Scott Levy Part 5

Well got some needed rest last night.  The boat was not rocking and we took hot showers.  We had a nice breakfast, filled up with diesel, washed off the salt on the boat, and talked with other boaters that Paul and Monica knew from other port of calls.  We had a nice lunch and a better dinner.  Now it was time to plot our course to go around Cape Hatteras.  We did have a little excitement sitting on the dock at Southvillage Harbor.  Looking into the intercostal waterway Paul spots a floating tree branch, well much to our surprise it was a 6 ft alligator.  The dock master at the marina did say do not go in the water and he also mentioned that last week there was a 7 ft shark in the water.  Paul was throwing sausage links at the alligator to try to get it closer for a picture but it had a mind of its own.  Then later in the day we spotted dauphins in the same spot, pretty neat eco system in the Carolinas.

Well back out first thing in the morning into the Cape Fear river then the bay, and now the great North Atlantic Ocean.  Seas are up 4 to 6 ft waves, winds blowing 10 to 15 knots and its a little bumpy.  Winds are coming out of the north again. Right on our nose, slowing things down.  You can not sail directly into the wind so we are tracking (zig-zagging) back and forth to maintain our heading.  There are clear skies, beautiful day and out of the blue, dauphins jumping out of the water 5 ft high into the air following the boat.  It is hard to get a picture of them.  The do not follow anyones commands like in sea world.  Out here they answer to no one, it is a beautiful act of nature to watch.  Some time later the flying fish started.  They were running in schools of 8 to 10 at a time.  They are 6 to 7 inches long.  They jump out of the wave, they fly 4 to 20 ft, and about 12 to 18 inches above the water.

Winds were supposed to die down, but no, set in for a bumpy night ride.  I am getting used to the up and down motion its the side to side i do not like.  It is night time and up on deck is spectacular.  Stars are everywhere.  You spend your time gazing into the night.  Watching and listening to the waves crashing on the boat.  You end up talking to yourself, talking to the stars, talking to your god, trying to make all things right in your life.  Feeling grateful of your existence, knowing you have the power to make all things better.  Good time to get some sleep, looking forward to tomorrow.