Verkennen

The night air was warm and the crescent moon rose amongst the clouds over New Bern as downtown was transformed into the 'Roaring 20s'. Glowing candles led the way through the cemetery where we encountered the 'ghosts' of grave diggers, the 1922 New Bern High championship football team, flappers and bootleggers. A brass quartet played on one porch and monks sang from the church catacombs as we made our way throughout town visiting museums and historic homes. Babe Ruth told hunting stories from his visits here in the 20s, firefighters informed us of the facts surrounding the tragic fire of 1922 and Buster Keaton entertained us on the silent screen.


Firefighter from Button Company

Members of the historical society led informative tours through several historic homes where we were greeted by 'ghosts' who regaled us with their tales of life in New Bern during the 20s. Flappers danced the Charleston for us, gangsters roamed the streets and antique cars graced the street curbs.


1927 Stutz

We needed all three nights to experience everything and I would be hard pressed to find a more entertaining way to be introduced to a new town and to learn its history.


Pharmacy 'ghost' with his tales of the railroad

Tryon Palace Garden

New Bern's Mumfest was a first for us and it was a fun introduction to the town. The local historical attraction, Tryon Palace, opened its acres of gardens to the public which served as the connection between mums and the festival. The usual carnival attractions and craft venders were represented as well as way too many junk food stands. Entertainment varied from flying trampolinists to mellow mountain dulcimer players. We especially enjoyed the "Kazoobie Kazoo" Show where kids of all ages participated in singing, dancing, blowing bubbles and of course playing kazoos.


Kazoobie Kazoos

After all that activity we spent a busy evening with fellow boaters we met through other boater friends. Kathy and Doug live in New Bern now and they graciously drove us all around, pointing out neighborhoods and boat yards for us to consider. Between them and the marina/hotel shuttle van which takes us shopping, we are becoming acclimated to New Bern. It's all still very new but the adventure continues as we make various discoveries.


Taking aim - Coast Guard buoy toss

Our trip from the Chesapeake to New Bern, N.C. was an easy one with light winds and pleasant weather. The conditions didn't make for much sailing but they did give us calm crossings of the sounds and rivers in North Carolina. When we reached the Neuse River we had a steady 12 knot wind so the sails went up and so did we (the river that is). Of course the next day we had to motor through the rain into New Bern. From our marina it's an easy walk to downtown so we've been exploring on foot. Today I signed up for water color classes at the local art store and Paul discovered the Coastal Photo Club. We've decided to stay here at least a month. The boat needs a major paint job and teak redo. With 2 expensive engine repairs this year we also need to rebuild the cruising kitty, so we're looking for temporary jobs and maybe wintering over here (brrr-cold; so possibly a land rental).
In the meantime we're enjoying this old historical town. The downtown is picturesque and vibrant and full of activities. We'll need to work hard during the week so we'll have time for all the weekend festivities this month. Without daily travel we hope to have time to figure out all the logistics of staying here awhile and getting the boat back in shape. We're open to any possibilities but so far New Bern looks like it might work out for us.


One of several New Bern bears scattered around town

Anchored ( in a typical creek) at Horn Harbor

Beautiful weather accompanied us south on the Bay and we were even able to do some actual sailing. At Solomons Island my friend Pam drove down from D.C. and joined us for a day of relaxed conversation and a little sailing (even though she had to endure our pump out, water fill up and diesel fueling.) Our last anchorage in the Chesapeake was at Horn Harbor where we had a fun time meeting up again with friends Mike and Bev aboard Walkure. We shared past adventures and meals and had good success crabbing from our boat.


Bev picking crabs on Verkennen

The Mathews Maritime Festival was held at the marina this weekend so we were entertained with music, food, maritime exhibits and art displays. We also had a nice visit with a Dutch/American who approached us one day in his kayak and actually knew our boat was a schedeschouw. We were anchored off their house and they invited us over for a visit ( and also for a chance to do our laundry) one afternoon.


Maritime musicians

Wind and waves have kept us from further travel south but when possible we'll head next to Norfolk and then on into North Carolina.


Eagle in our anchorage