day thirteen - catching the flood tide

Awake at 5:30, stow sleeping gear and boom tent. At the coffee shop as they open at 6:30 for a blueberry muffin and iced tea. Cast off Beaufort docks 7:00, sails up 7:10 off the Duke marine lab on Pivers Island. It the beginning of the flood tide, light southwest wind.Making 3.0 past the shrimp boats lying Gallants Channel, surprised by the strength of the flood tide. 7:20 under the bridge, good wind and making 4.4.7:50 4.6 with the helpful tide up the Newport River. 8:05 at green "23", 5.2 downwind towards the canal. 8:30 3.6 as the river narrows and the tall trees to port block the wind. 8:35 motor sailing. 8:50 under the bridge and on the canal, flood tide still running. Sails still up and catching a helpful breeze now and then.9:15 not sure if I can feel the flood tide anymore. Green marker "15" shows a helping tide, though I think it we have crossed the head of the tide and it is an ebb tide carrying us towards the Neuse River. Sailing with wind on the stern, 4.3. A dolphin swims…