4/28/2011 ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA, ACROSS THE ALBBEMARLE SOUND TO ELIZABETH CITY

THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 30 NM

DOCKED AT: ELIZABETH CITY MARINERS’ WHARF

ICW MILE MARKER: 50.9

SUNRISE: 6:16      SUNSET: 7:49

HIGH: 83               LOW: 68

NO BRIDGES OPENED TODAY:

We made it out of the relatively calm waters at the marina and into the swiftly flowing Alligator River. Due to high winds, the swing bridge we passed through yesterday was not opening but the bridge tender did wish us luck in our day’s travels through the river and crossing the Albemarle Sound. That should have been our first clue!! We knew the conditions were going to be less than ideal with the raging tornado systems that have been decimating the countryside. No tornado for us today but plenty of tornado watches, rain and an evening thunder and lightning storm.

ROCKY WATERS AT THE BRIDGE

Having made it across the sound, we gratefully crept into the Pasquotank River (the first river in the country to receive an Underground Railroad Network designation) and approached Elizabeth City. Nearing the city we passed an old WW II dirigible hanger that now houses a blimp-building firm. You can see evidence of their daily work in their yard. We next passed the USCG Air Station, Elizabeth City. This is home to the largest and most diverse Coast Guard command in the nation.

THE HUGE WWII HANGER TO THE LEFT AND TWO BLIMPS AT RIGHT

We were, thankfully, greeted at Elizabeth City’s wall by two fellow boaters who assisted by grabbing our lines and lending muscle to help us get tied up in the blowing wind. Thanks so much!

 HELPING HANDS GOT US SAFELY TIED UP

QUEST IN ELIZABETH CITY

We dropped in at the Visitors’ Center then took a quick walk around town before going through the lovely Museum of the Albemarle. Here we got a glimpse of this area’s developmental process from the first Indian inhabitants, followed by the expanding colonist movement that brought the need for slaves to harvest their crops and dig their canal. Next came the War of 1812 in which the canal played a huge part by providing a link between Albemarle and the blockaded Chesapeake. The Civil War years brought division in allegiances but, as we all know, the Union was victorious and the healing process began. We also discovered that what is now known as the USCG developed from a small organization in North Carolina known as the US Life Saving Service.

And then the rains came!! We had thunder, we had lightening and some of it was close, really close. Once the front passed by we were left with a delightful evening devoid of the oppressive humidity and perfect sleeping weather.

4/27/2011 DOWRY CREEK MARINA TO ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA

WEDNESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 43 NM

DOCKED AT: ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA

ICW MILE MARKER: 1.5 WEST OF 84

SUNRISE: 6:18 SUNSET: 7:48

HIGH: 85 LOW: 69

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 1

1. ALLLIGATOR RIVER SWING BRIDGE 84.2


Our day started out with a thorough cleaning out of last night’s dead and dying insects. We were scrubbing, vacuuming, sweeping and squeegeeing fools for a while. Once that job was done we were out of there and headed for the scenic Alligator River-Pungo River Canal that would take us to our night’s destination on the Alligator River.

Just after entering the canal we came across a large dolphin or small whale. I have not been able to identify it as of yet but will continue the search. It was splotchy grey in color, slow moving, had a whale shaped tail that it raised as it dove and larger than any dolphin we are familiar with. Any of you out there able to help me identify this lovely creature?  We also found sever turtles basking on the fallen trees at the river's shore.

ENTERING THE CANAL SECTION OF TODAYS RUN

SUNNING TURTLES

Again we were treated to an aerial display by the super jets making practice runs in the skies around us. They are so fast that they are way across the sky before you hear their booming jet engines.

IMPRESSIVE AIR DISPLAY

The waters were not so smooth when we exited the canal section and entered the wider Alligator River. We had heard that the swing bridge we must pass through often closed due to windy conditions but we were able to make an opening then immediately turned to port and entered the Alligator Marina’s calm channel. Looking back we watched as the river itself raged by and S/V Chinook made the turn in.

