Greetings from near Elizabeth City, NC

It is raining hard here, so good time for a blog! We left Hampton on Monday as the wind was better - and headed for the Dismal. We decided on that route as the wind was supposed to pick up again, which it did, and we were really glad to be in some protection. The port of Norfolk was very quiet, thank goodnes, and we were able to make the first lock opening at 11:30. We locked thru with another trawler and 5 sailboats.

The swamp was beautiful, as usual, and an easy ride tho we did "bump" something 5 times. The first one was a "what the hell was that?" one, 2 more were "yeah, there was something" and 2 more were "did you feel that?". We did not feel any new vibration or anything to indicate that damage was done. Two of the sailboats dropped out to spend the night at the Visitor Center dock (which we did last spring) and the rest of us continued on. We were all hell bent on making the 3 pm opening of the second lock - and we made it!!

We planned to stop at a marina about a mile before Elizabeth City and daylight was running out. We knew from last year that if the wind was from the south (which it was) you could really get beat up at the dock in Eliz City, so we chose this marina which is very protected. We arrive at 5:45 to a welcoming crowd of 5 men to help us in. The dockmaster and 4 residents just being helpful! For once we are the "big fish" in the marina, which isn't saying too much considering the marina, BUT they have clean showers, laundry, courtesy car (which we are taking today into Eliz City), a well stocked convenience store and a GREAT, inexpensive restaurant. The people could not be nicer and the WIFI is one of the two best we have had on all of our travel, so far. Interesting how the more "rustic" the marina the better the service and WIFI. We are quickly learning the ropes!! So - yesterday and today waiting out the weather which is pretty craptastic. Wind just won't let up. Now we are looking at leaving here (to cross the Albermarle) possibly tomorrow or Fri -otherwise it will have to be the beginning of the week. We also have to look past that as there is a marina just after you cross, but it is in the middle of NOWHERE!! No way do we want to be stuck there for more than a night, two at the most. This is really a delicate dance and Mother Nature is the correographer. The trip from Hampton was an 11 hour day, so we really zoned out yesterday. Today is boat clean up day and running a few errands. All is well and looking at the weather ahead, we should be able to make Jekyll about the time to start heading north again! Remember, a schedule is your biggest enemy on a boat!

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