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.