Ospreys and Ordnance

Mile Hammock Bay is a well-protected anchorage located off the Atlantic ICW at MM 244.5.  The anchorage is considered "legendary" by some Loopers.  Although there is nothing here, there is a WHOLE LOT here.  It is at the SE end of Camp Lejeune and a prime location for watching tilt-rotor military Osprey take off, circle the skies, touch-land and repeat the practice.  At the same time in the distance, puffs of dark smoke and deep "booms!" from heavy ordnance can be seen and heard.  And here we are (were)...at Mile Hammock Bay!

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is one of America's largest US military training facilities.  Camp Lejeune helps prepare warfighters for combat and humanitarian missions around the world and takes advantage of 156,000 acres, 11 miles of beaches to support amphibious operations, 32 gun positions, 48 tactical landing zones, three state-of-the-art training facilities for military operations in urban terrain, and 80 live-fire ranges (oh! and one military prison).  Its location between the deep ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, NC allow for quick deployments.  

Two nights ago, from the time we set anchors at around 2:30 p.m. until close to midnight, Ospreys and sounds of ordnance were seen and heard from Hammock Bay.  As we enjoyed games and dinner with Milton and Julie (MV "Here's An Idea"), we took frequent breaks to awe at the maneuverability and power of the Ospreys, our military at work.

Currently we are docked at a Morehead City dock in Morehead, NC (next to Beaufort, NC).  Mike, Julie and Milton have taken a rented car to tour the Hatteras Yacht Plant which is located about an hour away.  Brenda stayed behind to enjoy some alone time and do some "catching up."  When Mike returns, Velsignet will leave the dock and cruise about 10 miles up the ICW to an anchorage south of the Pamlico Sound for the evening.

As we cruise along the ICW, we get glimpses like this of the Atlantic Ocean.  The waters are enjoyed by boaters, fishermen, cruisers, and commercial vessels.  What a resource we have in our waterways!

Mike taxied Julie and Milton to ""Velsignet for dinner one evening.  The next evening, in Mile Hammock Bay, we enjoyed dinner on "Here's An Idea."

At the end of the evening, this cute little guy was found on the steps leading up to the fly bridge. 
How did he get there?

The Osprey flew overhead all afternoon and evening and into darkness.  At one time, there were three in the air. 
They were noisy and really fun to watch.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of nut-encrusted kingfish with mango buerre sauce , lemon-buttered broccoli, and J. Alexander's Israeli Couscous.  It was as pretty as it was delicious!!

Meet Chef Julie of "Here's An Idea."

Sometimes when one anchors, your anchor brings you a gift!  This is Julie on "Here's An Idea!" with a rusted piece of metal resurrected by their anchor.

This is last night's beautiful sunset over Morehead City, NC....
always a great way to end a day!