On September 22, 2023, Craven and Carteret Counties were in a tropical storm. It was not quite a hurricane, but there were strong winds and heavy rains. It was not the most conducive weather for hiking, but I had cabin fever from enduring too many months of forced indoor recuperation. I got all layered up with a waterproof outfit, including heavy leather boots, rain pants, a raincoat, a waxed canvas waterproof cap, and a hood. Fortunately, the weather was cloudy and cool, so it was not too hot under all those layers.
I went hiking solo at Flanner’s Beach recreation area on the northeast side of Croatan National Forest, adjacent to the Neuse River. The forest was, of course, soaking wet, with the wind whipping around some of the open areas. The Neuse had bigger and faster waves than I have ever seen on this river. I was glad to be standing on the land.
I had plans to do some boating in a couple of days, so I left the kayak on top of the Jeep. When I crossed the high bridge over the New Bern Harbor, my vehicle was exposed to the broad side blast of the full wind. It pushed my kayak off the roof rack saddles and onto the downwind side of the roof. Luckily, I had the boat strapped down tight enough that it did not come soaring off the roof and onto the road.
