Across the Albemarle Sound

An early departure from Elizabeth City in a lifting fog bank gave us this view of a blimp hangar and some blimps along the Pasquotank River.

After a gusty sail across the Albemarle Sound we approached the swing bridge on Alligator River cautiously as some sailors we met at Elizabeth City warned us about some new shoaling and to pay close attention to the markers.

We made it without incident through the swing bridge and began our sail down the Alligator River.

The Alligator River is desolate without even much cell phone service for most of the length. Apparently the military uses the area for practice as we saw the jet fighters below for at least an hour as we slogged along southward.

At the lower reaches of the Alligator River we turned into the Alligator/Pungo River Canal with hopes of making it to Belhaven for the night.

As the sun was getting low in the sky, we chose not to go to Belhaven but called the Dowry Creek Marina for a slip for the night. We were pleased we did as the Dowry Creek Marina was a very nice marina with a pool, clean facilities, fuel, etc.

We spent the night here in the peace and quiet surroundings of Dowry Creek.

Day 4- Out of the Dismal Swamp

The next morning we left early to make the first opening of the South Mills Lock.

We arrived at South Mills plenty early and had to wait a little while for the locktender.

After transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal we motored down the scenic Pasquotank River and made it to Elizabeth City where there is free dockage for transients and sometimes a dock party courtesy of the "Rosebud ladies" if there are enough boats docked there. We did enjoy their reception with wine and hor'dourves and subsequently had an enjoyable dinner at "Key West Grill" in town.

We spent a pleasant afternoon and evening here in Elizabeth City and departed early the next morning for the Albemarle Sound.

Day 3; Through Norfolk and the Dismal Swamp Canal

 Norfolk is quite busy with lots of commercial traffic and the navy vessels.

Finally through Norfolk and down the Elizabeth River to the first lock at the north end of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Mike is tending the line to keep the boat in place as the lock fills with water. The lift is about 8 feet.

 Once at the top of the lift in the lock, locktender Rob tooted his conch shell for us. He loves his job.

 The canal is tree lined for most of its length. All of the vegetation creates the brown colored water due to the tannins from the decaying vegetation as seen below.

We couldn't make the southern lock before the last opening, so we rafted alongside a trawler at the Visitor Center in the Dismal Swamp Canal.

We spent a very peaceful night in the still waters of the canal. Lots of insect repellant and citronella candles kept the pesky biters at bay.

Day 2

Still feeling the effects of the brisk norther, Seaduction ran speedily southward on the bay, hoping to reach Salt Ponds Marina by sunset. We felt that would be an excellent starting point for the next morning's attempt at running the Dismal Swamp canal on the third day.

Day 1 End

After a long first day, a peaceful mooring ball was a welcome sight just minutes before sunset. The first night was spent in the creek near Zahnisers Marina near Solomon's Island.

Rock Hall to Melbourne

June 6, 2010 was a sunny brisk day with strong northerly breezes; a great way to begin the trip from Rock Hall, Maryland to Melbourne, Florida. Mike and Al were the crew and captain, respectively. Al is shown in the top photo passing under the Bay Bridge, Mike is shown in the lower photo, suitably attired for the brisk following northerly breeze.