Anna spends the summer in Beaufort

We are so excited.  Anna has decided that she will come to Beaufort and work this summer between her graduation from high school and her freshman year at N C State University.  Nothing could make us happier.

She drove down a week or so early to apply for jobs and to bring her clothes.  She was accepted at every job she applied for and ended up working at Island Proper, a boutique women's clothing store downtown.

And the fun began.

She had met a boy, Logan on one of her trips when we were at Town Creek Marina.  They hit it off well, so she started the summer with a new boyfriend.  However, early on he found that he had mononucleosis, so that set back some of the activities.  At one point, Anna may have had mono, but we're not sure.  She is so strong at fighting back things she doesn't like and I believe she just fought through it.  Of course, the concern is that the incubation period for mono would coincide with the start of college - but that appears to not be the case.  She probably had it earlier in the summer and just shrugged it off.

One of the primary reasons I was excited is that I would have someone to boat and sail with.

One of the earliest excursions was to put the Hobie in at the boat ramp on Taylors Creek and sail to Shackleford Banks.  We made it and had a great time.

Evan was in camp at Camp Don Lee (Both Anna and Evan had done this camp several years in the past).  This year, Evan was in the Mariner Program for two weeks.  One of their objectives and highlights of the Mariner Program is to sail from Morehead City to Cape Lookout.

We knew they would be putting in at the Radio Island boat ramp, so we made arrangements to meet them and wish them luck.  Additionally, Mimi and Anna prepared "care" packages for him - mostly food.

Delivering a "care" package

Our next sailing excursion was sailing around Radio Island.  Anna had worked 9 - 3 PM that day and didn't let on that she was feeling poorly (probably had mono at the time).  We put in at Town Creek, and within 5 minutes she was sound asleep in the back seat of the kayak.  And she slept most of the trip, including some pretty strong waves splashing on her.  She woke up as we were coming from the Morehead City Port into Bulkhead Channel (leading into Beaufort) and was so confused she couldn't figure out where we were.  We should not have gone out that day, I just didn't realize how tired she was.

Both Anna and Taylor will be going to NCSU this fall

Taylor Cloer, a friend of Anna's since first grade, came down for a couple of days.  We really enjoy Taylor.  Taylor wanted to try her hand at sailing, so Anna and she took the Hobie out from the Causeway Wildlife ramp.  Anna sat up front and Taylor in the back.  Clara and I had the power boat to follow them around.  The winds were moderate and Anna quickly taught Taylor how to handle the boat and for the next 2 hours they really sailed the Hobie, going as fast as 15 knots.

Anna decided to climb out of the cockpit to the outrigger to better balance the boat - crazy!