We've just arrived in Elisabeth City, North Carolina.

Here the City docks are free for transient cruisers and almost before we had secured our lines we found ourselves invited, along with other transient boaters, to a welcome reception laid on by the Tourist Office.

Quite amazing! - a marquee had been set up, cheese and wine was served, the Mayor spoke to us all about the history of the City, the ladies were each given a pink rose - we felt thoroughly spoiled.

We had departed Georgetown nearly two weeks ago with the intention of moving on every day. So much for plans! We'd forgotten just how lovely this particular part of the east coast can be and we found ourselves waking up most mornings and deciding to 'stay another day'

This aerial picture of Elizabeth city shows where we are now - the City docks are to the bottom left, just before the bridge.

The City is set 15 miles up the beautiful Pasquotank River which flows north from Albemarle Sound. The river mouth, approx. 5 miles wide, leads off Albemarle Sound (way out of view in this picture) and wends its way north to Elizabeth City where it takes a sharp right hand turn under the bridge and continues on for another 30 miles.