Oriental to Ocracoke, NC

 We woke to a nice rainstorm, so we decided to sit tight and wait before leaving for Ocracoke.  The skies were overcast and the wind was calm leaving our dock.

 

We pulled in to River Dunes for a quick holding tank pump out.

 

Then on our way out Broad Creek - local fishermen dragging a shrimp net.

 

And out of the creek into Pamlico Sound.  Not a lot of wind so the trip started just on one engine as we were in no rush.

 Along the way there were alot of shrimp boat out!  Must be shrimp season!

 

And there are always passing ferry boats heading to/from Ocracoke.

 

The winds did fill in partway thru the trip and we were able to shut off the engine and use sail power alone.  At times going 6 knots but the wind eventually died down/changed angle.  When the boat speed dropped below 3 knots, we fired up one of the engines again.  

The familiar view approaching Silver Lake.

 

The National Park Service docks are crowded - we scored one of the only open spots.  We're off in the background to the left.

 

The passenger-only ferry is running again.  (And taking up precious dock space!!!)

 

We had help with the lines as we pulled into the dock - and had a nice visit with Mark/Kate from Kismet and Dale/Debbie from Dragonfly.  Other club members plus hopefully Ed/Cathy will arrive tomorrow.