T&T: Jax, FL to Raleigh, NC

[Ron Rogers]

You will go through New Bern on the way to Oriental. New Bern's historic
district and waterfront are worth visiting, If you visit Beaufort, NC you
will pass through Morehead City via Route 70. It is essentially a continuous
waterfront with a few disconnects. There is an amazing Ace Hardware which is
really a marine store. Perhaps the phrase "commercial chandlery" is more
appropriate as they appear to support the local fishing trawlers. So, if you
are hot to see some huge wrenches and hardware for the big boys, it's worth
a stop. It's just before the high bridge into beachfront Morehead on the
left side (Westbound side) of 70. It and a few other stores look like
sandstone. Ace Hardware is fading on the front of the building. There is
stuff for our boats too, often at good prices.

On the way back to I95 you can take Route 17 through Washington, NC which
also has a waterfront (on the Pamlico River) and an historic district.
Washington, NC was the original city by that name and founded in 1776. From
17, take Route 264 to Rocky Mount and I95 North. 264 starts out in town
slowly and then becomes a 70mph four lane divided highway within 30 minutes.
Traffic has been very light on 264.

Ron Rogers
Washington, NC