F I N A L L Y We have begun Cruising Season #3!!!
We left Yorktown mid-morning on Wednesday and turned Anastasia's nose south. After a quick sail, close hulled, we anchored in the familiar spot of Hospital Point, Portsmouth just in time for the temperature-dropping cold front. We woke to a 30 degrree temperature change and heavy rain. Still we were jazzed from our much anticipated departure so we kept going even though the weather was nasty.
Over the past few weeks were delayed due to engine issues. We have had a persistent fuel leak at the high pressure pump that Maxwell and our amazing diesel guru Nick have been struggling with. Anastasia is powered with a Perkins 4-108, an oldie but a goodie. Since our ownership, we are responsible for 1000 hours and she has given us minimal issues. But this one was hard to fix, it took precious time and careful effort but the guys got it fixed! Thanks Nick @ East River Technical Services. Today we are happily motoring with no leaks!
Thursday found us trudging along through the wind and rain south via the Dismal Swamp. We made a promise in the Spring that we'd stop at the Visitor's Center in NC and so we did. We were told by the Lockmaster, Robert who is a gifted conch shell player, at the Deep Creek Lock that we were about 2 weeks behind the rush so we shared the dock with one other boat, Segwun. Nonetheless it was a beautiful night and very peaceful. Friday morning we woke to 47 degree cabin temperatures and frost covering the deck. I can't think of when this has happened before. We must get South!
crossing into North Carolina
Anastasia & Segwun @ the NC Visitors Center
Friday morning down the canal.
Friday afternoon we made it to the free docks in Elizabeth City and tied up for the night. We braced ourselves for even lower temps as the low was forecasted to drop to 29 degrees.
This shit is for real. It is COLD.
images speak for themselves.