Heading south - the smart way!

OK, the weather has been beautiful, especially for late December, early January.  But, tonight/tomorrow, winter hits here with lows around 20 and gale force winds (gusts of 35 knots +).  Having lived through 17 degrees and snow in Elizabeth City last year, we decided NOT AGAIN!  We left Portsmouth at 7:30 this morning and made the 50 mile trip down the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, generally known as the Virginia Cut, to Coinjock, NC.  Leaving Portsmouth/Norfolk always brings more pictures of our navy ships.  They are impressive! Your tax dollars afloat.

This year we decided to take the "Virginia Cut" instead of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal.  We had too many hits of the bottom of the boat last year and decided it's not worth damaging the keel.  The VA Cut is pretty - not quite as picturesque as the Dismal, but still pretty.

We also had about 5 bridges to negotiate.  They aren't big bridges, but little ones, some only 4 feet above the water.  But we sure can't go under them!  Many open only on the hour or half hour, so you are busy trying to time getting to each bridge.  Some bridges are "bascule", meaning that the bridge arms raise into the air, creating an opening. This "swing bridge" just swings open, out of the way.

Coinjock is but a step on the Intercoastal - a little area consisting of 2 marinas, 2 restaurants (closed for the year), and a NC barbecue restaurant/post office/hardware store 1 mile away.  We opted for a marina with electricity (HEAT!!!!!) for the next 2 nights. Secure dockage against the high winds.  The marina also has nice, clean showers only 50 ft or so away. Luke is filling up the water tanks just as dusk begins to fall.

Over all, it was a good day trip and I'm glad to be here, warm and safe, for the next cold weather and blow.  On Wednesday we hope to leave and make it across Albemarle Sound and to the south end of the Alligator River. South is good!