Coinjock to Belhaven, NC

Today:  89 miles, 12.25 hours, ICW St. M 135

Total:   316.2 miles, 44.5 hours

It was chilly sleeping last night.  Since we were the northern most boat on the dock, an extension was needed to be used for us to reach the 30-amp power.  We chose to run all systems but the heat, since that needs its own power source.  I grabbed an extra blanket during the night and Pete felt bad for Bailey, so he got up and placed a large towel over her as her coat was up in the cockpit. It was 44 degrees when the alarm when off.

  

We were up at 6 and departed at 6:30 am, just as the skies began to lighten. We were quiet, but the 5 other big boats preparing to depart were not. Dew on our windows were cleared, but unfortunately, reappeared shortly thereafter.  As we passed the 75-footer with thrusters starting to pull away from the dock, a crewman announced our position to his captain, but the captain decided to continue his exit anyway.  Thankfully, I was standing on the decks gathering all the lines and could direct Pete over to the western side of the channel.  Even as we were moving over, another large boat didn’t want to be caught behind our slow sailboat, so he decided to pass within 8 feet of PEKABU.

About three quarters of a mile from the marina, we entered a fog bank.  The large boat, with all it lights on in front of us, disappeared into the fog.  Thankfully, it was only a mile or so before the fog cleared. Since the dawn light continued to brighten, we were able to see patches of fog close to the tree lines, but not in the channel. Those five large power boats were history once we exited the fog.  As the sunrise continued to change in color and texture, we were passed by probably another 8 or 9 larger boats from the Coinjock dock over a 2-hour period.  There were only 2 other sailboats at the marina and we were the first to depart so they will probably catch up at one of the anchorages or marinas further south.

  

Once we entered Albemarle Sound, Pete raised the main and we increased our speed by 3/10 of a mile. It might only be 15 miles from Coinjock, but we never heard a request for the Alligator Pongo Bridge to open.  We were concerned, but finally heard a request when we were about 4 miles away.  We had no problems transiting the bridge opening when our time came. The Bridge is due to have maintenance begin in a week that will keep the bridge closed for about 2 weeks.

The breeze died for a brief while, then changed directions as they returned.  As Pete went to hoist the main again, it jammed.  It took a while for him to realize that the sail was loosely wound around the mast and had folded back upon itself.  Once he manipulated the sail and removed the looseness, the sail unfurled.  We increased speed by .5 miles.  Today, every little bit helps!

The blush of fall along the
Alligator Pongo Canal

While traversing the Alligator Pongo Canal, we were hailed by MV DANA O, a Norhaven from Wickford, RI. We couldn’t miss an opportunity to compare notes on Wickford.

Exiting the A/P Canal

At turns out that the sailboat that we have slowly been catching up to all day is the AQUINNAH from yesterday.  They opted to drop anchor in a creek further south than Coinjock. Shortly after speaking with (the Norhaven), AQUINNAH hailed us to give a heads up on a large deadhead in the center of the channel.  A little while later we discussed final destinations and the weather forecast for tomorrow.  A subtropical storm has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, has already crossed lower Florida and is now working its way along the coast.  It is going to meet up with a strong cold front tonight and will create some headaches from South Carolina north. 

AQUINNAH trying to beat the weather

"God rays" below and hints of blue
above the clouds  

We are heading into Belhaven and hopefully the municipal dock.  Pete had spoken with the Harbor master last night and he felt we should be good to tie up even at 6:30 pm. 

Feeling small below
the grandeur of these clouds

The skies decided to show some blue in between the heavy clouds and the sun played pee-ka-boo as it neared the horizon.  What a photo op!

Darkness descended before we approached the channel markers into Belhaven.  Thankfully, we have been here before and Pete is familiar with the entry to the municipal docks from when we were anchored, and Bailey needed to get to shore.  There are unlit, unmarked, pilings lining the entry.  Thankfully, at 6:45 pm, there was one spot left at the end of the dock. The boat in front of that area lit their running lights and came by to help us secure.  It turns out that the harbormaster was here logging in all the boats and was able to do us as well.

Beautiful, but ominous hit of the weather change to come!

Bailey and I took a long walk and once back at the dock we chatted with Mike and Tina from Ontario with their sailboat.  Pete joined us, but since all of us hadn’t eaten dinner, we went our separate ways to prepare dinner.  Ours was hot dogs, beans and hash browns, quick and satisfying after a long day. After relaxing a bit, we made it an early night after a long day, 89 miles!  And we can sleep in in the morning.  We are staying put so that the storm can pass before continuing our journey.

This cloudy day was bracketed by a sunrise and sunset that was beautiful surprises of moods, colors. textures, and intensity!

~~~/) ~~  K & P