Graham's Neuse River Adventure for Parkinson's

[Alan Stewart]

Yesterday Graham anchored out in the Neuse River at Goldsboro and this morning he set off down the river headed to New Bern. If you didn't get the newsletter about it be sure to subscribe on the B&B website (scroll all the way to the bottom). But you can read it here. 

https://bandbyachtdesigns.substack.com/p/he-said-hes-always-wanted-to-float

 

Here is a link to his adventure website. https://www.sailingforparkinsons.org/

and a link to his Parkinson's Fundraiser for this adventure that directly benefits the Rock Steady Boxing Parkinsons Program. 

Go Fund Me Link.

 

Below is a shot of Carlita setup for river rowing with sun awning installed above the masts which are raised up for easier access to the cabin and to provide use of the dodger. 

 

 

I spoke to Graham earlier today and he was just passing Seymour Johnson AFB and had multiple jets overhead as he passed the end of the runway. He noted that he was getting about a knot of current and rowing to keep centered in the river. He was also hitting bottom with the centerboard every now and then and dodging shallow spots here and there. He took along with him his micro folding dinghy which he is towing behind him so that he can scope out any difficult spots or row ashore to explore. He's got great weather. 

Here is a screenshot of his track from his spot tracker. https://maps.findmespot.com/s/MB2J#history/assets

 

zoomed out

 

[Oyster]

He is such an amazing person, with the one of a kind spirit that keeps him going and living life to the fullest, even with what would be  restrictions that others would have given up at his age. Kudos Graham to continuing to live out new dreams.  I bet some of your group in New Bern looks up to you and quite possibly your adventures gives them incentive to look on the bright side of life when they awake in the morning. 

[Alan Stewart]

You can track graham on his spot page here. Where is Graham? He did about 11 miles and sent in this picture of Carlita. He stopped at the cliffs and said that they really were 90 feet. From his pictures the river definitely looks a bit low and Graham mentioned that he had been scraping bottom a lot today. He’s got the centerboard up too so it’s seriously shallow in spots.

 

 

He’s in a very windy section which will continue on Day 3 as he heads toward Kinston. He saw one other boat in the water near Seven Springs and asked them if they had any local knowledge on depth but the river is just plain low right now. He’s been actively dodging limbs and logs as well.

 

 

His looks to be about 25% of the way there while his fundraiser is now at 58% Thanks again to you guys.

 

 

Another view of the river from Graham: note the mud banks and obstacles in the water ahead. He noted that his battery was fully charged thanks to his 50W solar panel which he recently cleaned and his forecast looks great for the rest of the trip with highs in the mid 60s and lows in the mid 40s, sunny with the exception perhaps of early Monday.

 

 

The satellite view shows some really interesting historical paths of the river where trees have yet to refill old paths the river once took.

 

 

Huckleberry, Bucklesberry…

I noticed that he would be passing a place called “Bucklesberry” tomorrow so had to look that one up.

Quote

 

The Bucklesberry farm community does not hold a registered trademark on its name, unusual as it is. And it certainly is not the first to have this name. Not so unique, there are a number of places in North Carolina and across the pond (England) with variations of the same name, including "Buckleberry," "Bucklebury," "Bucklersbury," "Bucklesbury," and "Bucklesberie."

Its earliest mention is in a 1723 lease to Hugh Hyman for a plantation called "Bucklesbury" in the former Bertie Precinct. One hundred and forty years later, the 1862 tax listing for Bertie County listed only eleven residents holding properties with land acreage in Bucklesbury.

Although Bucklesberry of Bertie County was apparently a thriving farming and residential community during the 1700s and 1800s, it has been reduced today to a mere hunting club (pictured) located on Bucklesberry Road in Windsor, NC. 

 

Neusenews.com

 

 

Tomorrow Graham will likely make it to Kinston!