Anchoring in Mile Hammock

 MM 244

While we passed 4 four dredges today, two of which were operational with hundreds of feet of pipeline, our transit was uneventful. Dredging is necessary to maintain the channels for commercial and pleasure craft, especially where shoaling is prevalent caused by ocean inlets nearby.


We also passed under a swing bridge and a drawbridge. Openings were timed, so we had to be mindful of the schedule and gauge our arrivals accordingly. 






The highlight of the day started when we anchored at Mile Hammock, a bay used by Marines at Camp Lejeune for training. On occasion, the ICW is closed here for marine activities. We called in advance yesterday (the Marines provide a phone number, which seems a bit low-tech) and we were informed that no closures were scheduled for this week.

Our anchorage for the night

We were able to observe divers in the water with chase boats for almost four hours. The divers are really impressive, swimming long distances underwater with small orange buoys floating behind to identify their location in the bay. All boats that entered the anchorage were advised to stay clear of them.

It was also where we heard ordinance detonations, and saw Ospreys (helicopters) of a completely different type. Their sound is distinctive. 

I didn’t get a photo of Ospreys, but I did of marine helicopters from Camp Lejeune.



Comments

  1. RozenaApril 25, 2024 at 7:56 PM

    Maybe some seal training there
    pretty area. Perhaps some underwater subs also? Lots of bridges to go under. Have you kept a count?
    Restful evening

    ReplyDelete

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