ALLIGATOR SWING BRIDGE OPENING TO LET  US BOATERS THROUGH

NOTICE HOW ROUGH THE RIVER IS BEHIND CHINOOK
AND HOW MUCH CALMER IT IS IN THE MARINA'S CUT

OK, so here we are out in the middle of nowhere and docked at a Shell Gas Station. Their fuel prices proved to be the best we had seen in a long time plus they gave a volume discount to boot. They are members of BoatUS and had good docking rates and their little convenience store kitchen produced some great pork chops and soft shell crabs for our dinner. That’s right folks, the Porters had gas station food with us for dinner and loved it!!



OUR HOME FOR THE NIGHT
A GAS STATION WITH SOME MIGHTY TASTY HOME STYLE COOKIN'



4/26/2011 NEW BERN TO DOWRY CREEK MARINA JUST NORTH OF BELHAVEN

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 59 NM

DOCKED AT: DOWRY CREEK MARINA

ICW MILE MARKER: 132

SUNRISE: 6:22   SUNSET: 7:49

HIGH: 77             LOW: 68

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 1

1. CUNNINGHAM BRIDGE

We were presented with a glorious rainbow as we made ready to pass through the Cunningham Bridge opening immediately after leaving our dock in New Bern. A just reward after the morning’s downpour!

SOMEWHERE!?

Our government’s presence was felt as we sighted military jets from the nearby Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and watched a Coast Guard boat zoom by us.

AWESOME AND FAST MILITARY JET SOARING ABOVE

USCG ZOOMING THE WATERS TO KEEP US SAFE

The landscape is really changing and we are seeing corps of tall pine trees now, long gone are the palms and cypress weeping with Spanish moss.

NOW WE ARE SEEING THE TOWERING PINES

The skies became threateningly dark and muddled with ominous clouds but we managed to stay out of the severe weather and experienced only showers during our day’s travels. What we did experience during the evening was a severe invasion of obnoxious bugs. They looked much like mosquitoes, swarmed like gnats but didn’t bight. They did, however, arrive by the millions. Silly us had our windows and doors opened, enjoying the evenings cool breezes, and the lights on. It was an invitation that they couldn’t refuse and we were soon inundated with their masses. Doors closed! Lights off! Vacuum at work! Once we reached an acceptable level of eradication, we retreated to the bug-less comfort of our air-conditioned staterooms.

AWE INSPIRING SKIES

DOWRY CREEK MARINA

4/25/2011 A TOUR OF THE HATTERAS FACTORY

MONDAY


TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM


DOCKED AT: NEW BERN GRAND MARINA ON THE TRENT RIVER


SUNRISE: 6:23 SUNSET: 7:49


HIGH: 84 LOW: 64


Today it was all about the Hatteras Factory. We have been looking forward to this for a long time and were not disappointed.


William Sloan had a dream. He wanted to build a boat that could really handle the often treacherous waters of Cape Hatteras. Could this new fangled fiberglass possibly be the answer? Now fiber is flexible and glass is most certainly breakable so how could this new product possibly be as strong as reported? After much investigation and testing he was convinced that this could be the answer. He joined up with the naval architect Jack Hargrove, amassed a team of workers and started up their new venture in High Point, NC in an old Pontiac dealership. This odd location was chosen because of the concentration of fine craftsmen due to the furniture making industry there. On March 22, 1960 their first Sportsfishing Yacht, the 41’ Knit-Wits, was christened and orders for seven more were received that same day. We are in business now, baby!


As the demand for larger and larger boats grew the task of trucking them the 200 miles to the sea became a real problem. A new facility was constructed in New Bern where the boats could be built then launched right into the water at their completion. Hatteras has built a reputation for producing sturdy boats (their solid fiberglass bottoms are warranted for 5 years) with innovative technology, superb craftsmanship and classic lines.

