We enjoyed our stay in Beaufort at Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina and woke up to a beautiful day for traveling to Oriental.

Sam followed our breadcrumbs on the Garmin right back under the bridge.

Right past the sunken sailboat and back to the ICW.

It was a bit early and there wasn’t any traffic out there.

Usually Sam does the planning, navigating and driving.

This is the first time that we have ever left the marina not knowing where we were going.

Would we anchor?

Would we stop at a marina?

Don’t know.

It was an uneasy feeling but we moved on.

This dredging operation was in full force when we passed.

I don’t even think they noticed us.

They were so focused.

Sam threw the Waterway Guide to me and told me to pick out a marina in Oriental.

Sure, no problem.

I looked at the map and the marina choices and selected Oriental Marina and Inn because we wouldn’t have to go too far off the ICW to stay there.

Easy off.

Easy on.

It turned out to be quite a nice surprise.

It’s small and cozy with a pool, restaurant and tiki bar onsite.

There were only four boats there for the night.

After we ate a fantastic lunch at the restaurant, we went back to the boat to plan our trip for the following day.

It rained for a while in the afternoon but then we got out to walk around a bit.

There were a few businesses right across the street.

A coffee/ice cream house – all the basics!

We saw a few interesting sights but didn’t see all the town.

Maybe next time!

Right across from the marina there were several shrimp boats docked that operate from there.

It was thrilling and I’m not going to lie, a bit stinky, to be so close to them!

All in all this was a great place to stop and we enjoyed our relaxing but rainy day to refresh and regroup.

Tomorrow we head for Belhaven where we know exactly where we are staying.

Things are looking better already.

Our Thoughts