November 5, 2016 Tuesday

We pulled anchor at first light and wound our way south along the rivers and marshes of the Virginia Cut watching the tall marsh grasses and cypress trees slide past. The sky was full of ash grey clouds rushing by promising a powerful front this evening and lots of scattered showers today. The clouds added to the beauty of the scenery in this remote section of the country where only a few homes and buildings have encroached on the waterway.

Around noon we cruised through the only town for miles around, Coinjock, just a dozen buildings and a seawall to tie up to. There was mini-cruise ship tied to the waterfront surprisingly given the remote location.

The next section was more open marsh and less forest but the channel was still narrow in areas and twisting. I saw a tug and barge approaching on the AIS and called to coordinate our passing. The captain said there was plenty of room and that nothing special was needed such waiting up at a wide spot. Mike still gets nervous about dealing with barges in narrow channels so we pulled out of the channel in time to watch the tug pushing two very large grain barges past.

Eventually we made our way out into the Albemarle Sound where a light breeze from the east came along and we opened the headsail for a little boost in speed. Once on the Sound and for the rest of the afternoon as we made our way up the Alligator River there was little to see as the shores are far off. Unidentified water fowl and a few crab pots are about it so we read books and magazines. Typically, these waters are rough but today we glided along smoothly. Even the Alligator Swing Bridge opened up as we approached and we just went right on through without any delays or drama.

We dropped the hook just as the Alligator River makes a turn to the west where five other boats were already anchored. Sharon had cooked pork chops, potatoes and sauerkraut in the crockpot all afternoon providing a welcomed hot meal after another sixty-mile day.