Once we finished congratulating ourselves on Anhinga's performance during the hurricane, we started making different plans for the rest of the 'summer'. We knew we needed to find a safe place outside the hurricane box where we could leave the boat while traveling by air to Pittsburgh, Florida, and Oregon. There is terrific access anywhere in the country from New Bern's airport, itself a short hop from Charlotte, NC. So we looked for a dock nearby and were extremely happy with the Bridgepointe Marina. Anhinga moved in, originally for 3 months, but ended staying into November! This gave us plenty of time to get to know New Bern and the upper Neuse River, and to travel with the confidence that Anhinga would be safe. (Thanks to Jesse and Mark, the dockmasters, who watched after her for us!)
New Bern was settled early in the 18th century by Baron de Graffenried from Switzerland (hence New Bern). Lots of interesting buildings in the old downtown from every period since then, including the Governors Mansion from the days when England ruled. And there are still reminders of the civil war around. In July when we first arrived the crape myrtle trees were in bloom; the town was gorgeous. We had ample opportunity to walk in the 'Bear City' as the marina was just across the bridge.
We took advantage of many opportunities to hear music in town, including the festival where 3 different bands played the same song on the same day (if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle player in the band). And we happened to still be in New Bern when the big Mumfest hit town.
So, one may ask why we were still in North Carolina... Well, long story short, lets just say that we are now qualified marine plumbers, having replaced our toilet with a sparkling new model. John might say we stayed longer so that he could be close to the home of the Beer Army. You know, Heroes Never Die.
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