We had planned not to be any bother and leave after two days but there was some severe weather coming and so we extended by a couple of days.  Over dinner on Tashi Delek (steamed syrup pudding with Birds custard in honour of Michaels roots) we hatched a plan for a trip into the nearest metropolis of New Bern to stock up at Walmart and see the new James Bond film together.  It is fabulous.  If you haven’t seen it yet – run to the cinema.  Now. 

We enjoyed it so much that we celebrated with Martini’s and Buffalo (Spicy) Prawns when we got back to their house.  Michael shakes a very mean Martini, worthy of Bond himself.

The next night was pizza night at the Silo’s.  A restaurant close by that had been built into two old grain silos.  They were the freshest and most delicious home-made pizzas we have experienced – and they did gluten free for Mike.  We were joined there by Shannon, who runs the office in the boatyard opposite and it had been she who had been so helpful guiding us in.

By way of further delights we found a fabulous fish shack selling such an array of fish and seafood out of cold boxes that we indulged in something of a fish fest for our entire time.

There’s more.  Pojo was in town so we were able to spend more time with David and Barbara.  David is originally from Scotland so Barbara cooked us a vast and lovely Scottish brunch one day with home-made pancakes of the thick, bready, yummy variety with all sorts of delicious goodies including honey from their friends bees.    We exchanged expertise, hints and yotty tips.  David is a clockmaker who knows about engines and practical stuff while we were able to help them get their long range radio set up.  They are heading for the Bahamas where we hope they will have a lovely winter after their rather difficult start.

So, it will be clear that by now we were having a splendid time and it didn’t take too long to accept Diane and Michael’s invitation for us to stay for Thanksgiving.  In Oriental this starts with a town bike ride meeting at the harbour…….

We pause at the boatyard on the creek opposite Tashi Delek………

…. and then after a gentle hour visiting all corners of the town we return to the harbour.  Great fun.  While on the ride we had met Don and Dee Wogaman who seemed to be legends within the OCC as several people had told us we must look them up.  They are the OCC Port Officers in Oriental and were generous in the extreme offering us use of their dock, their car and dinner.  The latter two we took them up on and were overwhelmed by their kindness.

But back to Thanksgiving morning.  Two other Magellan Net yachts were anchored in town that day so we arranged to meet up for coffee in the focal point of this small town – The Bean coffee shop.  Good coffee and superb cinnamon buns.  As always it was good to put faces to names, this time; Chris and Sue with their twin boys Wilf and Sid (aged 9) on Yindee Plus and Walter and Meryl on Flying Cloud.