A bit of a lazy day (Friday, 7/26) here in Oriental, N.C. We met our dock neighbors Mary and Chip who arrived today aboard “Cruzin Waves”, a Mainship 34. They said they are commonly known as “half-backs” because they are from the northeast, moved to Cape Coral Florida for a while then just moved to New Bern, N.C. which is about “half-way back” from where they originally came from. Really nice folks who are only here until tomorrow. Also met Caz and Bob, aboard Naked Truth, also lovely folks. We took Scout-about for an early evening cruise. Beautiful weather and scenery. Really enjoying this laid-back town.

Saturday (7/27) woke up to another beautiful morning here in Oriental. It appears they are getting ready for lots of fun things happening in our neck of the woods this weekend…

Mermaids – Sailors swore they saw them (it couldn’t have been all those lonely nights at sea, could it?) A live Mermaid made an appearance here in Oriental on Saturday morning. She placed her shiny tail on the original town dock right in front of the Oriental Marina & Inn. Michael did not want to be rude, so he introduced the mermaid to Snooki and The Duke.

The Dinghy Poker Run was also happening on Saturday – starting from the OMI Tiki Bar Deck. Seven docks participated in the event and the players (some dressed like Pirates) dinghied to the docks, retrieved a card from each and then returned to the Tiki Bar Deck to present the best five-card hand to determine winnings. The event included lunch and drinks plus silent and live auctions. Much fun was had by all and it was very well attended.

Saturday also welcomed the Parrot head Regatta. Boats sailed down the Neuse river from New Bern to Oriental. It is kind of a race, but it includes water cannons, pistols, and balloons. Inter-boat attacks are permitted and encouraged. About a half-dozen sailboats ended up at the Oriental Marina & Inn for the evening. Oriental Yacht Club’s Junior sailors were also competing for space in the small marina basin with various boats including big shrimp boats coming and going. A treasure trove of activity and interesting to watch.

About 7:30 Ken Belinga showed up, on stage, with guitar in hand and serenaded us for about three hours. We sat on the bow of the boat, propped up against our bean bag chairs, listening  to live music, watching adults/children/dogs running around,dancing and having a grand time. It was awesome watching and experiencing life in small-town America. Oriental’s population is about 900.

Woke up to another beautiful morning Sunday (7/28). 64 degrees, feels like San Diego! The sailboats from yesterday started departing around 9:00 and by noon we were one of three boats left in the marina. We did some boat chores and cleaning then had lunch on the deck at the marina. A pretty quiet day for us.

Today (Monday, 7/29) eased our lines off and headed out toward New Bern, NC. After a nice easy three-hour cruise, we docked at the New Bern Grand Marina and Yacht Club. Will keep you posted…

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A  [SB1]