Week 49 New Bern NC and a Storm

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New Bern NC 
September 2023

Thanks to our friends Jeff and Darlene from Naughti Dophin we were able to secure a slip in the New Bern Grand Marina.  This marina is off the ICW and typically not on a Loop plan as it is 10 miles up the Neuse River.  We were warned that the Neuse River could be very treacherous but we had an easy cruise. This marina is on the waterfront and packed with historic sites and stories.  By far, one of our favorites so far. Of course, I've said that before. New Bern is named after its sister city in Switzerland. As an homage to that great city, you will find over 100 decorated bears throughout. We were treated to beautiful tree-lined streets, the Tryon Palace tour and trolley ride, visited the birthplace of Pepsi Cola and ate at several fantastic restaurants. We enjoyed a full week and most days were filled with sunshine until they weren't.
View of Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace Gardens

Tropical Storm Ophelia

Towards the end of the week, the forecast became much more dire as tropical storm Ophelia was predicted to be a direct hit to New Bern. The winds were up to 68 MPH, (70 MPH is a CAT 1 hurricane).  The storm lasted about 24 hours and we were rocked and knocked around for the duration. Many boats pulled their cleets and caused damage to other boats.  Luckily we did not experience any more than frayed nerves.
Spending time cruising in our Rosborough 246 on America's Great Loop.

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