This morning we shoved off the marina dock at 7:30. Winds were still up, but much calmer than yesterday.

We had one little snag as we were departing, and I am still replaying the potential horror of it in my mind. We had our bow line wrapped too many times around the piling at the dock, and when I let go of the bitter end (the end of the rope) to pull it onboard and release us for departure, it resisted sliding off. Charro already had us in gear at that point, moving us forward. Thank God that thing unraveled at the last minute. There was a large yacht docked in front of us. Had the line not let go, our stern would have swung around and we would have hit their boat. I truly believe you learn the most through mistakes. That is one I do not intend for us to make again!

From the marina to the end of the Alligator River, it was a quick three miles or so, and then we entered into the Albemarle Sound. Winds today were blowing 10-15 knots with waves at 2 ft. About half way across the 11 mile run, it got very rolly. The waves were hitting us on the beam, which rolled us a fair amount from side to side. Maybe my perspective has changed since the second day of our journey, but it didn’t unnerve me nearly as much as the day we crossed the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers. We managed between 6-7 knots of speed and made it across the Sound in about 2 hrs. (I forgot to jot down the exact time).

From the Albemarle Sound, we entered into the Pasquotank River. By that point the wind was on our stern, which helped push us along and minimized the boat’s motion.

Roughly two hours later, we arrived in Elizabeth City, where almost immediately, we came to the Elizabeth City Bridge (a drawbridge). We hailed the bridge tender for an opening. There was one boat in front of us and the tender was waiting on a third to arrive behind us. So for maybe ten minutes or so, we circled and held until we received the all-clear to motor through. I couldn’t help but sing the chorus, “When you get caught between the moon and New York City” while we waited.

There was one more bridge to cross before we arrived at our spot for the night – the Norfolk Southern Railroad Swing Bridge. It usually remains open, and today it was. Although you really couldn’t tell if it was open or not until you were practically at the darn gate! Regardless, I had my air horn ready to sound the signal request if needed.

A short ride later (around 1:15), we arrived at our chosen anchorage. The entirety of our journey today was just shy of 6 hrs. Hard to believe, but in total, we have already traversed 137 nautical miles! That means we are past the halfway point with 98 left to go! Barring unforeseen weather or circumstances, we should arrive at our home marina in Topping, VA on Tuesday.

We are currently stopped for the night in a truly beautiful, scenic, peaceful spot on the Pasquotank River, just outside of the ICW next to Goat Island. This is my absolute favorite spot so far! Since we arrived, we have seen three fisherman in johnboats and only two other ICW travelers. We are hopeful that the lack of transiters means we won’t have much competition to tie up at the free dock tomorrow.

We appreciate all who are keeping up with our journey. Thank you for following along!

Sunday’s Goal: 29 nautical miles

Our plan for tomorrow is to depart super duper early (6:00 ish) to take advantage of the first lock opening time of 8:30 am (South Mills Lock). After locking, we will cross through South Mills Bridge and then make the 4 hour journey through the scenic Dismal Swamp Canal. Our plan is to tie up at the bulkhead at the end of the canal, just before Deep Creek Lock.

Fair winds,

Wendy