Oriental

Depending upon the tide and wind, getting out of Ocracoke can be a challenge.  The channel is extremely narrow and unforgiving.  We were a short distance behind another sailboat as we departed Ocracoke and heading out the channel.  After a half mile or so, the boat in front of us ran aground.  After bumping and lurching for what seemed like a very long time, they finally cleared the shoal and resumed speed.  Good for them and for us as we did not have to attempt to avoid them.  As noon approached, the wind settled in at fifteen knots and allowed us to sail the entire way to Oriental.  It was a beautiful day and it was such a nice sail, we didn't want it to end.

The Oriental Inn and Marina is a delightful spot with a shady, park-like area right next to the docks.  We were happy to run into friends we met earlier in the trip and decided that we would look around town, take care of some errands, and meet back under the trees for happy hour at five-ish o'clock.  We took our folding bikes off the boat and had lunch at a deli in town, got some groceries and loaded them into our panniers.

Very Important Planning Meeting

We have discovered that traveling by boat affords a very different experience in not only the mode of transport, but in the stopping points as well.  Oriental is a good example. It's a very pretty little town w that would be easy to miss traveling by car.  And when you are getting around town by walking or by bicycle, you see lots of things that you would otherwise miss: nice little parks, interesting homes, pretty gardens, fun shops, etc.  And you interact a lot with local folks as you inquire about groceries, ice, internet, West Marine, etc.  We are fortunate to be able to experience this more unconventional way to explore new and different aspects of American life.