Belhaven North Carolina Aboard Veritas

We were up and off the dock at Oriental, North Carolina by 8:10 am. It should take us eight hours to get to our next stop in Belhaven, North Carolina. Our first goal was to complete the crossing of the Neuse River. The morning was calm but the chop grew as time passed. We covered the 18 or so miles with ease and made the turn up the Pungo River where things settled down nicely. It was an easy day for us.

Sunrise on the Neuse River

When we got to River Forest Marina we were directed to a T shaped dock. Susan steered around a breakwater then swung a circle to land Veritas under the top of the T. It was an interesting way to dock. We threw our lines to the waiting marina staff and tied Veritas off. As we were preparing to go ashore, we watched as many gulls gathered and romped along the docks and jetty. They were very noisy. We wondered where they would go for the night, hoping it would be away from Veritas! When we went ashore to explore, we were delighted to learn that the marina offered a loner golf cart to boat visitors. 

Veritas at River Forest Marina in Belhaven

David settling Veritas in at Belhaven, NC

Gulls on the dock pilings

Gulls on the jetty

Dave drove the golf cart all through town, which didn't take long. Belhaven is a very tiny town so he drove through again in case we missed anything. Susan and David were in the back facing backwards. We could hear them giggling and squealing over each new site. The former City Hall was a cool old brick building. A big sign outside indicated it was now a Museum. Our curiosity drew us in. We parked the golf cart and climbed the steep stairs to see just what was inside. We found an eclectic and weird combination of old stuff that filled the place so tightly that there was barely enough room to walk around. It was too much in too small of a space, making it overwhelming. On our way out we found the section of dead things in jars. Eclectic became weird really quickly!

Belhaven Crab

Belhaven mural

Old City Hall "Museum"

Old City Hall

Fish Hook Cafe

Farm Boys Cafe

Jr's. Station and Convenience and Amy's Mexicana Restaurant

Georgie's Spot and Oyster Bar

At sunset, I was taking a few photos when we heard some excitement on the docks. A 120+ foot yacht named Murphy's Law was coming in for the night. We watched it stop out in the channel, untether the tender it was hauling, then slowly make it's way up the channel into River Forest Marina. This vessel dwarfed the sailboats but the captain docked it like it was a toy. The crew hustled to do their part, then set up stairs for guests to come and go. One of the guests asked me which boat I was on. I told her we were right next door. I assured her we would do our best to be quiet. She laughed and admitted that she could not promise the same. Apparently, there were some partiers on board.

Belhaven sunset

Sea gull watching Yacht come in

Murphy's Law with Tender following

Murphy's Law approaching dock

Murphy's Law taking advantage of thrusters

Murphy's Law at the dock

She's big and beautiful!

View from Veritas

Murphy's Law dwarfs Veritas

There is a beautiful manor on the grounds of River Forest Marina. It was built in 1899 by lumber and railroad baron, John Aaron Wilkinson, for his young bride. They were known to have decadent parties in this house. It is now an event venue with 13 lovely guest rooms. The marina boater's laundry is in the manor. We thought that was ironic.

River Forest Manor with old gas pump

River Forest Manor

River Forest Manor

Belhaven was a nice quiet stop on the Great Loop. We heard that during the fall migration of boats, this place is full and rafting up together is necessary. I'm guessing there are decadent parties and dock-tales galore!