Hampton, VA; April 24, 2011

Link to anchorage in Hampton, VA via Google Maps

Naval Shipyard at Norfolk 

Huge ships are still being built there

Commercial vessels of all kinds were seen in this busy harbor

You see vessels of all kinds

Norfolk Naval Station is one of the largest Naval installations in the world

Really have to pay attention on this nautical freeway

Bird of the day

Three milestones today and fresh tuna ! ; March 23, 2011

Link to anchorage in Norfolk, Va via Google Maps

We are anchored at "Mile Zero!" on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. 

 - traveled 1631 miles so far. 

Trivia: The AICW dates way back to the Revolutionary War to create a better transportation route between colonies to increase national security!

There was nothing dismal about the Dismal Swamp Canal.

We would say there was beauty around every corner except there aren't any corners.

This canal is the oldest man-made waterway in the US still in use today and was dug by hand! 

I guess in 1784 they didn't have the machinery to do the job, but its hard to imagine 22 miles dug by hand ! 

Hello Virginia !

Saw this crazy looking domestic duck walking along the road near a lock in the canal.

Tuna anyone? Delicious!

South Mills Lock, NC; April 22, 2011

Link to moorings at South Mills Lock via Google Maps

Large dirigible hanger left over from World War II. It now houses a blimp-building firm.

Big blimp next to the hanger

Elizabeth City is home to the largest Coast Guard Command Center in the nation.

On the Pasquotank River

Narrow and twisty

Moored between two dolphins for the night - outside the South Mills Lock.
This is the entrance to the Great Dismal Swamp.

Albemarle Sound, NC; April 21, 2011

Link to anchorage north of Albemarle Sound via Google Maps

Albemarle Sound is a challenging body of water to cross !

It's long and narrow and the seas can toss you every which way.

Winds kicked up to 30mph about half way across

We had a bumpy ride the rest of the way

Crap pot markers are all over the place

Some are really hard to see - this one is black !

Safely across and at anchor on the north side of the Sound

South of Albermarle Sound, NC ; April 19, 2011

Link to anchorage at the south edge of Albemarle Sound via Google Maps

We started our day by traveling the Pungo River - Alligator River Canal.
Long straight stretches with a couple of slight bends. 

This must be the work of a very busy beaver!

Think the kids flew the nest and they are downsizing

Leaving the canal and coming into the Alligator River at AICW mile 105.
When you get to mile 0, you are entering the Chesapeake Bay.

Our anchorage on the south edge of Albemarle Sound.
We will stay here until the weather is favorable to cross.

Next travel will take us across the Sound, past Elizabeth City and into the Dismal Swamp Canal.

Pungo River - Alligator River Canal, NC; April 18, 2011

Link to anchorage near Pungo / Alligator River Canal via Google Maps

Calm morning

Whitecap afternoon

Neuse RIver, Pamlico Sound, Bay River, Gale Creek, NC; April 17, 2011

Link to anchorage in Gale Cr via Google Maps

Today we traveled down the Neuse River into the west end of Pamlico Sound before turning up Bay River. We are now at anchor on Gale Creek where it is very peaceful.

Last night we survived the Monster Storm of North Carolina!
Weather reports warned of the coming storm and we prepared to ride it out.
It was nerve racking while watching the news track the storm.
When it hit at 9pm, the wind sounded like a train and the gusts were strong enough to cause significant rolling.
We had minimal damage with the main thing being the mizzen sail tearing.
Lollygag did great and got a good washing, but we don't want to go through that again!

Beautiful day today with lots of sailboats out

Birds following a tug