Day 2-144 Morehead City to Oriental

Another great day on the water as we went 26.4 miles from Morehead City northward to Oriental, NC.

Most of the trip was in the Intra Coastal Waterway as we cut across a peninsula (?) between Morehead City and the Neuse River. Actually we went up a river that flows into Morehead City. Then we went through a man made cut and into another river that flows north into the Neuse River.

The first picture is a (not very close up) view of an osprey nest on one of the channel markers in the waterway. Going up (north) the east coast, the markers on the west side are red triangles with even numbers. The nest is between two signs and sits on top of the marker. In a natural setting they also like isolated, dead trees near or in water. They are excellent fisherman and catch fish by flying low and snagging them or by actually diving down into the water. We will try to get some better pictures, but I prefer not to get too close when they are sitting on the nest...

The second picture should be titled something like newest, best maintained, UGLY house.

We see lots of older, poorly maintained homes that are also ugly. However, someone spent a lot of money and effort making  this mess (color, "art" on the exterior, etc.)... The admiral says it isn't ugly but instead is distinctive.

Well, that's my opinion, and I am sticking to it.






Near the end of today's short trip we crossed the Neuse River, which is about three miles wide at this point. The small town of Oriental is on the far (north) side of the river just out of view to the right.

About halfway across we spotted a flock of several hundred cormorants. As we approached, they took off more or less all at the same time. The picture (above) only shows about half of the flock.

We are planning to spend two nights in Oriental. If I am lucky (?), the weather will be good enough to water sand and varnish the hand rails on the flybridge and main deck. The Admiral has kindly volunteered to go to the local farmer's market while I am busy. I guess this is part of why she keeps telling me what a lucky man I am to be married to her...