The first day was spent loading the boat up with way too many supplies. After a nice dinner with my parents and their new friend the boat mechanic, I turned in for my first night sleeping on the boat. I found it slightly nerve racking until I discovered that the port on the ceiling of my cabin could double as an escape hatch.

Early the following morning we left Oriental, NC for our first port in Belhaven. We stayed mostly under engine power, and had little problems. As it was one of the coldest december days on record, we did encounter some ice, which was a little bit intimidating. Luckily our hull held strong and we were able to dock before dark.