06/09/2010, Deep Creek, VA

May 29th, 2010 Deep Creek, VA

Docked in front of us is a rather permanent looking barge that houses an environmental classroom. It takes up about 3 slips along the dock so parking here is limited. It has been quiet for Memorial Day weekend, but I did help a college kid who returned for his "time slips." It is associated with UVA and has a sign that says "The Elizabeth River Project." If we're still here on Tuesday, I'll find out more.

I used their hose after coffee this morning to scrub down "Sapphire" again. She is getting a little cleaner each time so the decks are almost back to normal...with a fresh coat of gloss on the teak, we're looking good enough for the critics in the Chesapeake.

When I was finished, we hiked to town, stopping first at the parts store for some engine oil, a filter and some brake cleaner. Yes you're right...we have no brakes but we have found that brake cleaner takes petroleum products out of fiberglass and fabric...even clothes, so we try to keep some on hand.

Our next stop was the Food Lion, where we stocked up on vegetables and picked up a few other supplies.

Back at the boa,t Kathy made chicken salad for a late lunch and then we read for a while in the cockpit, feeling lazy. Kathy decided to work on stainless which shamed me into changing the oil so what started off being a leisurely afternoon, ended up being more productive than usual.

Using up odds and ends, I made pizza for dinner which was tolerable.

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06/09/2010, Deep Creek, VA

May 28th, 2010 Goat Island NC to Deep Creek VA

We were up and away at around 6:30, weighing anchor in a slight sprinkle. South Mills lock was about an hour and a half a way through the woods. A power boat passed us after about 20 minutes and there was a large old sailboat (Morgan) barreling along behind us. I called them on the radio and assured them that we were on time for locking through and they backed off the throttle a little.

There were four boats in the lock ready for the lift when two more boats appeared in the distance. Although it was already late, the lockmaster waited for them. 30 minutes later we were ready to leave...when the last boats in took off rather that waiting their turn to exit.

The trip through the Dismal Swamp was uneventful... we saw a snake and lots of turtles, also hawks and herons. There was room for one boat at the dock in Deep Creek so we pulled over and tied up. North winds are again forecast for a couple of days so we'll wait to sail up the Chesapeake when the wind turns. Meanwhile it's time for an oil change. I also need to figure out where the nut that I found in the tray under our engine came from.

We went for a walk in the afternoon and then hiked up to the La Familla for dinner. I had the waitress help pick out a meal and ended up with shaved sirloin slow cooked in some spicy green sauce served with beans, rice, lettuce and guacamole. A little of everything in a tortilla and I was in heaven.... I had three and almost didn't make it back to the boat.

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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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