Ocracoke, NC - Outer Banks

After a relatively short jog due east from New Bern (60 miles or so), we spent the next two nights anchored in Silver Lake on the south side of Ocracoke Island not far from the ferry docks.  The ferries bring cars and visitors to the island several times a day, and it seems they are the primary way to get extra trash off the island (we saw lots of piles of debris waiting to be removed, presumably from storm damage).  Lots of fisherman on the island, and many of the businesses (stores and restaurants) are either already closed for the season or getting ready to close until spring.

Mark convinced me to ride our bikes to see the Pony Pen, where the once wild ponies are now housed, stating “it’s only about 5 miles”.  It was indeed only that far, but neither of us realized we would be riding into a 15 mph headwind the entire five miles back.  And whenever I/we stopped to rest, the mosquitoes quickly found us.  It was mutually agreed that upgrades to our bike seats will be a priority in the near future! (ouch!)  Here are some pics from that journey:

After two whole weeks on the high seas, Still so far so good between me and Mark, knock on wood - no major (or even minor) disagreements to speak of.  To his enjoyment, Mark has had a few minor maintenance/repair issues to sleuth, such as determining why the electric motor battery was not charging properly (needs new charger cable) and trying to figure out why the handheld radio was getting significantly better reception that the boat radio.  Turns out the problem seems to be related to using the same antenna for both the AIS and VHF systems (even though you are supposed to be able to do this).  The solution apparently is to buy another 8-foot antenna, which has already been ordered and is hopefully being delivered to Myrtle Beach ahead of us.

We left Ocracoke today and will resume our generally southward trek.  Hoping to make it to Beaufort, NC tonight where we will likely anchor.  The weather forecast will determine when and where we go from there.  Take care, y’all - we’ll talk again soon!