Time flies when you're having fun - or rough seas - NC part 2

On April 19, we departed Jarrett Bay, the weather was cloudy and by the time we got to the Neuse River the waves were 3 ' so it was choppy ride into Oriental.  We docked at the Oriental Marina and Inn.  What a delightful place and the staff was very helpful!  Marina has a Tiki Bar - one of our favorites and pool - though it wasn';t quite warm enough to go for a swim.  Met up with Darrin and Susan from Kennewick Washington, who are doing the loop for the 2nd time!  They're a great couple and gave us lots of tips! Also enjoyed the cute coffee shop across the street!  They had the best French toast muffin.  The weekend we were there, the NCAA sailing championships were being held.

On the 20th we had a smooth ride up the Neuse River to New Bern.  Docked at the Galley Stores Marina.  Walked all over town and found Crema Brew, a coffee shop owned by 2 former Oregonians.  Visited the Tryon Palace and gardens - lovely.  The Palace was the 1st permanent colonial and state capitol in the US and was built in 1770.  New Bern is also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola - originally called "Brad's Drink, named after the creator, Caleb Bradham. He had a pharmacy and marketed it as Pepsi-Cola in 1898.  We made a great little find after walking the River Walk - "The Old Pinnix."  The building was a drugstore from 1903-1993 and the in 2003 it reopened as a delightful bar and eatery - a "meeting place."

On the 22nd we departed New Bern and anchored in Eastham Creek, just off Campbell Creek.  The ride was the choppiest yet thanks to the Pamlico Sound.  UGH.  The next day, it was sunny and nice - the water choppy again in the Pamlico Sound, but nice by the time we arrived in Washington. We moored at the Port Docks and met a nice couple from Florida.  Walked the town and would have gone to a great museum there about estuaries, but it was closed.  Looks like they are trying to revitalize the downtown area.  Washington is main boat building town, and we were entertained by the test drives of Fountain boats!  Also, we had to wait 1 1/2 for a Norfolk Southern Bridge to open before we could leave!

Story continues another day.............

Sunset in Washington NC

                                                                                Pinnix - New Bern NC



                                                                Pepsi- Cola New Bern NC
Gardens at Tryon Place - New Bern

Tryon Palace - New Bern
                                     
                                                            Oriental Marina and Inn



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