It’s Tuesday morning, the sun is out and it’s a beautiful (WARM) day here on the Pungo River. I have to say that Pungo sounds like some sort of a character from a Dr. Seuse book. I like it. “Watch out! Quick, find cover, there’s a Pungo on the loose!!!” I digress.
We are under power and on our way from Belhaven, where we spent last evening anchored off of the town, to Oriental NC, a run of about 40 miles. There is barely a ripple on the water and we are in the company of quite a few other boats, perhaps a dozen, who likely have the same plans for the day. There aren’t many towns of any size in this part of North Carolina and what land there is is only a few feet above sea level. When Brenda and I went for a walk yesterday, one of the locals pointed out a spot on a tree by the water where his father had marked the highest point that water had reached during Katrina, one of the many hurricanes that had hit this coast over the years. Believe me, the mark was plenty high, perhaps 5 feet above ground and the ground was perhaps an additional 5 feet above the normal water level.
In the NE we are used to having tides that run in the 8’ range while here there is virtually no tide. The only time that the water level changes is in response to wind. When the winds blow hard from the north, the water is pushed out of the bay. When it’s from the south it piles up. Otherwise, there isn’t any appreciable change in depth. The actual depth of the bay here is only around ten feet so a rise, or drop, of just two or three feet is a big deal and will flood many areas. And, believe me, when the weather folks say “beware of flooding in low lying areas”, this is the place that they are referring to.
The biggest hill in these parts is measured in tens of feet, or less and often a lot less. Well, this is a very pretty area with stately homes lining the water. This one, in particular, caught our eye. 
We saw another very nice home on the same street that was for sale. I looked it up and for a less than $500,000, you could have a lovely southern plantation home overlooking the water. Looking for something more modest? There are plenty of waterfront homes around that could be yours for about $200,000 and probably less. The only problem, what to do for a living. Detail…
Yesterday was a big day for me and Brenda as it was 41 years ago yesterday that we went on our first date. I’d like to say that that momentous occasion was a spectacular and unique bit of planning on my part but I’d be lying. While the date is certain, October 28, 1972, what we did together on that date isn’t quite so clear. We think that it was the day that we went for a walk in a local nature preserve in Weston CT called Devil’s Den. We do remember that it was a rainy day when we went for that walk and recall that it took me several hours go summon up the nerve to say something lame like “I like you. Do you like me?” I’d like to say that it was more than that, but what do you expect from someone who had only been 17 years old for a few months. How pathetic.
Well, I guess Brenda didn’t consider me totally pathetic as here we are, 41 years later, still hanging out together. Fingers crossed she won’t wise up. Time will tell.
In the interest of completely honest reporting, both Brenda and I were unaware that yesterday was October 28th, , although this is a day that we mark each year, and it wasn’t until we received a text from her sister Sheryl congratulating us on another milestone, that we were brought up to speed on what day it was. Yes, we knew that it was a Monday but the date itself, not a clue. Such is cruising where every day blends together, like the landscape.
I am sure that you are now on the edge of your seat wondering what we did to celebrate such an important event. We went out to dinner, although that might not be exactly the first thought that came into your head. However, I’ll just have to leave you guessing on that score.
Anyway, we went out for a nice dinner in what is likely the prettiest dining spot in Belhaven NC, the Spoon River Artworks and Market. An odd name, but fun, never the less. I guess an eclectic name for a place that is eclectic. Form, or at least name, following function. I highly recommend it, the food was terrific and decor even better. I have to say that to happen upon such an interesting restaurant in a “non metro” spot was a real treat. How about this shot of the dining room? 
Pretty unique. I have never seen paper lanterns in such profusion outside of China Town. Of particular interest was the wine room/store adjacent to the dining room where patrons could pick out a bottle of wine to have with dinner. They had a great selection and it was fun pursuing the shelves to pick one. Much more fun than looking at a list on a menu.
Earlier in the day we also visited an impressive hardware store, that sold hardware, as you’d imagine, along with an eclectic mix of other items, including wine (if you can believe it) and even a nice selection of purses, on sale. So, for 25% off and about twice the price of a quart of lamp oil, I know as that bit of esoteria as that’s what I purchased, Brenda got a very nice new purse. A fine fashion accessory crafted of the hide of a royal Nauga.
In case you are wondering where the hide of a Nauga comes from, we learned compliments of Google and Wickipedia, that Nauga originally came from Naugatuck CT, near where I grew up. Who knew? The farm must have been huge as there are plenty of Nauga Hides around. So, how big is a Nauga anyway?
Isn’t it just amazing what sort of information you can find if you have your “smart phone” handy. Who would have ever thought that a phone could be “smart”. Yet another wonder.
Oh yeah, there was a nice sunset too. 
Well, we had a great dinner…
Today, on to Oriental. More to come and it’s still a beautiful day.