We enjoyed grilled lamb on the boat the second night, and while sitting outside in the cockpit enjoying a glass of wine, we had many admirers who just had to stop and tell us what a beautiful boat we have.
Oriental is a town of around 800 - and someone told us there were over 2200 sailboats there! It's known as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina. No wonder we had so much interest!
We left Oriental the next morning and headed north. We'll definitely try to return to this neat place with friendly folks in the fall on our way back south. There weren't many photo op moments this day, as the ICW is either quite wide or quite nondescript, save for a few bridges and osprey nests. Our next stop was a small marina called Dowry Creek in the Bellhaven Area on the Pungo River in NC. This is a small and very quiet marina with very a lovely owner, Mary. We borrowed the marina loaner car and headed for the local grocery store to stock up again.
Nick, the dock hand, alerted us about the next bridge we were to encounter heading north, which was a foot shorter than all the rest and since they don't get much tide there, it would be "iffy" as to whether we'd make it under. When we saw the barnacles showing on the pilings around our slip, we knew it would be the best shot at making it, so off we went.
We're on our way up the Alligator River to Coinjock - a marina and restaurant advertising a 32 oz Prime Rib. Our mouths were watering! Only wish I'd snapped a shot of that dinner plate... We shared it, naturally and it was as mouthwatering as we'd anticipated. After a leisurely start to the morning (that's kind of what happens after a huge meal like the one we had!) we were the second to last off the dock and headed north once again. This is the Coinjock marina and restaurant below - sort of a "parallel parking marina".
Yet another mama osprey...
Forty miles up the ditch, we encounter the Great Bridge, and immediately after that the Great Bridge Lock.
Seven or eight of us securely tied up in the lock and down the water goes. Nice chance to chat with the boaters ahead and behind us.
Once we're all lowered down, we're ready to head out the other side!
And we're all off and running again...
We left Coinjock at 8:30 a.m. and after 8 hours, ended up in Norfolk and tied up at the Tidewater Marina for the night. It's Memorial Day and we were treated to some evening fireworks. Thanks to all our troops through the years.
After an enjoyable evening here, we spent a leisurely morning and headed out at 11:45 after a quick run to the bank and grocery store. Just after leaving the marina, I spotted something floating in the water and Jeff circled while I grabbed the boat hook. Turns out it was a GREAT hat for keeping the sun off.... After a soak in some suds, it was as good as new!
After we got out of the industrial/naval section of Norfolk, we sailed to the Poquoson Channel and a beautiful anchorage. It has been 90 degrees for the past two days and after the anchor went down, Jeff took a plunge. We ended up firing up the generator to cool down for the evening.
Careful what you wish for, as we woke to 60 degrees! Bundled up and amazed at the 30 degree change....
This was an anchorage to remember. Quiet, secure, and apparently close to our good friends Twyla and Harry. We didn't have the opportunity to get together with them, as Twyla is visiting her mom in St. Louis. We hope to see them on our way back south in the fall. Twyla, we know your mom loves that you're there with her!
Tonight we are in Kilmarnock, VA at the Chesapeake Boat Basin which had good reviews from fellow boaters. They were right. More to come....
Greetings and welcome to Virginia. We are anxious to hear your stories first hand and to tip a few with you. This weekend or Monday are the best days. After that, our schedule is rather full. Annapolis? or anywhere around the Potomac or Chesapeake.
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