What happens inCoinjock...stays in Coinjock

We left Dowry Creek Marina at 8:45am Saturday morning for an 82 mile cruise to Coinjock, NC. We left early because of predicted storms in the late afternoon and the ominous skies when we awoke. We also were apprehensive about crossing Albemarle Sound. Although we only had to bisect it, from south to north, it still is an impressive piece of shallow water. But our worrying was unnecessary. We cruised the entire 82 miles with ease. Arriving in Coinjock at 1230pm. We fueled and got settled in, waiting for the storm to hit later. We then had a great view as all the other boats arrived toward evening. The rain held off until about 5:30pm but when it came it was full of thunder and lightning. We are now at ICW mile marker 49.5 and we have started to study the Chesapeake Bay chart book. We are planning on taking the western route up the bay. As I write this, Sunday 2:50p, Linda is entering waypoints for the Bay in her GPS. Tomorrow - Virginia! Ken




Leaving Dowry Creek Marina Saturday morning at 8:45am. The clouds were with us all day.

After leaving Dowry Creek Marina we traveled about 5 miles on the wide Pungo River and then entered the Pungo River to Alligator River Canal - this canal continues likes this, perfectly straight, for 18 miles. No worries, no navigation problems - just stay in the middle. I like it like that! We also like that it was 12' deep!

After leaving the canal we entered the Alligator River and then Albemarle Sound. The Sound looked very similar to Long Island Sound. Instead of rhythmic waves, there is chop. We soared across it in about 45 minutes at 26 mph. After leaving the sound we entered the North River - the picture above is typical of the North River - winding, wide, and the land is flat as far as you can see.

Coinjock Marina - a must stopping place according to everyone. We are enjoying it immensely. A good restaurant (home of the 32-oz prime rib), wi-fi, cable TV, and nice little mart. It is just one long dock that fills up at night. We arrived before all the sailboats and they put us right behind the sailboat in the picture. This picture is was taken as we approached the gas dock area.

We met Charlie and Terry, from the boat Voyager, for dinner. This tanker went by as we ate. You really can't get a feeling for the size - it was at least 3X longer that what you see and almost as wide as the canal we are in. The rain has started and is bringing with it high winds from the north. When the rain started it was 84 degrees - this morning it was 64. We are staying in Coinjock until Monday to avoid the wind and stirred up Currituck Sound.

As usual, Cory was making friends. This is 'Zipper' , an 11-week old miniature Schnauzer.

Charlie ordered the famous 32-oz. prime rib and we had to get a picture of it. Needless to say, it will be several meals aboard the Voyager. Ken & I had seafood!