The Alligator Pongo Canal to Belhaven

Dan took this magnificent photo while heading in with Pete and the dogs

 

The dew was heavy
and showed us all
the spider webs aboard

   Last night we discussed among the four boats, our 9 AM departure this morning. Since RAGTIME and SEVLLE were ready, they radioed us that they would start heading south on the Alligator Pongo Canal a bit earlier than BRUNELLE and us.  We would meet them in Belhaven.

     It was another morning with heavy fog and dew. Martha and I cleared the windows while the men took the dogs to shore.  Dan brought his camera along and returned with some magnificent photos.

The marker at the entrance of
boat ramp canal

 

About 1/4 mile up the canal was the ramp

    We upped anchor and were underway by 8:40.  We could hear the usual radio request made by faster boats passing the slower ones. The entire trip down the canal, no one asked to pass, though 3 larger cruisers passed us in wider waters. We only saw 3 other boats we saw coming down the canal.

Mother Nature has begun to
recapture the log pile of 5 years ago

 

There was little wildlife along the canal ~
This one makes it fun to search

    The A.P Canal is pretty in a different way than the Dismal Swamp. The canal is wider and has more variations in habitats. There are mixed forests, pine forests, swamps and a number of homes lining the shore. Last time down, we passed a pile of trees, which were probably dragged out of the canal.  Pete called it the World’s Largest Beaver Dam. Five years later, it is still there, but Mother Nature has begun to put her stamp on it. Greenery has begun to cover parts of the pile.

 

Damage caused by the storms
that drenched this area with
11+ inches!  Inland they had 27"!

    BRUNELLE has problems with the fuel filter. They motored sailed to keep pace with us. Dan has also noted that BRUNELLE’s speed has decreased from earlier this summer.  He wants to check his prop when we get to Belhaven. While he is diving, he will also check our rudder. It continues to be stiff and no leaks.

  

Pete and Bailey taking in the waterfront homes
of Belhaven



    

 

 

 

 

 

      With the varying scenery, the time passed quickly. We arrived in Belhaven after 3 and rafted with BRUNELLE.  After a ride to the town docks and dog were walked, we got back into the dinghies, motored to where RAGTIME and SEVILLA were in River Forrest Marina, then walked around town. It is hard to tell that the horrible, 11” of rain that hit this area last month had flooded the town. Everything looked back to normal. Hopefully, as we travel further south in NC, the debris from the 27’’ of rain Columbia received has worked its way down river and out to sea. . . without being partially submerged and creating havoc for the off shore cruisers.

Thanks, Dan!

    Dan did dive on both boats. There is no problem with his prop, but the pitch of the prop might need another adjustment. As for PEKABU, there was no damage Dan could find when feeling the entire rudder. The water is so tannic that is looks like tea that has brood for days.  He did suggest calling Catalina and requesting to speak with Warren Pandy, their chief mechanic.  Pete left a voice mail around 4. Since it is Friday, we had little hope of speaking with him until Monday.  However, at 9:20 PM Pete’s phone lit up with a Florida number. He assumed it was a telemarketer, but answered it anyway. It was Warren. After some discussion, Warren feels that the hit to the rudder caused a tiny crease in the hollow tube of the rudder.  If the crease was any larger, we would not be able to move the rudder at all. Not to worry, the slight pinching causing the tightness, will slowly wear away and in time the wheel will move freely as it originally did.  We should be good for another 10 years.  Boy! That is great news.

 

An unusual way to clean up
fallen pine cones

    I called and made reservations at River Dunes for all 4 boats. Our plan was to spend the weekend, but the owners meeting was this weekend. All staff is needed for this function.  Rich, the Harbor Master, asked if we could anchor out and come in on Sunday afternoon.   He would give us 2 for 1 nights’ accommodations.  The cruiser’s dinner would also be available on Monday. Everyone agreed that that this works for them. Our only problem is that Pete will need to rent a car to go home for his mom. When I mentioned this to Rich, he said he would help find a way to get Pete to New Bern for the rental.

     Some reading after dinner and we should have a good night’s sleep with that great news!

ICW Mile Marker    136

5  Hours       (Total 49.75 Hours)

34.9  Miles    (Total 325.2 Miles)