MILE MARKER “0” OF THE INTRACOSTAL Elizabeth River, Norfolk to Coinjock, NC (Mile 50 ICW)

Traffic at our 1st bridge on the ICW

     Just outside of Tidewater Marina we began our trip on the Intracoastal Waterway, Mile Marker “0.”  Initially, the Intracoastal Waterway is all industrial.  The exodus of pleasure craft mixes with tugs, barges and a ship being maneuvered up river. As we traveled further south, the more the pleasure craft we see, especially as we approach the bridges . . .proof that with all this beautiful water there can also be traffic. Once we passed the split for the Dismal Swamp, traffic thinned considerably. The scenery has also changed.  We traveled a very narrow waterway that is primarily tree-lined with water the color of dark tea. Some of the trees are hinting of a color change, but others are pines. There are lots of tree stumps sticking out into the water, making me wonder just how close some of those are we can’t see below the water are how close to the boat ???

     We were reminded that it is hunting season, by the hunter’s orange caps, the coon dogs along the banks, all the camouflage boats, engines, and gear, and a couple of shots we heard fired. John reported seeing a deer in a hunter’s boat.



The lock at Great Bridge closing.

      With the Virginia Cut, we had 12 bridges and 1 lock. We missed one bridge opening and we were unable to fit into the lock due to so many boats seeking passage, so we lost an additional hour waiting for the next one. These delays combined with a late departure made for a very long day.   Once in the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal there are no anchorages or marinas until Coinjack, N.C.  We did try to explore 2 suggested areas for anchoring around mile 29, but they were not deep enough so we continued on to Coinjack.   

Seville waiting at the lock.

 

Brunelle and Andiamo
leaving the lock.



Thankfully, Midway Marina was able to make room and accommodate us for the night.  We were able to tie up right at dusk and again have a beautiful sunset. We gathered aboard Pekabu III to celebrate Pete’s birthday and share the wonderful Pumpkin Cake Maureen had baked. We also had a “conference” call with more of the CCYC gang, who were currently at dinner in the Annapolis area. They, too, added their rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Somehow, there never seems to be a lack of discussion and laughter with our group. Of course, we strategized for tomorrow’s adventure. We will once again greet the sun at 7:30 AM so that we    can make it to the base of the Alligator River.   

Sunset at Midway Marina, Coinjack

58.7/288.5 Total Statute miles            ~  ~ (\_~ ~ ~     Kathy and Pete