May 30, Happy 44th Anniversary to us! Not underway until about 9:30 as we needed fuel and a pump-out. Lots of boats headed north, always someone passing us or us passing sailboats. First 18 miles was typical ICW channels and narrow waterways. the last 5 were open waters of the Neuse River. Stopped at Oriental Marina and Inn about 1:00. Small marina and adjoining small hotel with a good restaurant and Tiki Bar. Visited with Don Charland at Pecan Grove Marina about winter storage. Great facility, nice docks, and a long way from the Chesapeake. Nice casual afternoon and evening in a small town claiming to "have more boats than people".
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| Colorful house along the way |
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| Oriental Marina and Inn view from our slip. |
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| The mascot! |
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| View to the River. |
May 31. Got away cleanly at 7:30, in spite of boats at public dock crowding us a little. "Private Idaho" was there and we met them later that evening. 20 miles of big water on the Neuse River, then 10 miles of ditch-like waterway, then 20 miles up the Pungo River to Dowry Creek Marina near Belhaven NC. At a happy hour get-together sponsored by the marina, met up with Mike and Lois aboard "Inch N Along" whom we met at Brunswick GA, and the folks from "Private Idaho" who gave great reference about Pecan Grove Marina.
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| Away early in the day. |
June 1. Got away before 7:00 in order to beat the afternoon wind; but it started when we did. After a nice 5 mile run up the Pungo River, had 10 more miles of a straight ditch with only 2 minor turns about half way thru. Entered the Alligator River and had 25 MPD winds on the nose for the next four hours, 2-3 foot waves, and spray hitting the fly-bridge at times. The boat performed great and the crew did too. The worst came as we turned 90 degrees west to enter Alligator River Marina just north of the swing bridge, and the waves were on our beam causing the boat to roll sideways. Judie did a great job of holding on and getting the dock lines ready. Had a group dinner with Bonnie Rover (Merritt and Vicky), Ninkasi (Dick and Donna) and Inch N Along (Mike and Lois) at the Marina restaurant/Shell Station. Good value for the dollar.
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| Leaving Dowry Creek Marina |
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| Sometimes not so pretty - but easy to see the effects of logging. |
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| Guess where the "road" goes! |
June 2. The good Lord smiled on us this day. The final 4 miles of the Alligator River and the 14 miles across Albemarle Sound were easy in one foot waves and a light breeze. The run up the Pasquotank river was in glass-like conditions - no waves and only a very slight occasional breeze (really mild Bill Moyer). Passed Elizabeth City by about three miles to another small rustic marina at a gas station _ Lambs Marina. Nicest folks ever - gave us the keys to a loaner car for the afternoon so we could visit town and enjoy the area. The town has built a nice waterfront to attract boaters (but no water or power) and the homes in the area are well kept or being renovated. Nice walking tour of downtown and adjoining residences. Had beer and Nachos at the Waterfront Café for dinner. Stopped at a Lowes to get wrenches to adjust the stuffing box on drive shaft.
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| "Inch N Along" |
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| Smooth water and very little breeze. |
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| Lambs Marina |
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