North Carolina
By the time we reached Cape Fear River our waterpump had broken.  Barry continued to work on the engine in an effort to keep us moving along, but, as always finding replacement parts proved to be a challenge. 
At Carolina beach we delighted in a beautiful evening breeze after yet another day of travelling with a heat advisory.  It was fun to watch the ferris wheel off in the distance that night, along with a fireworks display. 
A stop at Wrightsville Beach for parts proved to be a futile effort however we did enjoy their gorgeous beach which is adjacent to Wilmington. 
Our progress was slowed greatly by the dreadful silting problem in the area.  It seemed that every time we passed an inlet we'd be aground.
We're certainly not alone anymore as we find ourselves passing through areas of heavy boat traffic and jet-skis. We put the jib up whenever possible to catch the ocean breeze and motor-sail. Finally, we've reached 35 degrees north latitude - great news as our boat insurance is now valid.
The extreme heat and thunderstorms seem to be constant.  In the Pungo River we were unable to find shelter and were forced to drop anchor in the open water for 2 hours as we endured 30mph (plus) sustained winds during a storm.  We both ducked as lightning crashed just off our stern .  The resulting thunder rolled and repeated across the heavens for many seconds.  Our hearts were thumping!!
We are diligent about monitoring the weather as the depressions continue to keep forming and strengthening.
Finally on July 27th we had a change of weather.

Unfortunately this delayed our progress as heavy fog blanketed Albemarle Sound.  Our late departure left us caught without an anchorage location for the night and we were forced to drop anchor at dark along the edge of the narrow, shallow channel.  We positioned ourselves beside a flashing green mark and left our radio and several anchor lights on.  The extremely narrow channel is edged by shallows or pilings.  We felt no one could possibly navigate it in the dark.  What a huge surprise it was when a 300 foot barge (pushed by a tug boat), passed beside us in the night.  We lifted anchor at first light, made our way along the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal, through 2 lift bridges and happily tied up to the free town dock at Great Bridge, Virginia.