We decided to hang out in Beaufort another couple days. We’re glad we did. Friday was kind of “need to do” day. As cruisers, we’re quickly learning to apply what we were taught in a boating class. “All you need to know as a cruiser are the 3-W’s. Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart, and West Marine.” Friday was West Marine day to replace a blower in the engine room. We zoomed through the downtown district to explore and to figure out our Saturday play day on Front Street. Caught a free sail boat ride, sponsored by the Maritime Museum. Donations were accepted as a fundraising effort. Such pleasant people and we met a couple from Elizabeth City who are friends with our friends who we are going to see there. Such a small world.
We came back to the marina and started talking about the wonderful meal we had at the marina restaurant, the City Kitchen, on Thursday night. It didn’t take much to talk ourselves into going back again. After all, dinner Thursday night was one of the best meals we’ve ever been served. Despite that neither our budget nor our bellies can afford to keep this up, we splurged and did it again. We were not disappointed. This restaurant is a hidden jewel. If you are in Beaufort, make sure you have dinner here.
Saturday morning we walked to town and enjoyed the most wonderful day. Perfect weather. The Wood Boat Show. Build a boat competition. The sum total of the experience made our extended stay at the Town Creek Marina worth every minute.
Below are a blend of pictures of the day. The Wood Boat show brought back lots of memories of my childhood. Mom and Dad will see pictures of boats I remember from Caney Lake and Narrows.
Reminded me of the little boat Frank Bush had in Haynesville. They said this would run 62 miles an hour. 
I remember these old Mercury motors screaming down the channel at Narrows 
The finishes and insets on this canoe were perfect. 
I don’t even know what this boat is, but it was pretty cool. 
1949 Barbour 
Classic Chris Craft 
Looks like what I remember Mr. Bourn, man in my hometown built from scratch. 
Sort of the center for all the activity. They build and restore here. 
Another Barbour boat
The boat building competition was so much fun watching. Each team has a kit and plans of the boat they are to build. Some of the material was pre-cut and stands were set up to help the team manage their work. There were approximately 12 2-person teams in the competition. Two teams were old hands doing this, and have competed before. They had every tool for the task, were extremely focused, and very fast. They both completed their boats in less than 1 1/2 hours.
Best Quality 
Winner of the race
The next block of teams were just average “joes”, sometimes couples, sometimes just friends, all interested in having fun doing something different.
The last trio of teams were kids. One team, Webelos scouts, one team, Girl Scouts, one team of a youth organization in the area. These teams were the highlight of our day. My hat is off to the adults who are investing in these kids. In all 3 cases, the adults allowed the kids to do all the work but assisting and encouraging the whole time. We agreed, these won’t be the kids who will be shooting up the schools, getting in trouble with drugs, or worse. These will be the kids who are producers in the workplace; kids who will invest in their next generation. All day, these kids gave it their all. The tasks before them was clear, and the teamwork was not optional, it was essential.
These were the Webelos. 
A little help from dad. 
Projects like this will cure A.D.D. 
These ladies were the last to finish, but never waivered. 
Race time! 
The Winner! 
These kids had almost as much fun as me…maybe.
As I reflect on this day, I have figured out why it was so special and fun. Of course, spending the day with my bride of 40 years was primary, but what stirred my heartstrings was the reflection back on my childhood. I had the privilege of a mom and dad that loved the outdoors. Some of my earliest memories are those of camping out and water skiing. I camped not only with family, but also with the Boy Scouts, Troop 41 in Haynesville, Louisiana. All those memories came alive today as I watched these kids and adults interact. Camporees, Jamborees, Camp Yatasi, and a 1,000 more like-events surfaced. I often found my chin quivering as I saw a 10-year old boy run screws into the side of the boat; as a young dad directed on the proper application of the adhesive that would hold the boat together and keep it dry for the “in-water” rowing competition later in the day, and as a grandfather (figure or maybe to one of them) directed the 3 young ladies to work together to pick up the sides and hold them properly to form the shape of a real boat. What a day.
As they competed in the water late Saturday afternoon, these teams got to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Some boats (and people) performed with excellence, some performed providing LOTS of humor for those of us who watched from the dock. Some boats were bone dry inside at the end of the competition. Some were VERY wet shortly after they were launched. And as a side note, you who have known me for a long time, you know how competitive I’ve always been, whether sports or business. I have never believed in the “Everybody gets a trophy” concept. But today, I saw everybody win. There were no prizes or trophies. Just winners with the satisfaction of a job well done.
28 dolphin, 2 wahoos 
This group caught the fish. “Little Man” caught the biggest, they said. 
I get to hang out with some pretty cool people (Wes writing).
Beaufort, NC was good to us.
This is amazing! I have gone back and read all of them so far and am feeling a bit green – from envy not sea sickness!
I agree about the kids and keeping them involved and engaged with adult leaders – whether parents, church leaders, coaches, or teachers, etc. It is their leadership that allows kids to be kids and learn what is right and wrong as well as boundaries that are needed. Wish we had more of that going on in our world!
Can’t wait to read the next post!
Thanks, Nancy. And happy retirement.
This all looks like so much fun! I want to build a boat!!!! I’m so excited to follow the two of you on this trip. Also, thinking of various friends to share your blog with who will enjoy it, too. Keep on writing and sailing!! (Is it correct to call it sailing if you don’t have sails? Should I call it “trawling” instead?)
Call it anything fun! I’m not experienced enough to split hairs in terminology. Thanks for commenting!