Back on the water for ASA class 104

That means I got to be on the sailboat for three days!!! YEAH. We had a great trip. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing -- some of the time. Here are a few pics. We sailed from Wrightsville down the ICW through Snows Cut to Cape Fear River to Dutchmans Cove River to anchor. The second day we ran out the river to just about 3 miles off Bald Head Island and back to Dutchmans. The final day we left early 6:30am to catch the tide right to get back up the river and anchored for a while in the Wrightsville channel (near two bushes) to review systems and take the test.
I especially enjoyed sailing out passed the Bald Head Island out the Cape Fear River (avoiding the shoals off of Cape Fear). It was a beautiful day and while Paul steered I enjoyed time taking pics of the sails and sitting on the bow with my feet over the edge taking splashes on my legs. The temperature was sunny and 80-90 degrees during the day and would drop off to 50-60 degrees at night. PERFECT.
We did get to see the inside workings of a marine head as the brave Captn Ed did some plumbing. We also talked our way through the electronic wiring system and engine system and galley cooking/gas options. I got to play around planing with the dingy in the Dutchman's Cove River where we anchored for the night. I also got to swim for a few minutes and cool off after sailing back the second evening before the sunset. We had great meals prepared by Chef/Captn Ed including barbecued chicken, potato and onion foil packs, to shrimp, potato, corn on the cob and sausage boil to great om lets.
And again -- no seasickness for me. Yeah... (thank God) My nickname of "Nails" continued on (I earned that from Jim and Captn Ed the last trip while standing on the bow at sunset enjoying the wind in the low 50s degree temperature for about 20 minutes(in shorts, two tshirts and a vest) while they bundled up in long sleeves and pants behind the dodger. Paul thought I was crazy swimming in water with water temps probably around 65-68 -- but ya gotta enjoy it while you have the chance. :P Specially when you live so far away from the ocean.
Although it took about 4 attempts to succeed at docking with the wind at the stern and moving with the current -it did happen and I did learn from the experience and will be mulling over my mistakes and the forces involved for the next week before I totally understand it all -- thanks Captn Ed for talking me in and to Paul for being good at fishing in that midship spring line. And a special thanks to Kathleen for sharing Captn Ed to teach us and talk us through the last few days. And a gold star to Paul for tacking us quickly and efficiently and avoiding the shoal just outside the shipping lane. Good luck to Paul and his wife & family with their future sailing.
All and all a great learning experience.
I can't wait to get an opportunity to get out there again. Know anyone trustworthy who owns a sail boat and is willing to let me help sail or wants to charter? Just let me know. :)