Math Lesson + Photo Loss

This sign was on the dock at Swan Point Marina. 

Today we avoided some excitement by correctly solving math problems and being lucky. First, we had to arrive on time for the opening of the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge, which opens only on the hour and half hour and is operated by the Marines from Camp LeJeune.  The bridge was 6 miles away.  We were traveling 6 mph, which would have gotten us there in one hour.  But Martha likes to be a little early.  So we sped up.  When there was 10 minutes to go, we needed to cover 0.8 miles.  How fast should we travel?  Ten minutes is 1/6 of an hour.  6 x 0.8 = 4.8, so we went 5 mph for the last ten minutes.  We were the only boat waiting in the current and light wind for the opening, and we made it through.  I was quizzing George and questioning his methods, and he said, "You have to trust your math!"  Words to live by.

Second, after the bridge we were in the ICW that borders Camp LeJeune.  They sometimes have live firing exercises and close the river.  We called the information line many times to ask about today's schedule.  However, the phone lines were acting up, and we never got through.  Luckily, as we passed  the camp, there were no red flashing lights on the DANGER sign.  (I had photos of the DANGER sign and of some abandoned vehicles, including a rocket launcher that I guess they use for target practice.)

Unluckily, my computer shut off after I downloaded lots of great photos from today's trip.  I lost the pictures.  So I have nothing other than the sign above to show.  You will use your imagination to picture North Carolina's quiet waters and towering dunes.

We passed through Bogue Sound for much of the trip.  The water was glassy.  There was little wind.
This state is different.  Yes, we still see the marshes, but the dunes are the most noticeable feature on the waterway. I am unfamiliar with this area of small towns near the Outer Banks.

We are now at Morehead City, staying at Spooners Creek Marina.  The sun is warming us.  We already made the mile walk to Walmart for groceries.  It's the grocery most found in small towns and in walking distance of marinas.  Tomorrow we will leave early and try to get a spot for Friday night at the Oriental, NC, free dock.