SNEADS FERRY, NC TO BEAUFORT, NC

Tuesday, May 5th, 2015

Day 274
Miles Traveled on Monday: 46
Total Miles Traveled: 3588



  We awoke early to cast off lines at 6:30 am in order to make the 7:00 am opening of the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge.  We were rewarded for the early awakening with a beautiful sunrise. 

sunrise at Sneads Ferry, NC

  The winds were very calm for most of the day.  As a result we had sections of very flat water to cruise along.  We journeyed across Howard Bay, Queens Creek, Bogue Sound, and Taylor Creek.    

very calm waters

  We weaved through a section of the waterway that cuts through the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune.  When they are engaging in live firing drills, this section of the ICW is closed.  Luckly, we did not get fired on during our travels today. 

Warning sign for live fire in progress - no flashing yellow lights

  As we neared our final destination of Beaufort, NC the boat traffic began to increase.  We encountered boats of all sizes - from small fishing boats to huge warships.

fishing boats in Morehead City Channel approaching Beaufort, NC

Navy warship docked near Beaufort, NC

  We arrived at Beaufort, NC around lunchtime and dined aboard "Seahorse".  After lunch, we put on our walking shoes and explored the town.  Like many of these coastal towns, there are plenty of historic homes near the waterfront to admire.  Right along the waterfront are many shops and restaurants.  The marina, Beaufort Docks, is right downtown.  

view of downtown Beaufort, NC from our dock at Beaufort Docks

  Beaufort, NC was incorporated in 1722 as Fish Towne and inhabited by the French Huguenots and then the British.  During the the 1700's, it was a popular stop for pirates seeking rest and relaxation.  Most popular was "Blackbeard".  Why did the pirates like North Carolina?  The sounds and inlets were shallow (no shipping channels at that time) and prevented access for larger naval vessels.  This allowed them to eluded their pursuers.  In addition, the goods available were raw materials (which the pirates needed) and there was a demand for "black market" goods (which the pirates had).  The North Carolina Maritime Museum of Beaufort has a nice exhibit about "Blackbeard" and the pirate history.

North Carolina Maritime Museum at Beaufort, NC

"Blackbeard" exhibit

model of "Blackbeard"'s ship - Queen Anne's Revenge

  After exploring the town we returned to the marina so Angie could work on the blog and Dan could work on trip planning.  In the evening we had "docktails" at the Dock House Restaurant which is on site at the marina.  Foster & Susan on "Quo Vadimus" treated Dan & I to drinks (beer and water) purchased with special wooden chips (given out by the marina).  Charlie & Kay aboard "Plane 2 Sea" and Joel & Sarah aboard "Snow Goose" were also part of the festivities.  It was an enjoyable pre-dinner party.  We returned to "Seahorse" and ate some left over Irish pub food.  

"docktail party"
Charlie, Foster, Susan, Angie, Dan, Joel, Sarah - Kay is photographer
Thanks Kay for snapping this shot