Voyage 2009: Chapter 1

14 Oct 2009, Back in Elizabeth City, 36 18.00 N/ 076 12.60 W

As promised, we left the wall at 0700 and headed down the 'Ditch'. We don't know why it is called 'dismal' because the DSC is always pretty. Different in the Spring and different in the Autumn but nevertheless spellbinding. So much, Ann has to yell at Bob not to hit this tree or that stump. We passed the Visitor's Center around 1015 and waved goodbye to Ming. There were already 4 boats at the Center. The foot bridge tender was a little slow in opening the bridge and we had to call several times before we got an opening.

Perfect timing. We arrived near the South Mills bridge at 1045 and called the lock master if the opening would be at 1100 which he stated that there was Northbound traffic so 'yes'. However, it must have taken longer to fill the lock chamber as the bridge did not open until 1115. It was difficult keeping Jule out of the weeds or the bridge in a windy environment with a bit of current. We locked through without incident, passed the 'skinny' water right after the lock door and headed down the Pasquotank. Water levels were a foot or so lower than normal due to the continuing northerly winds.

The Pasquotank is even prettier than the DSC. As we traveled down the river, it would slowly get wider but the dark water, cypress trees, other hardwoods and all of the neat stuff floating in the water again made it difficult for Bob not to hit something. Ann was always at the rescue. We arrived at the EC bridge at 1445 with a flawlessly timed opening. We called Josh at the Pelican and he guided us into a great slip on the south side of the marina. Not bad.

19 Oct 2009, Rest over in Elizabeth City, 36 17.98 N/ 076 12.68 W

Josh was at the slip to catch our lines. Winds were a bit puffy out of the NE but the slip was nicely sheltered so we didn't hit anything. Not bad! The weather was turning foul and was forecast to stay that way for the next many days. The forecast was right! The winds piped out of the north for the next several days and the temperatures dropped to record lows. We fired up the diesel heater for the first time this year and it was quite comfy in the boat. However, when we strolled out of the boat for chores, it was cooooold! It is a good thing that we had planned on staying at EC for a while. It is one of our favorite stops on this leg of the ICW.

We were invited to Josh and Loralei's engagement party which was held in the Pelican's tiki hut. The local marina community were there as well as members of the families of the happy couple. SV Fairwinds was also invited to the shindig. They had arrived the day before. We don't know how we passed them but apparently we did.

Did we mention that it was cold. It kept us from exploring much and we only crossed the bridge into EC once the first 3 days. Sammy Jane didn't like the weather much so she slept near the heater much of our stay in EC. Slowly we got brave and ventured out. Lisa and Mike again offered their car for provisioning so off we went to the local stores. Jim (SV Wanderer II) came and visited us from Nags Head. He drove us to Wally World and then to the Groupers restaurant. We even saw where Jim and Karen were married. Small world.

No trip would be complete to EC without participating in the Rose Buddies wine and cheese party. Dave Thomas has taken the reins of the Rose Buddies after the passing of Fred Fearing two years ago. He and his wife are doing a great job! Because of the weather, we had the party at the EC Visitor's Center. It was a bit tight but it was nice and warm.

A weather window is opening tomorrow. Winds are predicted at NE@10-15 then weakening and shifting to the SE. Seas should be light to moderate in the Albamarle but may get nasty in a couple of days. We had one last drink with the Pelican regulars and then readied the boat for the remaining days of our trip.