Eastham Anchorage to Beaufort NC

The sky was overcast with low clouds this morning when we raised the anchor and left the beautiful and peaceful setting, and headed south to the tip of  Goose Creek where it turns into a short - about 3.5 NM - canal dug by the Corp or Engineers.  The canal connects Goose Creek to Jones Bay off of Pamlico Sound. 

All of the guide books warn of the treacherous waters in both this bay and sound but today, with cool gentle westerly winds both Jones Bay and the western edge of Pamlico Sound was a flat lake.  We enjoyed the calm waters through the Neuse River and into Adams Creek where the ICW returns to protected waters.  A favorable current allowed us to experience 8.5 Knot ground speed through the Adams Creek canal and into the Newport River.

I had heard earlier in November from Brian Reed that they saw dolphins in Beaufort NC, and sure enough, as we waited near Town Creek for the Beaufort highway bridge to open at 1230 about four small dolphins surfaced several times as they were feeding near a marshy area near the bridge.  They disappeared right as the bridge tender sounded the warning horn that the bridge was opening. 

Rosa and I traveled throughout eastern North Carolina several years ago looking at property, but somehow we never were fortunate to visit down town Beaufort NC.  It is a pleasant surprise.  The beautiful old homes, most dating to before the Civil War, have been restored and combined with quaint shops to make the Beaufort waterfront a real nice stopover for a relaxed afternoon.  After a long walk through the town Rosa convinced me to pose of this picture.

Next - November 20, 2007 - To Swan Point Marina - Jacksonville NC