First Day and Heading North!

Annabelle at her home slip, ready to go.

Dean and I left Southport with a bang, yesterday morning.  At 9:00, as we were pulling out of our slip, next to the ramp, an outboard motor on a fishing boat exploded.  The engine cover was blown off, and there was fire in the engine, as well as in the water around the engine.  We backed over to the ramp and offered our fire extinguisher, which was not needed.  As quickly as the fire started, it burned itself out.  Our hearts were racing... and we headed to the fuel dock.

Bluenoser

At 9:30, we left the fuel dock with Jim and Wendy, on Bluenoser, waiting for us at the opening. We pulled out into the ICW, then headed into the Cape Fear River, where Mark and Jane met us, on Average Looper.  From there, we headed up a very choppy river, with the North winds blowing against us, to Snow's Cut, then up the ICW.  At Wrightsville, Dean stepped onto Bluenoser, and left me to handle my boat on my own.

Average Looper, followed by Bluenoser

Annabelle, as seen from Average Looper

 As we headed north to Hampstead, the weather improved.  The winds subsided, and we arrived at our marina for the night around 2:45.  Today, we will be heading further north towards Morehead City and Beaufort.  We are hoping to stay at an anchorage this side of Morehead City.  Then, we want to anchor out at Shackleford banks, to see the wild horses.

View from my boat this morning.

Average Looper at Sunrise, this morning - taken from my boat.  Ignore the center console in front of her.

Celebrations

Preparing for this trip has been quite the undertaking, and I am fortunate to have so many friends who support me in my endeavors.  Barb, from my Zumba class, threw me a Bon Voyage party at her beach house.  Shirley, another friend is having a Bon Voyage dinner tonight.  While in Arizona, people I work with threw parties for me as well.

I feel fortunate for all the people who have been in my life and have been so wonderful.


Thank you!

In addition to all my friends in Southport and Arizona, I have  had the opportunity to meet other Loopers, Sailors, and random strangers, supportive of this adventure.


There are a few last minute details, which need to be taken care of.  My boat, Annabelle, is finally starting to feel more like a home.  Everything is getting put away.  I am waiting for a part for my engine, and it should be here Monday.  Sometimes, things come down to the wire.  The schedule for leaving Tuesday may change, depending on the weather.  A couple days ago it was looking good, but today it is not.  We will see!  There are no schedules on the loop... weather can change things.

Ten days and counting down

I can't believe I am leaving in ten days!  This has been a busy week.  Last Monday was my last day of work in Nogales, AZ.  I finished up in Douglas on the 27th.  I love the people I work with!  Tuesday, I spent the day flying home.  Wednesday, I actually finished up the work from Monday. Thursday I only got one text from work.  Friday... no work.  We will see what Monday brings.  It might be me, but the concept of NOT working is surreal.

My future neighbors moved into my house, before I got back from Arizona.  I am so fortunate to have them living here. I must admit, it feels a little strange coming home to Beth and Glen.  Glen has already fixed some things in my house, including things I didn't even know needed fixing.  Beth has been taking my dog out for walks.  My friends, Mark and Jane, pointed out to me, while they were dog-sitting and house-sitting, that my dog only hides out in my office, while I am here.  All this time  I thought my dog liked to hide out in my office.  However, she was just trying to keep me company, while I hid out in my office!

I have been spending my days at the boat, or working on the boat.  The never-ending-list continues to grow, no matter how much I get done.  I have upgraded my chartplotter, radar, and numerous other things on my boat. My friend, Richard, sold my old equipment.  Mark from the Average Looper, installed my new electronics.  I would like to say he helped me, but really, I helped him.  I have made it easier to open the hatches, by installing sailing mast steps (because I am so short).  I have new blinds and am working on the front window coverings.  Tim (Tim's Towers) made me the best ever aluminum top to replace my bimini, and a crane for my dinghy outboard motor.  Now, he is making a hard, aluminum frame for the outboard to make it easier to maneuver with the crane. Smitty (Signs of Distinction), did some vinyl magic for my throwable flotation device.  It couldn't be prettier!  I passed my Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel inspection and have my sticker.  I am still working on adding ballast to the front, starboard side.  I have some ideas.  My 200 hour service will be done Monday by Zimmerman Marine, and my bottom cleaning and zincs will be done next week.  Justin, who does the bottom cleaning, will also be upgrading my bow and stern thruster propellers.

My goal is to move out of my house and onto my boat by next Tuesday.  I am sure there will be many more trips between my house and my boat.  Fortunately, it is only a mile or two.

OMG, did I say Tuesday?  THREE days????  YIKES!

One last thing... Dean is back.  His half-loop adventure, from New Orleans to Annapolis, didn't work out the way he had planned.  All is good with him and the owner of the sailboat.  I look forward to meeting her in Annapolis.