Monday, May 14, 2007









Day Four
After a very good night’s rest we awoke to the birds calling around 0600. After a short walk and a visit to the marina next door, we enjoyed a breakfast of cereal, strawberries and bananas; checked satellite weather on my laptop and were underway by 0715. Rain was projected for later in the day, but it was sunny and calm as we cruised back down Bath Creek. We had hoped to raise our sails when we hit the Pamlico River, but no luck. The one sailboat that had slipped out before us was sitting becalmed, so we motored on. It was a very short trip from Bath to Washington and we were approaching Washington by 0900. We had one brief shower along the way but it was variably cloudy for most of the voyage.







The chart shows a swing bridge before town but does not discuss an opening schedule so I was a bit concerned. However as we approached the bridge I could see that it was a railroad bridge which was in the open position.








I called the town Dockmaster as I passed the bridge to confirm that my reserved slip was open since we were arriving so early. He told me no problem and was waiting to help us tie up. The town docks are first class ($1.00/ft) and much nicer than most marinas which will cost you much more. They have power, water, ice and showers and are in excellent condition. As they are right downtown you have great access to wander around. Those visiting might even consider a couple of days for exploring the area.


Since we got here so early Buck and I took a walk, and then consumed several of Bill’s Famous Hot Dogs. After which we spent the next several hours scrubbing the hull of the boat which had not been scrubbed since last fall. I also called and made reservations at the Curiosity Shoppe, a highly recommended restaurant, as our wives, Sandy and Allen Miles are driving down to join us for dinner.

The weather cleared off and was warm and sunny most of the afternoon. Our guests arrived at 1615 and we had a drink then strolled around town. At 1700 we went to the Curiosity Shoppe for an early dinner. Our meal was every bit as good as Chez 2 TAC E. I started with a mixed greens and pancetta salad with a balsamic reduction, followed by an apple stuffed duck breast with blackberry couscous and lemon scented roast asparagus. I finished with a bittersweet chocolate soufflé with berry compote and a couple of cups of coffee. (I surely wish this restaurant was
in Hertford.)

About the time we got our entrees, the skies opened up in a torrential downpour. We could barely see the next building through the restaurant's windows. Luckily, by the time we finished desert, the rain had blown threw as well. We were able to bid our wives and friends good bye and walk back to the boat. The wine and spirits imbibed with dinner encouraged us to quickly seek the soothing arms of Orpheus (in other words- we crashed as soon as we got back to the boat).

No comments: