15 December - Day #13. It's ironic but the worse the weather prediction the more miles we travel. Because of the gale forecast for tonight we're up before dawn and underway. Our goal is to seek protection in either Bellhaven, NC or in the more distant Oriental, NC. The anchorage's fog mixes with the pre-dawn darkness to form an almost impenetrable veil. We weigh anchor relying on the chart plotter and radar to penetrate the veil. I'd heard that a laser really illuminates day marks and that some boats are using lasers in lieu of spotlights. This was the perfect chance to try out the one we'd just bought. As advertised, the day mark glowed brightly when struck. Aiming and hitting the day mark, however proved almost impossible. Nellie's sticking with her spotlight. Apparently mosquitoes have no problem navigating in the fog. Even worse, they were ravenous and ubiquitous. About 20 kills later, and without too much human blood loss, the cabin was cleared. The calm waters and winds meant that Nellie made very good time going south. We arrived off Bellhaven around noon however the siren call of calm winds and seas urged us on. This part of cruising is like musical chairs. You hate to stop when the weather conditions are good, but you'd rather be at the dock then left standing when the music stops. So on we went through the large waters of the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. The town of Oriental, NC has a full-time population of 850 and some 2400 sailboats--that's why it's called the sailing capital of North Carolina. The downtown harbor is quaint, tight and has a free dock that fits two boats. Needless to say the free dock is always full. That's why, when rounding the breakwater, we were shocked to see one of the slips open. A long walk around this beautiful town was followed by dinner aboard. At the free dock (yahoo) in Oriental, NC. 67nm today and 297nm total. DBH
