TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 70 NM
DOCKED AT: DOWRY CREEK MARINA IN BELHAVEN, NC ($1.65 /FT W/P OVERALL)
SUNRISE: 6:47 AM IN COINJOCK SUNSET: 4:57 PM IN BELHAVEN
HIGH: 72 LOW: 57
We didn’t quite make our goal of departing by 6:30 but only missed by 15 minutes. It was drizzling and flocks of mosquitoes mysteriously appeared, engulfing us as we scurried about trying to get away from the dock. We were rewarded with a splendid rose-colored sky as the sun continued to rise.
 |
| AN OUTSTANDING MORNING SKY |
Quest crossed the expansive Albemarle Sound in slightly choppy conditions, passed through the opening of the Alligator River Swing Bridge and entered the shelter of the Alligator River. This bridge cannot be opened in winds greater than 35 knots but it posed no problem in today’s light breeze.
 |
| ALBEMARLE SWING BRIDGE |
The rich, coffee colored waters here are tinted with the natural tannins that leech from the roots and decaying leaves of the cypress and juniper trees we see lining the shores. This stained water is not dirty and was, in fact, a highly sought commodity by the early sailors because it would sore for long periods of time without spoiling. For us boaters it just means we have to work a little harder at the maintenance. The “ICW moustache” is definitely back!
 |
| EVIDENCE OF THE TANNIN IS SEEN IN THE RICHLY COLORED FOAM |
We were constantly in view of other boats all day today, passing some and being passed by others. The race to the warmer southern climate is certainly on.
 |
| FOLLOWING 2 SAILBOATS AND A TRAWLER IN THE ALLIGATOR RIVER |
It was amazingly calm in the Pungo River, almost eerie. We were happy to pull into Dowry Creek Marina after a long day’s run and were greeted with helping hands and an invitation to the 5:00 cocktail party in the boater’s lounge. We wasted no time but got right to the docking chores and were ready, cocktails in hand, in plenty of time to join the other transients as well as live-ins that populated the marina. They do this every night and it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers or learn about the area.
 |
| STRIKING END TO THE DAY |
No comments:
Post a Comment