After two days of glorious sailing our luck ran out and we had to resort to motor sailing the rest of the way to Norfolk. Although it was a shorter day than the previous 2 we wanted to get a jump on the crowd so we could secure a good spot in the Hospital Bay Anchorage. So,with coffees in hand, we were off by 7:30 for thé 44 mile run to Mile Zero of the ICW. The wind teased us a bit in the morning as it tried to fill but it eventually faded away to nothing as the motor pushed us along at 7 knots. We managed to take advantage of the ebb tide until Fort Munro but as we turned the corner onto Hampton Rhodes we had to fight adverse currents until we were passed battleship row and entered the Elizabeth river. No matter how many times we pass the Navy yards we are always impressed by the sheer size of the base and the amount of ships in various stages of readiness. We were rewarded for our early start as we were only the 5th boat to arrive in the anchorage.

Once the dew was cleaned off the windshield the next morning we were on our way as we passed mile marker 0 and headed down the ditch. The first ten miles can always be frustrating as we have to negotiate a couple of bridge openings as well as a lock at Great Bridge. However, things went smoothly with minor delays and by days end we had covered 62 miles before dropping the hook at Buck Island. We had several large powerboats pass us during the day and Bev and I were surprised by how polite everyone was on the radio as overtaking arrangements were negotiated. It can be a little intimidating to watch a 70 foot sport fishing boat approach from behind at 25 knots with a 4 foot high bow wave, suddenly chop the throttles and idle by with minimal wake. I guess things will change after a few days when patience wears thin. After all we're used to hearing some pretty colourful language that can't be repeated here.

Our plan was to push hard until we got to Belhaven NC where we could take a well deserved break. We had stopped here on our first trip and we were so well treated we have made it a point to stop here whenever we have a chance. By the end of day two on the ditch we had reached the bottom of the Pungo River canal after another long day of listening to the motor. We spoiled ourselves by not setting an alarm as Belhaven was only 10 miles away. After a very leisurely breakfast we finally set off for Belhaven at 10 a.m. under bright sunny skies yet again. The plan is to take a 2 day break here while I finish a few boat chores which include some exterior varnishing. But first was dinner at The Mariachl restaurant, home to great margaritas and delicious homemade Mexican food.

Today's picture is of our neighbours in the Pungo River anchorage.