Scupper knew best

For years Scupper has tried to tell us that bridges were - BAD THINGS - it turns out she was right all along.
Early afternoon the 20th of October, Cats Cradle suddenly became a power boat ! We had a wonderful motor-sail across the Albemarle Sound and Alligator River. On approach to the Alligator River swing bridge we requested an opening for ourselves and another sailboat. Everything was normal as we started through the opening, we were almost through when there was the sound like an explosion and our mast and rigging fell onto the boat. As we looked back the bridge was closing, for some still undetermined reason the bridge operator had closed before we were clear. No one was hurt but Cats Cradle is badly damaged and Scupper wouldn't come topside for 2 days.
We immediately dropped anchor to assess our situation. Jib sail had to be cut away, furlers disconnected and broken mast secured. Arranged to go into the closest marina (Alligator River Marina), where we spent 2 days for the investigation and insurance clearance. The recommendation was to get to Deaton's Yacht Service, Oriental, NC. After securing all loose pieces to Cats Cradle, on the 22nd we started on our way under power, this was to be a 2 day trip. Arrived in Oriental on the 23rd, where the folks at the yard had already started preparing a plan. The 24th saw the remains of the mast and rigging removed from the boat, so that further assessment can be accomplished, it is obvious there is collateral damage and it will all have to be figured out.
For the time being we are looking at a lengthy repair time and will have to get out some cold weather clothing.