A great morning to everyone!!  We had an interesting night.  We heard and felt barges going up and down this stretch of the ICW all night long.  I assume that barges don’t need to see if they have radar, are the biggest and longest object in the water.  Their wake rocked the boat with the water slapping the sides of the basin wall and the boat in a symphony.  Great.

Sunrise Jarrett Bay Boat Works

Although, this is really the picture that tells us where we are.  A 200Ton lift.  A yard hand started the motors on it promptly at 7am. Anyone still asleep?  Shortly afterwards a shrimp boat guided into it, was lifted out of the water and moved to a side place on the dirt yard.  We were busy getting ready to shove off so we glanced, were impressed and got back to our business at hand.  Seeing these large boats being moved around as if they are toys is always impressive.

200 Ton Boat Hauler / Mover

We left the Boat yard basin wall rather easily by backing up into the creek, turning the boat, and headed north with little wind and current.  A piece of cake compared to trying to dock Always Home in good wind and good current.  The Onan Generator started just like it was supposed to.  Job well done!!  It looks a bit overcast with a promise to be sunny later in the day.  No rain.

Leaving Jarrett Bay Boat Yard

Wayne is driving when he brings this house boat to my attention.  “Hey, Honey!!  It’s for Sale!!”   hahaha  That comment about the house boat is what got us interested in doing the Loop in the first place.

House Boat for Sale

The maps ( charts ) say we were in the ICW – Intracoastal Waterway – which connects the Newport River to Adams Creek or “Adams Creek Canal”.   Houses that caught my eye along this stretch of the waterway …

The green grass in front really sets this green house well.  Colorful chairs and accents.

Sea Horse House – the colors great.

I took a picture of some of the country side in this canal since it was actually closer.  This canal is not that wide.  We are headed for what I call “Big Water” so seeing foliage this close may not be possible up the road.

Great mix of shapes, heights, and colors

Tall Pine

Waterway is calm and serene looking backwards.  Sky is blue and partly cloudy.  Cool temperatures in the low 60’s.  A perfect day to be on the water!  The wind was cool enough that I had my windbreaker on and my ankle leggings on to keep my feet warm.  Of course, Wayne only had on his long sleeve shirt.  If it isn’t in the 40’s then he doesn’t need anything more for his arms.

Looking back where we have just been – 9:09am

On the other side of this ICW canal is Adams Creek.  Does this look like a creek?  I thought it would be a small bubbling brook.  I wouldn’t be able to boat in a brook, right?  Why isn’t this called a river?  Looks like a river.  Acts like a river.  But a Creek it is.

Entering Adams Creek

Adams Creek runs into Neuse River.  Now this is a RIVER!!  This river covers over 6,000 square miles with many tributaries emptying out into its basin.  It is brackish to fresh water as many ocean fish come into the Neuse River basin to spawn.  It is the longest river in NC.  We were warned to boat on the Neuse River carefully since high winds can create big waves and uncomfortable rides.  When we were crossing Neuse River, it looked more like a lake.  Makes sense when I found out that at the mouth of the river, it is over 6 miles wide.  Still, they call it a River.  ( Adams Creek is a creek, after all.)

Leaving Adams Creek into Neuse River

Reminds me of our Lake Okeechobee crossing with land in the distance.  Far away but still visible.

In the middle of Neuse River

As we turn a corner in the Neuse River that is a obstruction not charted on our plotter.   One one each side of the channel.  This square box is camouflaged.  Who are they kidding? I hope the ducks bomb the poop out of these folks when they are sitting and waiting for hours.

Duck Blind?

Just off the Neuse River and to the left ( port ) is the marina we are going to.  A thin canal connects the main body of water to a cove-like marina.  Very secure and peaceful.  Nice.  Isn’t this an impressive entrance?

Entering our Marina for the night

Sunset at River Dunes Marina, Oriental, NC