ORIENTAL, NC - TROPICAL STORM ANA AND RIVER DUNES

Saturday, May 9th to Tuesday, May 12th, 2015

Day 278-281
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 3623


  Saturday brought further changes to the weather.  Subtropical Storm Ana had progressed to a tropical storm.  This was the second earliest tropical storm affecting the U.S. in history.  Predictions were for landfall south of our location by late the next evening.  We had another beautiful day at River Dunes and walked around the development admiring the homes.  The wind began to increase as the day progressed.  We were glad to be in a very protected marina if Ana continued to intensify and landfall occurred further north.  That evening we ate at the River Dunes restaurant.  Not only was the meal delicious, it almost looked too good to eat.  We treated ourselves to dessert, a scrumptious chocolate cake - five layers with fudge icing.  (We did bring home leftovers.)

Porterhouse Pork Chop with mashed sweet potatoes and maple pecan sauce

Crab Cakes over Rice Pilaf

  Sunday, the wind continued to increase and we experienced a few showers in the morning.  Tropical Storm Ana was still offshore and moving very slowly northwest.  We were getting more cloud cover and wind, but nothing severe.  We enjoyed relaxing on the boat. 


  We awoke Monday to wind and rain.  However, the weatherman brought better news.  Tropical Storm Ana had decreased in intensity.  Landfall had occurred really early that morning and as she progressed over land she lost much of her power.  The tropical storm warnings were all canceled.  We have experienced stronger winds and rain back home in Ohio.  It was another day of relaxing on the boat and doing some trip planning.  


  Tuesday we had been at River Dunes Marina almost a week.  So, it was time for laundry and some grocery shopping in preparation for leaving.  The winds had improved, and, the Neuse River was becoming "friendly".  After the jobs were done, we lounged by the pool, took a refreshing "dip", and relaxed in the spa.  We enjoyed our stay at River Dunes, and, really enjoyed the security of being in a very protected marina while waiting out Tropical Storm Ana.  For more information about River Dunes Marina at Grace Harbor go to: http://www.riverdunes.com/harbor.php#.VVIfg_m4SM8