Since my last post we have travelled about 220 nm, and are docked in the luxury resort marina River Dunes, just outside Oriental, NC.

After a night in Hampton, VA we passed through the busy harbour of Norfolk and Portsmouth. There are naval ships of every kind here along with container ships and all the pleasure craft making their way south. Security on the water is tight but you still get a pretty good look at aircraft carriers, warships, subs and a hospital ship.

The Dismal Canal is next and we passed through the first bridge and lock to arrive at the Visitor Centre free dock. Traffic had been heavy that day, so the boats were rafted 4 and 5 deep for the length of the dock! Next morning, the lockmaster patiently positioned 14 boats - along both sides and rafted down the middle. There was enough room for everyone at the Elizabeth City docks and we met several boaters on the dock and at dinner that night in a local pub.

Next, on Monday, we travelled the Alligator River for 46 miles, stopping to anchor in a very inhospitable spot at the start of the canal. There is little to no solid land - it's all swamp which would be fine except for the dog! Ron managed to find one small spot with a pine tree on it - so Buddy did get ashore. The mosquitos were the worst we've seen and chased us inside early. In the morning the boat was covered with them.

Tuesday took us through the Alligator/Pungo River Canal - a ditch some 25 miles long through the swamp and into the Pungo River to the town of Belhaven, where we once again anchored. During the night northwest winds began to howl and the temperature plummeted. Wednesday was cold and nasty, but we did make good time, headsail only at 8-9 knots with the wind and waves pushing us from behind! We arrived at River Dunes Marina in the early afternoon are are now in the lap of luxury! Everything about this marina is first class - steam showers, beautiful clean (and cheap) laundry, lovely restaurant. It is very southern and quaint. We plan to spend two nights here and enjoy all it has to offer! Next stop is Beaufort, NC.