October 18, 2011 Tuesday Elizabeth City to Pungo River

Today was a good weather day. The hardest part is nudging along into the wind! This gets old quickly. We were able to sail in the early AM then the winds continued out of the south as we turned and headed directly into the wind for most of the day.

The Alligator River Swing Bridge takes you from the Abermerle Sound to the Alligator River. This connects with the Alligator River Pungo River Canal. The canal is wide but has many stumps and downed trees. There is very little wildlife visible from our boat. Buzzards and bald eagles were present, however.

Pat and Walt anchored at mile 127 ahead of us. We entered the shallow bay and worked our way to a secure area with lots of grassy fingers protecting us from the waves that otherwise would be getting bigger as the wind is expected to increase well into the day and later at night! We are just a couple of boat-lengths away from each other and close enough for a conversation but far enough apart to be protected from bumping as we swing with the wind.

I called Miles at Osprey Marina about staying there a couple of days to visit with Tom and Marie. I am considering leaving Fiu there for the summer months. Then Bonnie and I would have a shorter trip to warmer weather. The wind and waves have taken their toll on us this trip!
We stayed here for two nights since the winds were up to 25 knots and rain to boot! The next part of our journey requires us to cross the Pamlico River and it is usually rough for the six or so miles.

This gave me time to change the oil in the diesel, tighten the alternator belt as well as several engine hose clamps. I use an Oil Buddy that sucks the engine oil up and out through the dipstick and it stores it until I can find a marina to accept it.

These pics are not of the sail today but I wanted to include them. The first is one taken at the Solomons Island while the second was taken at the Maritime Museum nearby. The third pic is of Bonnie at the entrance to Colonial Williamsburgh. We are doing well.

Captain Sid

October 17, 2011 Monday Portsmouth to Elizabeth City NC

The Dismal Swamp is an interesting route to the Abermerle Sound. As I said yesterday, the leaves are beginning to change colors. There are few reds mostly yellows I guess because there are fewer maple trees in this region. The Dismal Swamp is but three miles longer than the Virginia Cut and both meet in the lower Abermerle Sound.

The first lock was an eye-opener since there were 15 boats ready and waiting to be locked through to the Dismal Swamp. This part of the journey was developed in the early 1800's to ship goods north-south. The canal was obviously hand dug and is very narrow with only room for a pass if both boats move to the outside edges of the canal. This is when a stump is usually waiting to take a bite out of your hull!

We were fortunate to arrive before dark in Elizabeth City, NC and to have our choice of two free slips to tie up. There were three men waving and pointing to the empty slips and all gave us a helping hand with our lines to safely get us tied up. We missed the free wine and cheese at 5:30 pm which is a daily happening here. There are 14 free slips and the city is very boater friendly. There is a free loaner car as well to shop and restock.

It was an extended day as we motor-sailed 75 miles! That's pretty unusual unless we are out on the ocean. I'm getting better at keeping up the blog and I will continue to post more pics!