Wrightsville
The EJ's Voyage
Mike Everton-Jones
Tue 23 Jun 2009 16:28
|
Arrived in Wrightsville, North Carolina, yesterday
late afternoon after 52 hours at sea from St Augustine. We intended to sail al
the way up to Beaufort (just before Cape Hatteras) but the winds were against us
and the swell made the journey too uncomfortable. So we decided to dive in
Wrightsville, 70 nm South of Beaufort and wait for a change of wind
direction.
It is actually very quaint here. We are docked in a
tiny marina called Dockside Marina (photos below). Only about 4 pontoons, a fuel
jetty, a bar and a restaurant. No showers or any other facilities. But that's
doesn't matter because the bar makes the most tasty Margaritas! So I am happy!!!
Temperature is about 28 degrees and not humid like in Florida and it is really
very pleasant. Houses are colourful and big and people friendly.
Mike woke up this morning with half his
face very swollen due to we believe a tooth abscess. It is obviously
quite painful but luckily he managed to get a dentist appointment immediately
and that is where he is now. Poor Captain, he hasn't got a lot of luck at
the moment! His upper back is giving him a lot of grief still so he is in pain
most of the time. His broken toe is mending slowly but still throbbing. Thank
God Bernie is here and is being a tremendous help.
However, yesterday was one of the most wonderful
days in our lives as Emma has given birth to Mike's first grandchild about 3
weeks prematurely! What an emotional moment when we got the call from Jamie via
our Iridium phone as we were still at sea, to tell us
the news! Mum and baby boy are doing
well.And so is the proud Dad who is feeling very knackered running around
like a headless chicken (that was him saying it!). We so much wished we were in
Brighton right now and are very impatient to receive the first photo by email.
We are so happy!!! Mike had a big grin on his face all evening. So proud of his
son and Emma and so proud to be a Granddad.
Valerie and Sebastien sent a SMS this morning
to say that were safely back home in Brussels. They have been a joy to have
onboard and we miss them. Exciting times ahead for them with Sebastien new
business venture as the opening of his Fit for Fun fitness centre will
be opening in October. We wish them the best of luck.
Hopefully we will sail up to Beaufort tomorrow and
wait for the right weather forecast (no more head winds!) to go round Cape
Hatteras which seems to be feared by everyone we talked to. Similar to
Cap Finistere in France. Then we will be half way up to our final
destination.
Never mentioned how nice it was to see my friend
Sara (see photo below) last week in Florida and finally meet her 3 year old boy
Eric. Such a cutie. We had a great time with her and her family at her eldest
brother for a delicious dinner. Lovely and welcoming people.
Hope all is well with you all. Looking forward to
reading your news.
Love and bisous
Catx (and Mike)
|
