30 miles
Was famous for food as well as just being in a good place.

Decided on the Virginia Cut instead of the great dismal swamp so never got to Elizabeth City.

Staying at marinas is not our first choice, but as we go through certain sections of the water way, they become (almost) the only choice in all but completely settled weather.

We have talked with many people who have made the trip many times, but have stopped. For many it was simply once was enough (or 4 times or 6 was enough). But for many it is because there are less and less places to anchor-out. While some enjoy the marina experience, many (probably most) would prefer to anchor-out. But as time has gone on more and more places that were good anchorages (wind and wave protection, good holding, easy access, beauty, etc) have been strewn with house and docks, or in many cases bought up and turned into marinas or mooring fields, or one of the saddest reasons is that they are full of derelict, sinking and sunk abandoned boats, or just permanently moored boats.

So it becomes two things, the cost of marinas being one, but also simply that for many or most cruisers, an anchorage is much preferred. So a nice day on the water can become expensive (for some) or an uncomfortable to harrowing night in a bad anchorages. So many people have simply stopped cruising the water way.