WELCOME TO HATTERAS

THE EXTERIOR OF THE MOLD FOR THE FIBERGLASS HULL

THIS IS AN INSIDE VIEW OF THE SAME MOLD

ALL THESE WIRES HAVE A SPECIFIC HOME IN THE BOAT.  WHAT A PUZZLE!

THINGS ARE BEGINNING TO COME TOGETHER NOW.

Knit Wits was sought out and totally restored a few years ago. It is now in the factory undergoing a bit of normal maintenance. How cool that they were able to recover their premiere vessel.

KNIT WITS RECEIVING A LITTLE LOVING CARE

New Bern is also home to a U.S. National Cemetery.  It was established in 1867 as a site where the remains of fallen soldiers could be reunited from the numerous nearby battlefields.

U.S. NATIONAL CEMETERY IN NEW BERN

We ended our day at a "real Mexican" restaurant with good peasant food.  When we realized that El Zarape was attached to the gas station and convenience store, we were a little hesitant.  However, when our Mexican waiter had difficulty conversing with us in English, we relaxed a bit and knew we had made the right choice!

4/24/2011 EASTER SUNDAY'S TRIP FROM ORIENTAL TO NEW BERN, NC

SUNDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 23 NM

DOCKED AT: NEW BERN GRAND MARINA ON THE TRENT RIVER

SUNRISE: 6:24      SUNSET: 7:47

HIGH: 87               LOW: 63

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 1

      1. CUNNINGHAM BRIDGE AT NEUSE RIVER AND TRENT RIVER

We began our Easter Sunday with a charming brunch at the marinas Toucan restaurant. We were greeted by the "Easter Bunnies" at the entrance. Funny how they resembled Toucans.

EASTER TOUCAN, COMPLETE WITH BUNNY EARS

We cast off and got back in the wide Neuse River, traveling with the delighted sail boats enjoying the day’s windy conditions. While the day was quite warm, the breeze made it more than comfortable.
We are now off the ICW and on diverting rivers that will take us to New Bern, home of Hatteras Boats. As we neared the Trent River and our night’s destination we found this huge, fort-like structure. George Wetherington built this five story diving tower in James City just so kids could have fun. And what kid wouldn’t have a blast playing on this cool toy?

HOW MUCH FUN COULD YOU HAVE ON THIS BIG TOY?

After the bridge tender admitted us into the Trent River, we entered the New Bern Grand Marina right at the lovely Hilton and secured for the night.

OUR HOME AT THE NEW BERN GRAND MARINA ON THE TRENT RIVER

We discovered that New Bern was founded by a nobleman from Bern, Switzerland in 1710 and dubbed the city after his home town. Bern loosely translated to bear and we saw evidence of the namesake all over town. New Bern is also known for being the birth place of Pepsi-Cola. The old pharmacy on Middle Street is the spot where Caleb Bradham created “Brad’s Drink” and patented it as Pepsi-Cola in1898.

THE NEW BERN COAT OF ARMS

WOODEN BEAR

ARTIST BEAR FOR FUNDRAISING

THE HOME OF PEPSI-COLA

The Hilton dockside bar had some live jazz music going and we plopped down to be entertained for a while then it was back to the Quest for dinner in.

4/23/2011 BEAUFORT, NC TO ORIENTAL, NC ON THE NEUSE RIVER

SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 19 NM

DOCKED AT: ORIENTAL MARINA ON THE NEUSE RIVER

ICW MILE MARKER: 181.5

SUNRISE: 6:25      SUNSET: 7:45

HIGH: 81                LOW: 61

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 1

     1. BEAUFORT/RADIO ISLAND BASCULE BRIDGE 203.7

We took time to wander around the historic neighborhoods, admiring the beautifully preserved homes and vibrant azaleas in full bloom. Alexis and I did a little shopping along the waterfront then it was time to cast off and head for our next destination.

VIBRANT AZALEAS

After making the bridge opening we entered Adams Creek where we saw a dredge barge busily clearing the river of the ever reoccurring shoaling.

