Maneuvering into the fuel dock so as to take on fuel was another challenging docking experience. We were assigned a spot between two boats already tied up, combined with a strong NE wind of 15-20 mph and a narrow channel that required a 180 degree turn just prior to maneuvering into the spot. Luckily, all went as planned and we tied up, refueled, and settled in for the night.
The original plan was to spend one night in Morehead City and then move on to our next stop. Looking and listening to the marine forecast for the next day, with heavy rains and winds above 20 mph forecast, we knew we would be staying for at least one extra day.
When we started this journey, Sara and I mutually agreed that forecast winds of 20 mph or greater was cause for us to remain at the dock. If we were caught out in winds greater than 20, we could deal with it, but it made no sense to either of us to willingly go into those conditions, when we did not have to. As it worked out, we remained in Morehead City for the next three days because the same weather system continued to create heavy rains and strong north, northeast winds of 25mph gusting 40 mph.
Being tied to the fuel dock with our port side (that's the left side for you land lubbers) exposed to the strong winds we spent the next three days and nights rocking and rolling to the wind driven waves. Checking and rechecking our lines and placement of the fenders to keep us from crashing into the fuel dock became a several times a day ritual. Fortunately, all our lines held and our fenders stayed in their proper places. Speaking with the Dock Master on the third day, some boats broke loose from their lines and beat themselves against the dock causing major damage before they could be resecured.
The highlight of Easter Sunday was being able to walk, in the gale force winds and rain, to Floyd's 1921 Restaurant that was less than a block from our marina for their Easter Sunday Buffet. Once back on the boat we settled in for a long night of rocking and rolling and listening to the waves slap against the hull.
With the weather finally appearing to be breaking, we plan on departing Morehead City tomorrow morning the 22nd of April.
Jack made a video of the fenders blowing in the gale wind. It has taken me a while to reteach myself how to upload videos from the IPHONE to Blogger.
Rainy Easter Sunday.
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