Sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you! This is Kathy with an entry for our blog. I figured I should write this since I was piloting the boat when the bear got me.
We were traversing the Bogue sound, having left Swansboro, NC on our way to Beaufort, NC. It is an area that is somewhat open to the ocean which means that storms can have significant effect on the shifting of sands under the water — shoaling. It started out to be an easy day of a three hour cruise. If that sounds like Gilligan, that’s exactly correct. I was driving, between the markers on the channel and following our onboard navigation, when I saw the depth finder showing a decrease of water under the boat. Tried steering out of it to find more water, but no luck. We hit the sandy bottom. We tried to back out, but no luck. On a decreasing tide, we knew it would be hours before there would be enough water to float out, and the winds were picking up speed, pushing us in the WRONG direction. There is a saying that there are boaters to have run aground, those who will run aground, and those who lie about it. I’ll own up to it — we knew it was going to happen eventually. We had no choice but to call Boat US which is a tow service. We had purchased the towing insurance, so might as well use it. We had a quick response. A boat showed up within 15 minutes. It then took about 40 minutes to get us free. On our way again.
On our way, but not too far. We couldn’t believe it, but it happened again. About this time we wondered if we had any business being on this journey. No choice but to call for towing again. Same fella showed up, obviously thinking we had no idea of what we were doing. Got us out much quicker this time — on our way again.
When stories are told, excessive tragedy always makes for a better story plot. On that fateful day, I ran aground not one, not two, but three times. When a new Boat US fella came, he found us 25 feet inside the left side channel marker. There SHOULD be water there. This time we were afraid of damage under the boat, so we requested a tow to a maintenance facility. He took us all the way to Beaufort to Town Creek Marina. We got there and the Service Manager took the boat out for a short ride and determined that the starboard prop had probably been damaged. It was late Friday afternoon, a diver could come on Monday to check it. Might as well settle in.
Boat US towing us to Beaufort, NC
We had vacationed in Beaufort a few years ago and knew it was a charming place to be. The marina had a courtesy car which we used almost daily. To finish the story of our props, the diver came and removed both and took them to a prop shop. It was Friday before they were returned, and considering that was Holy Week and Easter, we decided to just stay until Monday. The winds were horrendous, so we didn’t want to travel anyway.
BUT, there are silver linings to this story of woe. At church on the first Saturday there, we saw a couple we had known in Augusta many years ago—Joann and Bill Hoffman. We spent several evenings together over the week and had a delightful time getting caught up and trying to figure out how we knew each other! Another bonus was the church there. The priest was a classmate of one of the priests at our parish in Augusta. He had a gift for speaking and we attended several of the services there for Holy Week. Our souls were nourished and we felt very blessed. Additionally, as the week went on and not so good weather was predicted, several other Looper boats came into the area and we met some wonderful people. So nothing is all bad — life would go on, as would our journey.
Our fixed and shiny props – all ready to be reinstalled on the boat.
While in Beaufort, we got the chance to speak with several Loopers about electronic navigation apps. When we left on Monday, April 22, we thought we were all set and that the new apps would keep on the straight and narrow route. No, THAT didn’t happen, but that’s a story for another day. We’re still smiling, and realizing that we’ve had a heck of a learning curve this first month on the loop!
A small garden between homes in downtown Beaufort.
The Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Part of the Maritime Museum where wooden boats are constructed using old techniques. Some of the craftsmen have been building wooden boats for years and pass these skills on through workshops.
Stained glass doors on a garage, I think an artist lives here.
Oh the memories & adventures. The stories you will tell. Be safe!
Sharon & Rich
I have finally seen our new boat. Baby steps. No sailing yet. Life keeps getting in the way!
So good to hear from you and know you are ok. We really enjoy reading your posts. So many adventures await! Looking forward to reading the next chapter.
Experience is an excellent teacher. Thank goodness you guys prepared so very well that there was no panic. Hoping for deeper water in the days ahead. Enjoying your adventure
Gordon & Carole
Sounds like the maritime version of AAA. Glad you had it!
One of the wonderful benefits of retirement…you don’t have to be on a schedule, and you can take time to smell the roses.
Stay safe, and keep enjoying!
Be safe. Even with all the struggles this is the most exciting blogs and the trip sounds so exciting. I love all the pictures. Sometimes things happens and God open doors to something new. I see a number one best selling book afterwards. Can’t wait to read and see more.
You have the gift of storytelling anyway. Haven’t seen the Hoffmans in years. We knew them when we were at Most Holy Trinity.
Tomorrow is the WBS luncheon. We will have you in our hearts- you are missed!
Be safe. xo mg
Have missed the ladies at Bible Study. Hope it was a fun luncheon today. Keep us in your prayers. I’ve held my breath more than once while we are traveling and now we are in the big water of the Chesapeake. I think I have an inkling of what Christopher Columbus must have felt as he crossed the ocean! Take care.