27 April 2021. Big water crossing, winds only getting worse

 

48 SM; 6.9 hours

Early assessment of weather, particularly the winds and we determined we were either captured in Oriental for a week or move now and wait for favorable winds further north.  We decided to move out.  Smith creek anchorage  Relative calm greeted us as the anchor was raised at 0745.  

Truly a false calm

Once out of the relative protected creek and entering the Neuse river, brisk SW winds were not too bad initially.  Sun in our eyes as we dodged crab pot floats.  Hard to see today.

Where is the crab pot

For the first three hours we had the wind and swells at our back as we proceeded northeastward into an ever widening Neuse river.  Then it was a hook north and while it was pretty rolling for another hour, eventually we entered the lee of the western shore and moderate chop became light chop and a pretty decent day.  This course continued in pretty protected waters of the AICW until we reached the Pamlico Sound/river.  About a two hours or 14 mile stretch of open water as the winds picked up to 12-15 MPH with occasional gusts.  Mostly on the stern or aft quarter, not too bad but consistent rolling.  Our planned anchorage was adjacent the town of Belhaven, NC.  Town of Belhaven

Reported as protected and with great holding we dropped the hook at 1430 after a pretty long day fighting winds, current and anxiety.  Not a fun day.  The anchorage presently is secure, but the swinging southerly winds remain strong and causing considerable boat motion.  anchorage  Make a milkshake without a blender right now.  

Ahead is the Albemarle sound.  Largest brackish/fresh water sound in USA.  It is notoriously noted for being very nasty with the slightest provocation.  Wind forecast is not favorable for our little slow boat.  15 mph or less and less than one foot wave height is what we want because it is a long way across and conditions can change rapidly with no escape routes for our slow little boat.  We will move a little further along tomorrow and find a good anchorage and wait.

3373 SM traveled; 1629.6 hours hobbs