Leg 62 - Coinjock
Before I get to today’s travels I need to catch you up on our wonderful stay in Manteo. As I stated in the last entry, Susan and David stopped over to pick us up at the marina. We had lunch at a sandwich shop right at the marina where we began our “catch up session” from the last time we were together which was probably on our trip to Alaska with them in 2016. Anyway, they drove us to their house and we continued our story swapping as we checked out their wonderful beach home. Susan made a tasty dinner and then they graciously lent us use of their car for our stay. We stopped on the return trip to pick up groceries. The next morning, Saturday, we headed over to their house for a nice relaxing day at their pool. Susan served us lunch and dinner, during which time we chatted constantly. I have to mention their dog Shadow, a Lakeland Terrier. He is so well mannered and fun to play with. We instantly became buds. I was like the “grandparent” who visited, riled up the “grandchild” and then went home. Susan really appreciated that! Sunday morning, I did some chores around the boat and Sue did the laundry at the marina. After a home cooked southern style brunch with David and Susan at a local restaurant, we drove around the Roanoke Island visiting Fort Raleigh and the Lost Colony as well as a trip to the mainland to see what I could remember from my childhood and working experience here. Interestingly enough, Susan had mentioned they had someone work on their front steps by a builder. It turns out that this person was someone I had done construction work for back in 1978. We called him and met up with Glen and his wife for a little “remember when” conversation. It was great to see them. That evening, we played mini golf on their home made course in their back yard. So much fun! Finally, Monday, Sue browsed among the quaint shops of Manteo, then we drove to Rodanthe, south of Nags Head to sight see. Monday, we returned to their house and explored the northern end of the island (Duck and Corolla) and found a fun lunch spot. Of course we topped of the afternoon with ice cream and then they returned us to Manteo. We ended the evening with an early boater’s midnight, as we would leave Manteo and continue our trip north in the wee hours of the morning.
We were up early to a calm morning with very little wind and current. After a quick breakfast we untied the slack lines and then strategically removed the remaining two as we motored slowly out of the slip. We then motored slowly through the narrow channel out of Shallowbag Bay Club Channel (remember, I didn’t make that up) and out into Roanoke Sound. I saw the depth become less and less and, using my forward looking sonar, I was able to gently bump the bottom and then back down and try again. The second time we cleared and we were on our way. Once past any areas of concern I deployed the jib to allow me to slow the engine down while still maintaining 6 knots. We had lunch in the cockpit as the temperature seemed to get hotter and hotter – and that was under a partly cloudy sky. At least we had some wind to keep us cool but then we turned into a more narrow part of the trip and dropped the sail and just motored. It was hot – over 90 – a bit different from the last time we were here in October of last year. We arrived at Coinjock Marina and took on fuel and pumped out the holding tanks. After getting the AC on and cooling down a bit we went to the marina store where Sue found the Pepper jelly she bought on the way down and loved so very much. She purchased a few extra jars this time. Then we went back to relax a bit before dinner. Finally we went to dinner and I had the famous prime rib, and wow, was it great. It was at least an inch and a quarter thick, and very tender. You could have cut it with a butter knife. Of course I couldn’t eat it all so I brought it back to the boat for another meal. We walked the dock and chatted with some other boaters before retiring for the evening. Early to bed tonight as we need to get up early tomorrow to time a number of bridges along with the locks. Tomorrow we stop in Norfolk again to meet with our friends Kevin and Amy. Hopefully the weather cools down a bit so we can anchor out on the way home. Otherwise it will be marina hopping to Parkside.
Leg 63 - Norfolk Waterside Marina
Again we were up early as today’s travels would take us through 4 bridges and a lock. The challenge is that some open on the half hour and hour and others open on the hour only. If not timed properly once could find themselves waiting quite a long time in between bridges. We had a quick breakfast of cereal and coffee cakes along with coffee. I released all the lines and sprang aboard as there was absolutely no wind or major current. We gently drifted away from the pier and out into the ICW and on our way. I wasn’t expecting any wind but once we were out into the open the wind was 10-12 from the southwest. So I let out the jib and we were sailing along at 7.5 knots with 2300 RPM. I had my chart plotter route set to the last bridge and the tablet was to the first bridge. We actually got underway a bit earlier than planned but that was great as it meant we would get to our first bridge (opens half and hour) at 10 am. Then the next one was 42 minutes away (at 6 knots) so I bumped up the throttle to get us going 8 knots and called the bridge and asked if he would delay the opening. He agreed and we zoomed along (for a sailboat at least) and made it just in time for the 10:30 opening. The next bridge (only opens on the hour) was 25 minutes away so we were able to relax at 6 knots. Then the locks were timed with this bridge so we tied up and rode the water to a higher level and headed on our way. Finally, the last bridge was on request but sometimes the train bridge in front is closed but not today so we scooted through and on our way to the marina. The temperature is into the high 90’s so as soon as we docked we turned on the AC and got showers. Our friends Kevin and Amy are coming over to pick us up and entertain us.
Well, this is the end of the ICW. I will finish up our travel to our home marina which should take 3-4 more days but first we will explore around Norfolk today and tomorrow.