Tuesday 10/17/2017 - Lay over in North River

My dearest friend, whose name I swore to keep a secret, suggested that I change my writing style (if I can call it that) to something that non sailors might more easily understand.  I promised I'd try so here goes!

Our hope was to cross the infamous Albemarle Sound today.  The forecast was for North 15 to 20 subsiding to 10 to 15 after 11am. Unfortunately, it has blown 20 to 25+ all day so here we sit.  As the wind strength would cycle, it would go from being quiet inside to having to listen to a howling noise and having the boat list to 10 degrees - just from wind pressure on the mast and rigging.  On the bright side, it was a nice sunny day with low humidity.  We took advantage of this to do some inside boat cleaning, engine checks, hanging wet clothes etc. out to dry etc.  We also had a nice lunch (salad with grilled chicken, cheese, etc.).  You might think showering outside in 20 knot winds and 60 degree temperatures might be uncomfortable but full sun and a dodger really helps.  Also, not having showered yesterday was a big encouragement.

Hopefully the conditions tomorrow will be what is forecasted - around 10 to 15.  Our plan is to make the 20 miles across the Albemarle and the 25 miles down the Alligator River.  The wind should be behind us and the temperatures a little warmer - with bright sunshine!  I think it will be spaghetti for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow morning we won't be sleeping in till 6:30 like we did this morning.