Tuesday, Alligator Creek Marina, NC to Elizabeth City, NC: Today was decision time for us. We had to decide if we were going to do Route 1-Virginia Cut or Route 2-Dismal Swamp. We have been tossing it back and forth for over a week now. We chose the Dismal Swamp. Everyone says it is much prettier. We left at 06:30 so we could get across the Albemarle Sound before the thunder storms hit. Going through 10 miles of the Sound we had the wind and waves at our stern which was helpful and just the last 5 miles it was at our Port. Then as we entered Pasquottank River the wind and waves were on our stern again. It was a beautiful morning and the sound was relatively calm and so was the Pasquottank River. We got within 1/2 mile of Elizabeth City, NC, before the rain hit. By the time we got to the free docks it had stopped. There were already several other boaters there to help us in. After getting to Elizabeth City it rained on and off the rest of the day and night. We did; however, have a little problem when leaving Alligator Creek Marina. About 6 miles past the bridge there was a very narrow passage with a lot of shoaling by G5, Long Shoal Point. The chart said 7 feet but the props touched bottom a little. Keith thinks we are OK. We now know to favor the Green Marker; we thought we were but I guess you have to be practically on top of it. Coming up the Pasquottank River we saw a civilian Blimp Manufacture and there was a blimp outside. It is my understanding that this is 1 of 2 places that manufactures blimps in the US. The only one that is not made here is the Good Year Blimp.
Wednesday, Elizabeth City Free Dock: Do to the weather forecast we stayed another day and will possibly stay on Thursday also. We had a very nice dinner last night at Grouper's Waterfront Grill right next to the docks. It was delicious and the price was right in line with other restaurants on the east coast. The local grocery store picked us up to do shopping and when we were done they took us back to the boat. A very nice service for the boaters; one of the many. We also went to the free Museum of the Albemarle which had several artifacts on display, covering 400 years of local history. Elizabeth City is also home to the largest Coast Guard Airborne Station in the US. The City hosted a wine and cheese party for all the boaters this evening and all the women got a rose. This has been a custom of the City for several years.
N36 17.911
W76 13.104
CO's comments: Each time you stop at a marina it is very important to talk to locals about any problems you might encounter in the local waters. I thought I was favoring the green side but we still touched bottom. Other boaters came through there ran within 2 feet of the green marker and had no problem.
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| Our tie-up at Alligator River Marina |
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| Marina entrance and Alligator River Bridge |
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| Blimp outside hanger-Pasquottank River |
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| First view of the Blimp and Hanger |
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| At the docks in Elizabeth City, NC |
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| Wine and Cheese party |
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| My rose! |
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