Tuesday, April 29, 2014 – 7:00PM – Leg 18/Day 30 – 56.9 Miles

I got up real early this morning because I knew that I had a long haul today and I also saw last night that storms might be threatening in the late afternoon at Swansboro, my destination. Set sail about 6 right before the sun was up and made good time all day. There was a lot more traffic than yesterday though I have no good reason why that would be.

Took a short break to prepare lunch but ate on deck so I could keep on going. I made pretty good time, but it was a long time on the water today. Over 9 hours. I was planning on spending the night anchored out, but the storm looked pretty menacing as I was pulling in and I decided to pull in for the night. I'm glad I did as it hit with fierce winds and a lot of lightning just as I was tying up. Sat in the coffee shop until the worst of it was over and then went out and checked for damage. With all the decent weather I had been having, you forget how powerful and unforgiving nature can be. When I was pulling in, I was so glad I was near shore. I have always loved storms, but being on the water during a thunderstorm like that gives me the heebie-jeebies. If I was younger and still trusted my body like I used to, I might not feel so small, but those bolts of lighting seemed like they were going to zap me into the ether. As the trip goes on I'm sure I will run into more and become a little more at ease. Seeing as this was the first real storm, I was glad to tie onto something solid. As I write the rain continues but the forecast is for it to slow down and stop soon.

To all the dear and lovely people of my life, I pray you always have Jesus in your boat as you travel through the storms of life.