Monday, May 07, 2007
Still Windy in Belhaven, NC
Monday, May 07. The nor’easter arrived around noon yesterday and will be with us at least through Tuesday. Even though sustained winds aren’t as high as predicted, they have averaged in the mid-20 mph range, with gusts much, much higher. The boat is covered with a fine layer of gray grit, and the white cushions are almost black. When we smile, the grit gets into our teeth. The same conditions are expected tomorrow, so that will definitely keep us tied up right here for another day at least. We’ve certainly had time to take it easy, and we are actually pretty comfortable, though a bit stir crazy.
Two highlights of our Belhaven sojourn so far have been the yacht club dinner with Claiborne Young last night and our trip to the spooky Belhaven museum today. At the dinner we met several couples who have done the Great Loop; one of them, three times! They were eager to share tips and stories. Always fun to listen to their experiences and hear about favorite places. Claiborne’s presentation took us through some of the waters we will be crossing soon, including Albemarle Sound, which can be a bear if the weather isn’t right.
Today’s major events have included a trip to the hardware store and a visit to the Belhaven Memorial Museum. It appears that “Miss Eva” Blount (1869-1962) was an avid collector of all manner of strange stuff -- errrrrr, make that a collection of artifacts and antiquities! These items include a preserved eight-footed pig, fleas dressed in wedding attire, a full skeleton, as well as an assortment of dusty period clothing, toys, dolls, and artifacts from the Civil War. Wait there’s more. . . . petrified walrus tusks, a collection of 30,000 buttons, and a wreath made of human hair. Wouldn‘t you know, not a single picture turned out. (Didn’t know how to work my new camera – don’t ask.) Maybe I can convince the Cowhigs and Bob to go back tomorrow so I can share some of these sights! (Don’t hold your breath.)
Two highlights of our Belhaven sojourn so far have been the yacht club dinner with Claiborne Young last night and our trip to the spooky Belhaven museum today. At the dinner we met several couples who have done the Great Loop; one of them, three times! They were eager to share tips and stories. Always fun to listen to their experiences and hear about favorite places. Claiborne’s presentation took us through some of the waters we will be crossing soon, including Albemarle Sound, which can be a bear if the weather isn’t right.
Today’s major events have included a trip to the hardware store and a visit to the Belhaven Memorial Museum. It appears that “Miss Eva” Blount (1869-1962) was an avid collector of all manner of strange stuff -- errrrrr, make that a collection of artifacts and antiquities! These items include a preserved eight-footed pig, fleas dressed in wedding attire, a full skeleton, as well as an assortment of dusty period clothing, toys, dolls, and artifacts from the Civil War. Wait there’s more. . . . petrified walrus tusks, a collection of 30,000 buttons, and a wreath made of human hair. Wouldn‘t you know, not a single picture turned out. (Didn’t know how to work my new camera – don’t ask.) Maybe I can convince the Cowhigs and Bob to go back tomorrow so I can share some of these sights! (Don’t hold your breath.)
