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The all-knowing internet confirmed that the crab and the jellyfish I saw on Cedar Creek have a symbiotic relationship. More precisely, they are demonstrating commensalism. This is where one organism receives a benefit and the other organism receives neither benefit nor harm. The crab gets a free ride at no cost to the jellyfish. Seems like a good deal.
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While tied up in Beaufort on this past trip, a man passing by on the boardwalk said "That is a handsome boat!" Handsome, yes, I like that.
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I ended the Spring trip a few days early. Weather apps showed there was a lot of moisture over the mid-Atlantic coast which means humidity, rain and thunderstorms. Coming back to the dock at Potters Marine was the right thing to do, there were a lot of storms the next five days. I don't mind sailling in rain, but thunderstorms can be dangerous.
Even though the cruise was a bit shorter than planned, I look back now and realize that I enjoyed five days of almost perfect sailing. Here they are...
Day One, North Creek to Juniper Bay
Rigging SPARTINA at Potters Marine I was protected from the wind and had no idea how much it was blowing out on the Pamlico River. Good solid south wind on the beam. 11:25 tucked in a reef and spent the rest of the day sailing east, first across the mouth of the Pungo River and then skirting the marshes and islands near Swan Quarter. A lot of sailing at 5+ kts and the gps touching 7 kts in a gust. Turned downwind into Juniper Bay and was greeted by a flock of ibis.
Day Three, Juniper Bay to Ocracoke
It was unusual north wind sail to Ocracoke. I believe I have almost always done it with a southwest wind. But this was fine. Making between 4.5 and 5.5 knots, a bit rolly in the cool wind and waves coming down the Sound. Just as the tree-line to the stern disappears the first towers on Ocracoke become visible off the bow. Made the crossing easily, had to work around a ferry into Big Foot Slough and then a couple tacks into Silver Lake. Ideal small boat sailing.
Day Nine, Beaufort to Cape Lookout Bight
A lovely sail from the Beaufort waterfront past Pivers and Radio Islands to Beaufort Inlet. An unusual west-northwest wind on the stern once out of the inlet, tacking downwind to the Bight. White sand and blue water, Cape Lookout Bight is a special place.
Day Eleven - Shackleford Banks to Beaufort
The shortest sail of the cruise and the lightest wind. And I loved every minute of it. Sailing at less than a knot, against the tide into the wind, and the sails with the orange morning tint. (I suspect I enjoy light wind sailing more than anyone I know.) Then through the shoals back into Beaufort, a favorite town.
A day with much better wind than I expected. A south wind, blue skies, sailing north from Oriental past Piney Point, the Bay River, Jones Bay, Middle Bay, Big and Little Porpoise Bays and then into Mouse Harbor. I've been sailing that stretch of water for almost 20 years, and each point, bay and river along the way brought back memories.
So it was an excellent cruise. Starting to pack now for Maine.
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