12 Days in Bridgeton

During the first three weeks after moving onto the boat, we had a canvas enclosure made for the boat. It was important to have an enclosure because the cockpit is a major living space for us. We often sit up there for meals, visiting, and even sleeping. 

Unfortunately, the job was done very poorly and rework was needed.

We moved the boat 4-5 miles up the Neuse River to Bridgeton Harbor Marina to be closer to the new canvas shop that would fix our enclosure.

Bridgeton, NC is a small little town just across the river from New Bern. It is about 2 to 3 miles from one end of the town to the other.  We have enjoyed walking each morning and often in the evenings as well.  There are many older homes that are fun to look at and try to imagine how nice they were in their hay day.

The marina has floating docks that are nice and wide. There is a good mix of sailboats, motor yachts and trawlers of all sizes and condition.  The people have all been very friendly.  The clubhouse has two sets of washers and dryers, which has been nice.

While waiting our turn to get the work done, we did school, ran errands, Brian fixed some things, and sent Caleb up the mast to do some rigging work/inspection. He fitted him into the boatswain's chair, and Luke used the wench to raise him up with a spinnaker halyard to the second spreaders. This boy is not scared of heights, and that is a good thing!

At first we had a big list of all the work that needed to be redone, but as time went on, it dwindled to just the most major issues.

The first week the new canvas guy was busy working several jobs ahead of us. On Tuesday, he and his very capable assistant, came and looked at what needed to be fixed. They marked the panel and took it with them along with a back panel that just needed roll up ties installed.  They brought it back the next day and reinstalled it.  Marked the other side, took it and brought it back this morning.

Here is the finished work.

Today we are doing last minute prep work. Filling the water tank, getting the propane topped off, last load of laundry...

Tomorrow morning we will sail the boat back to Blackbeard Sailing Club, have one last planning session with our Buddy Boat friends over dinner and then leave Sunday morning to start this Cruising lifestyle!