Not as cold as last year!

We left Coinjock in a blistering 22 degrees, but the wind had died and with a combination of thermal underwear,  layers, flannel lined jeans, jackets, woolie caps, and gloves, we managed quite well. This was the scene about 7:30 AM.

 In fact, the sun was shining, giving us a lot of warmth in our enclosure.  Smokey liked the warmth of the sun. Her winter coat has filled in and fluffed out so much that she looks like she's gained a few pounds. She is soft and warm.

The warmth was deceptive.  It was cold outside, never getting above 34.  These salt water icicles from freezing spray of the Albemarle Sound near the bow are proof! We sailed across the sound in 10 to 18 kts, mostly on the beam, meaning salt spray over the side of the boat.

We anchored just north of the Alligator-Pungo Canal.  Surprisingly, we were in company of 4 other sailboats. Guess we are the "after the holidays" group.  Last night wasn't so cold, only 34.  With our propane space heater, generator-run heat pump, AND electric blanket we stayed comfortable.

Our trip this morning began with the Alligator-Pungo Canal.  This is the canal that was ice covered last year, where we were breaking ice as we went.  Much better this time!  Captain Luke was at the helm.

The canal was quiet and calm.  It runs through  part of the Mattamuskeet Wildlife Refuge. http://www.fws.gov/mattamuskeet/   "Popular with hunters" the guidebook says - and it must be.  We heard the shotgun blasts of duck hunters and saw their little duck hunting boats the last couple of days.  It is a beautiful area. I just realized that today's picture looks much like the one taken as we neared Coinjock a few days ago. We love the reflections in the water.

Some parts of the refuge have apparently had forest fires.  This is sad, but the tall, dead trees apparently give good vantage points to eagles, waiting for their prey.  We saw 2 today.  One was a Bald Eagle, the other one either a young Bald or a Golden Eagle.  Oh, also saw 2 large Great Blue Herons flying low over the water.

Latitudes is SAILING across the Pamlico Sound as I type.  A nice 15 knot wind is doing the job for us, heeling the boat over by 15 degrees.  Smoke has been undecided about either staying below with me or going up top to sit on Luke's lap.  The lap won.

Tonight we will anchor in Adams Creek, only 40 short miles from Morehead City, NC.  That is about 200 miles south of Deltaville.  Hurray!  We'll be at anchorage early enough - and it's warm enough - for hot showers in the boat! Maybe even a sun-downer in the cockpit if the enclosure stays warm enough.