20 December - Day #18. Finally, the wind is down and the sun is out. A major portion of today's trip is through Bogue Sound. Since there's an ocean inlet at its eastern terminus the currents can be strong. Rather than buck the tide the sailing directions recommed entering Bogue Sound towards the end of the flood. Thats around 10:00am today and, sure enough, we get a one knot boost for almost the whole trip. The weather patten that's dumping so much snow up north is making it unseasonally cold here--30's at night and 40's during the day. While the sun is out, and that's a major improvement compared to the last few days, the wind isn't done with us and we see several 30kt puffs. Vicki says she really likes cruises that last no longer than her morning shower. Looking to please I call it a day at 1:30pm. Since it's so cold, and Dudley's Marina is bargin priced at $27.50, we pull into the dock. Turns out there's a courtesy car here too. We make a grocery and hardware run and for good measure tour a little of historic Swansboro, NC. Don and Ann Surratt, who own the 37' LNVT Puffin (#26), join us aboard for dinner. At Dudley Marina's Dock, Swansboro, NC. 25nm today and 350nm total. DBH
