Oriental, New Bern

We had never had the opportunity to stay on the free dock at Oriental so I was excited but at the same time nervous. For those of you who know me well- you know I always go with the sure thing. I do so much better with reservations made in advance and then confirmed. The free dock is first come first serve- so I was just a wee bit anxious about just showing up and hoping for space. We left the anchorage early as I "knew" this would increase our odds to get on the dock. It was a quiet ride past Beaufort and Morehead City. The ICW is interesting on this segment because there were always houses and marinas to check out. The cool thing about Oriental is they have a town web cam that actually focuses on the dock so you can check ahead of time. Hah! This was so cool- I checked it frequently on the way (probably one of the reasons we ran over on our data plan for the first time ever!) 

When we started crossing the Neuse River, the waves started to pick up but weren't terrible. Getting ready to turn to the town docks, Dave said he could see two sailboat masts already at the one free dock- increasing anxiety here- especially since I knew there would be no one on the dock (if there was space) to grab my lines and pull FRYEDAZE in safely. We went around four huge shrimp boats and alas there was space for us and pilings that I knew I could put my lines around! Life was good! After safely tying to the dock as far up as we could in case another boater came in needing space we were fortunate to meet new to us Loopers on a 27'Ranger Tug. They are doing the Loop the right way- this is year four for them! We talked to them for quite awhile and then we took off to find lunch. We went to M&Ms for lunch and then to check out Dave's new obsession- marine consignments stores. I walked through with him but the smell of mold was so terrible that I went outside and waited. He scored again! Remember the Raymarine autohelm remote he got at the last consignment store? Well this time he found the wire harness he needed to wire it up! The golden horseshoe continues! Afterwards, we walked the beautiful, quiet streets of Oriental and went for my new obsession- iced coffee- from the Bean. What a great little spot- lots of locals and tourists. My favorite part was the espresso ice cubes! When they melted you still had lots of coffee flavor AND they had a discount that the second one was half price. I couldn't resist!

The next day we weren't going far- just down the Neuse River to New Bern to visit with our friends Jeff and Lisa Noyes. We were excited to see them both and revist one of our favorite towns! Jeff came to the boat with my favorite boat dog EVER- Sophie, almost as soon as we were settled in and told us he would be back by 4:00 to pick us up to take us to their house for dinner. We had a wonderful evening catching up and enjoying a wonderful meal of shrimp and zoodles. Never having had them, I am now a confirmed Spiralizer girl and cannot wait to order the table top model for at home (think it might be too big for on the boat!) Thank you for letting me help prepare the meal and learn how to use it Lisa! Jeff and Lisa were such wonderful hosts that they insisted we take their car back to the marina so that we could grocery shop in the morning. 

After getting to visit with Jeff one last time (no Sophie...), we walked around New Bern and had a wonderful lunch. I chose the restaurant Beer Army off of Yelp because of the revues of their jalapeno poppers which are stuffed with cream and cheddar cheese, wrapped in bacon and pan fried. Perfect low carb meal! We also got to see a little of the Spelling Bee Championship- those kids were awesome! 

We were sad that we only were staying in New Bern for two nights, but we knew that there was a tropical storm brewing and we wanted to go to Washington, NC- another new stop for us and an 84 mile run up the Pamlico River! 

Leaving the Cape Lookout Bight in the early morning for the run to Oriental

Lots and lots of dolphins as we traveled the ICW. I told Dave I hope they were headed to the Chesapeake Bay!

We really love the town of Oriental, NC after visiting here three times!

Yes, this is a very small part of the consignment shop. I made it through the aisles and then beat feet out of there! Yuck- the smell!

Dave spotted this Harrier jet getting ready to land at the Cherry Point Marine base.

Bascule bridge going into New Bern (it got stuck in the open position after we went through!)

Mornings were cooler than we had been used to!

This was an "unusual" art piece in the little nature pond beside The Bean

I love these things- the "tiny" libraries that we have seen along the way!

After dinner picture with our friends- Jeff and Lisa and of course Princess Sophie- have I mentioned how much I love her? (even got kisses!)

Pepsi-Cola was invented at a pharmacy in New Bern

Captain Dave with Wilson the Bear in front of the absolute best hardware store we have ever been in! If Wilson's doesn't have it you don't need it! New Bern's mascot is the bear and there are different ones throughout the city. We will be back!