Our New Friend KODIAK and more nature.
05 November 2017 | Pungo River, NC.
Left Tidewater Yacht Marina with some line handling assistance from the crew of HER DIAMOND as the wind was uncooperative for a graceful departure. The engine ran under load past the 20 minute long slip test of the day before so we gained some confidence. Gained more confidence backing and filling waiting on two coal trains to pass at the Gilmerton Bridge, took 40 minutes of waiting. Finally on our way to Great Bridge Lock.
Next to last boat into a full lock due to a large tow named KODIAK with a barge taking up the entire port side of the lock. As we were next to last in and behind the tow all the pleasure boats ahead of us went out then the lockmaster called for KODIAK then us. So we were to follow KODIAK essentially the remainder of the day as they ran about a half knot faster than us. Quite a bit of jockeying to get out as there was another barge north bound set to enter the lock when we exited. Unfortunately for them and several other boats both north and south bound they closed the lock due to high water until after noon when the high tide had passed. Good thing we made it there by the 9:40 entry.
It took about an hour to learn the best place to follow KODIAK like a NASCAR drafting partner. Best place ended up being just inside the bow wake but outside the prop wake. We drafted along at 6.5 kts or so and dropped to 5.8 kts outside the bow wake and to 5.5 in the prop wake. KODIAK was probably not too impressed by our position but we held in there.
Later in the day while getting up to 7.3 kts while motor sailing in 15-20kts we decided to try to pass KODIAK which seemed to be going great and we got even ahead to see the bow of the barge (unless your the lead dog the view never changes). About that time we ran completely beyond the bow wake. Remember what happens then? Yep we slowed down and fell in behind KODIAK again for the same old view. A thought came to mind of 35 HP vs 1500 HP so it makes sense. KODIAK is probably still laughing.
We saw a small deer walking in the water on the canal edge and as we passed it starting swimming across the canal behind us between the boats. It was just a head and ears slowly moving across and finally made it safely to the other side.
In the lock we talked with a couple from Wichita delivering a Maine Cat catamaran to Florida from Maine. They owned two others and were delivering this one for the factory to go to a new owner in Seattle. Later in the day while stopping in Coinjock, NC for a top off of diesel we talked further and found out they had lost their Maine Cat 42 in hurricane Harvey but still had their other cat in Abacos named MOONDOGGY. Funny we had seen MOONDOGGY in Hopetown last year and while chartering with mom, Stan and Annie and Dave and Kathy a few years back.
Anchored after Coinjock near Lutz Creek to prepare for crossing the Albemarle Sound, Alligator River and the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal.
Didn't see any alligators other than the log gators and the tire gators on the shore. Did get to speak on the radio to WYE TUG a couple from Wye River, MD. which is one of our favorite spots. Saw several snags and deadheads but were able to avoid them all.
And then we see KODIAK on the way back from Belhaven, NC with a full barge of who knows what headed back to Norfolk. We will pass Belhaven tomorrow on the way to the Pamlico Sound and then on to Beaufort, NC pronounced Bowfort as opposed to Beaufort, SC pronounced Buwfort. Julie had Lana confused last year trying to get the "o" before the "u" so Beaufort "o" being north of Beaufort "u" came first in the alphabet. Took a bit but we have it figured out now.
Great anchorage at the south end of the canal for jumping off tomorrow.