We had a really early start this morning leaving our very quiet anchorage at daybreak. We headed on down the ICW, through another narrow canal of sorts where we came across our first commercial traffic – a tug pushing a barge in the opposite direction.
We then headed out into the Neuse River and on to Oriental where we pulled into the Oriental Marina and Inn.
Tom, the dockmaster was great and we fuelled up and then moved into another jetty. Lance is really pleased with the fuel consumption and I’ll have to learn to stop worrying that the tanks must be nearing empty!!
The laundry worked overtime for us this afternoon and Lance also order a part for the generator – should be here by lunchtime tomorrow.
We then took a leisurely stroll up to the supermarket, armed with our back packs for the long trip home.
However, it turns out the grocery store is happy to shuttle you home and while we were having that organised, another customer Jean said she would run us back to the boat.
She was fantastic – she gave us a quick tour of the town during which she introduced us to two other very friendly locals and then dropped us off at the boat with all our groceries. We invited her onboard but she first had to go home and attend to her dogs before coming back laden with beautiful roses from her garden and some apple jam. She offered to do whatever she could to help us during our stopover here in Oriental including driving to a nearby town to pick up some parts for us. What wonderful hospitality. 
Thank you Jean.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner out tonight at M and Ms in Oriental – excellent food and service.
Tomorrow the first of our visitors arrive. We’re looking forward to it.
Lance,
Following your trip on your web site. Sounds like you are having a great time and everything is going well. Contact me if you plan on stopping in St. Augustine. As I said, the Bahamas Chart Book is yours if you want it.
Have Fun
Tom