Voyage 2005-2006: Chapter 2

26 Oct 2005, Day Seven: The Rose Buddies, 36 18.000 N/ 076 12.690 W

At 0715, we left the Visitor's Center and headed to Elizabeth City. Our first hurdle was South Mills bridge and lock. Turns out that we got there about a half hour early and we were able to come aside a bulkhead, without anything to tie up to. So we used boat hooks. SY Moony rafted with MV Duetto (our rafting partner at the Visitor's Center). Everything was fine until the current picked up dramatically. We were heading for Duetto and another boat was heading for our stern. We quickly got the situation under control without any scrapes or bumps. Once out of the locks, we headed down the Pasquotank River towards Elizabeth City. SY Moony and Jule III decided a marina would be nice, so we headed for the Pelican Marina right outside of Elizabeth City. We had a little difficulty tying up as the slip was very wide.

Once the boats were secured and much needed showers, we headed for the Rose Buddies wine and cheese party. This is always a highlight with the cruisers as Fred Fearing and his partners David and Bill welcome the cruisers to Elizabeth City. We had over 45 cruisers this evening and Fred dedicated the party to the women in the audience. Wolfgang and Denise found the festivities to be 'perfect'. We thanked, Fred, David, and Bill and headed back to the Pelican Marina.

27 Oct 2005, Day 8: Oops, 36 18.000 N/ 076 12.690 W

Jule III and Moony left the docks at Pelican Marina at 0715 today and headed for the Alligator River. 'Thump, thump'. Bob put the engine in neutral, looked around and found one of the docking line in the water ... wrapped around the prop. Bob dropped the anchor and vainly tugged on the fouled line. No luck! We called SY Mooney, and told them to go ahead as we were temporarily disabled. Of course, Wolfgang and Denise did not listen. Rather they came back to give us a tow back to the marina. Then Wolfgang went below, put on his wetsuit, jumped in the water (nasty looking water) and headed for our boat. He dove on our propeller and after three tries released the line from the prop. After Wolfgang returned to his boat, we checked out the motor. Worked like a champ with no vibration. Saved by the Germans!!! It was too late to go to our intended destination, so we decided to spend another night at the marina. We explored Elizabeth City, had lunch, spent quality time at the hardware store, and saw Fred Fearing again. Hopefully, we will leave tomorrow.