goodies at the grocery store.  The Yanmar diesel got new fluids along with new oil and fuel filters. I cleaned the Racor external fuel assembly and installed a new filter.  Cleaned the raw water strainer.  Cleaned the engine bay while inspecting for loose wires, bolts or clamps.  Cleaned the bilge and added bilge cleaner to slosh around for a while before pumping out.  All good to go.  Once the fuel system manually purged of air, the Yanmar started up on second try and ran smoothly.  No leaks observed. Next, the composting head refreshed.  Not a burdensome task and easy and quick.  Marina handled the trash and had a waste oil disposal on site.  Nice.  Normal boat checks and cleaning as the skies darkened and the wind velocity increased.  Squalls and near gale winds remain in the forecast for later this weekend.

Red not necessarily good

Saturday was visiting with friends I have not seen in several years.  My friend Jerry came and picked me up at the marina.  Also in the truck was dear friend Tom.  Tom is 92 years old, still drives and is a retired crop duster.  Several years ago, he sold his crop dusting business but kept his farm and two beautifully maintained grass runways.  I kept my antique airplane there several years.  Tom continued to fly his tail dragger airplane for several years before retiring from flying.  We all went to breakfast and had such a great reunion.  Later in the day, POC and I were picked up by Lee and Peggy.  Lee and I have been squadron mates for over 30 years and served together numerous times including overseas and shipboard assignments.  We had a great lunch together catching up on all of the latest news. The hard truth of time passing becomes apparent when you share pictures of grandkids; realizing not long ago you would have been sharing stories of flying.  We topped the day back aboard with movie night.  Red overhead dome light and a movie on the IPAD. 

Movie not that good.

Sunday was rocking and rolling at the marina as winds throughout the night were very strong.  Light rains but the thunderstorms and gale winds did not develop.  Bible study and church on the internet.  Laundry day, more boat cleaning and tidy up work.  After lunch we hiked 3.5 miles in and around the Beaufort waterfront.  Partly sunny and windy but a decent day.  The town of Beaufort, NC

Been here a while

Water front historic home

I called Tom at his home in Beaufort wanting to speak to his wife Mrs Jean---they have been married over 68 years and live in the same home they bought after they were married.  She was so happy to hear from me.  Then Tom said he was going to the farm and wanted to know if I wanted to ride.  Heck yeah.  Tom is a pretty spry 92 year old who does not wear glasses and remains extremely sharp.  His grass runways still look the best I have ever seen.  We reminisced about long ago flying days.  Tom is and remains a great southern gentleman and it is a honor to know him.  Visiting Tom, his farm, hangars and runways that he build over the course of his life was a true blessing.  A most remarkable man.

Tomorrow if all goes as planned we will relocate a short distance to a haul out boat yard and get Serenity of of the water for some inspections and repairs.  

3301 SM traveled; 1618.0 hours hobbs