DREDGING WORK ON ADAMS CREEK

Exiting Adams Creek, we were unprepared for the vastness of the Neuse River. It is known to be the widest river in the USA and greeted us with some rocking and rolling conditions. The sail boats loved the gusting wind as they swept across.

Oriental is the “Sailing Capital” of North Carolina. The town was originally called Smith Creek but renamed to Oriental by the postmaster in 1886. The Oriental was a sunken Union Civil War ship that washed up on a local beach.

THE SAILING CAPITAL OF NORTH CAROLINA

We were greeted at the marina with helpful hands and were soon tied up and exploring the tiny town. The waiting shrimper trawlers added to the ambiance of the area and we explored their gear, wishing it were shrimping season.

GOD'S GRACE READY FOR THE SHRIMP TO RUN

ORIENTAL MARINA AND RESORT

WE WERE CAPTIVATED BY THIS LANDSEER PUPPY



4/22/2011 THE RUN TO BEAUFORT, NC ON GOOD FRIDAY

FRIDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY:   37 NM

DOCKED AT:   BEAUFORT DOCKS

ICW MILE MARKER:     204

SUNRISE: 6:29      SUNSET: 7:44

HIGH: 71                LOW: 57

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 1

1. ONSLOW BEACH SWING BRIDGE   240.7

Thankfully, we were able to pull out of Swan Marina during a higher tide and made it without mishap. We watched the morning clam harvesters raking for their crop as we motored along.

RAKING FOR CLAMS

Much of our day was spent with Camp Lejunne Military Base flanking both sides of the waterway. In fact, the Onslow beach Swing Bridge is owned and operated by the Marine Corps. We passed by wide clearings where the Marines would practice their amphibious landings and derelict tanks that appeared to be used for artillery targets. Sometimes the waterway here is closed down to boating traffic when the Marines are engaged in live fire training sessions.

CAMP LEJUNNE MILITARYT TRAINING GROUNDS

We enjoyed Beaufort (Boe-fort), NC so much last year that we were eager to revisit. This area on the Crystal Coast was a bustling, viable port during the Civil War and the townsfolk have successfully preserved many of the valuable historical homes.






We enjoyed a most scrumptious dinner at the up-scale Blue Moon Bistro the listened to the live music wafting from the Dock House from the comforts of the Quest.

4/21/2011 WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH TO NEW RIVER, NC

THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY:   31 NM

DOCKED AT:   SWAN MARINA, NEW RIVER, NC

ICW MILE MARKER:   247

SUNRISE: 6:33     SUNSET: 7:47

HIGH: 81              LOW: 57


TODAY’S BRIDGES: 3

1. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BRIDGE 281.3

2. FIGURE 8 BRIDGE 278.1

3. SURF CITY SWING BRIDGE 260.7

Alexis and I made a quick run to the market and liquor store first thing this morning then gave the car to the guys who picked up the rebuilt pump and returned the car. Lucky for us, the pump worked just like planned and we made the Wrightsville Beach Bridge’s 1:00 PM opening.

ALEXIS AND CRAIG WATCHING THE WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BRIDGE OPEN

This was new territory for us as last year we took the cut to the sea for an outside run. We found a little oasis complete with palm and parking meter, wildlife sculptures and stranded boats in the waterway today.

COMPLETE WITH PALM TREE, PALAPA AND PARKING METER

FIRST WE SEE THE GIRAFFE

THEN WE FOUND A HIPPO

The temperature dropped drastically as we traveled from the Wilmington area into the waning storm just north of us. We did run into a few sprinkles but managed to stay out of the severe weather.

Our late start brought us to New River as evening approached. We started to stay at the New River Marina but changed our minds when Dan tested out the depth at the dock. We gave a call to Swan Marina and got the OK to tie up there. I’m thinking we should have stuck with our first plan as we got temporarily trapped in the shoaled over entrance to the marina. Dan expertly maneuvered us out of the predicament and up to the rather rickety dock. We will be waiting for high tide to exit tomorrow!!!

SWAN POINT MARINA AND THE VERY SHALLOW ENTRANCE