06/09/2010, Goat Islannd, N.C.

May 27th, 2010 Alligator River to Goat Island, NC

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday's north winds and clouds are gone and have been replaced with a light breeze and sunny skies. We motor-sailed all day up the Alligator, through the shoals at it's mouth, across the Albemarle Sound, up the Pasquotank River, past Elizabeth City and on upstream to Goat Island.

Other than dodging crab pots, the only excitement was the Coast Guard. All morning we heard the Coast Guard boarding boats outside Elizabeth City. As we approached, fully intending to be boarded, we went through the check list. Yes the oil spill placard was up. (It's in the way in the engine compartment and sometimes I take it down.) Kathy found the Nav Regs. and brought up the lifejackets. We were ready for the pesky devils.

As we approached the area, sure enough, through the binoculars I could see the orange inflatable up on plane and heading our way. About a ¼ mile away it veered off and went over to hassle a small day-sailor with two kids aboard. We drove past waiting for the radio call but they stayed with the smaller boat. During the inspection their boat had drifted into an area of the river where it was going to be difficult sailing out, so the Coasties towed them to better air while we made our escape under the Elizabeth City bridge and up the river.

An hour later we were securely anchored behind the north end of Goat Island. It was hot, but there was enough of a breeze to keep things tolerable in the shade of the bimini.

Kahty had made potato salad during the afternoon and I marinated a flank steak which made for very nice meal here in the middle of nowhere.

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05/27/2010, Alligator River, NC

May 26th...2010 Pungo River to the Alligator River

Were were up early but in no hurry to get under way. It still looks like Thursday is the day to cross the Sound so we'll only have a trip of about 20 miles.

Our anchor was up about 8 a.m. and back down at noon in the Alligator out of the wind. The grey skies began to lighten about then and by 4:00pm it was mostly sunny. The wind continued to blow about 20 knots until supper time.

The highlight of the day occurred about ¾ of the way through the canal when a bear swam across in front of us. By the time it reached the other side we were about a boat length away. It didn't stick around for a posed photo but Kathy did get a couple of shots as it left the water.

When we arrived there were two boats in the anchorage ... by sundown there were eight. There is lots of room so there wasn't any trouble except for Barry's cousins who anchored of our starboard stern and shouted in French all night.

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05/27/2010, Pungo River, North Carolina

May 25th, 2010 Pungo River, NC

The storm over the Atlantic is spinning clouds and wind from the north. Our next leg is the Alligator- Pungo Canal and it's only about 22 miles long... but from that point there is another 30 miles through the river and then the sound where we be heading due north into the wind. Since it looks like Thursday is the first day we'll get any respite from the north winds, we decided to stay put for the day.

Kathy worked on cleaning, I sorted the starboard cockpit locker and put my spears, the gaff and fishing poles away for the time being.

I baked bread and experimented on adding cheese to one loaf and garlic mashed potatoes to another. Later in the afternoon I made a meat loaf and got it in the over around 5 p.m..

A boat pulled in during the late afternoon and proceeded to lower their dinghy and head our way for a visit. It turned out to be John and Nancy whom we've met before and have run into them the last two summers. Nancy owns a Bayfield 40 that is currently for sale and John has an Island Packed that looks to be about a 40 as well. They have spent the winter in the Caribbean and are on their way back to the Chesapeake to haul "Larking About" and launch "Adventuress" with the idea of selling her.

They are in a rush and will brave the north winds tomorrow on the sound in order to get Nancy back in time for a graduation.

We had a nice chat ... neither of them have been on the ICW before and were thankful for the information we could give them.

The meat loaf was excellent-served with the last of the garlic mashed potatoes.....

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