Elizabeth City, NC

Wed Oct 22-Sunny and cold, motor to town to pick up mail and some supplies. Head out at 11 am, winds north at 18 to 22 knt, run south jib only in big waves, steering was a lot of work. Anchor at 5pm in the Great Wicomico River, Cockerel Creek, Reedville Va. Shore Was lined with abandoned fish cannerys, still home to a fleet of huge fishing trawlers (See attached picture). Saw our first Pellicans today, a good sign that we must be getting to warmer water(water temp still only 58)

Thurs- Another Sunny cold morning. Head out at 9am, Winds NE then east at 15 to 18 knots, Jib only for 3rd day, made great time and waves were more forgiving today. Long day but protected anchorages were few and far between. Anchor for evening at 5:30 in Poquoson River, Chisman Creek. Covered 107 miles under sail in the past 2 days.

Fri- Cool and sunny, mid 40's, wind east at 17. Were escorted out of the anchorage by a huge dolfin, first we've seen. Motor 12 miles east into big waves before we could turn south. Made great time then sailing with full Jib to nofolk. The harbor is huge covering many miles with all kinds of ships. Aircraft carriers and cargo ships lined the docks. will try to post a few pics. Tied up at a town park south of main city, biked around in late afternoon. 40 miles today.

Sat- showery but warm. First rain since we left Albany. Hard to believe that we have been out for a month. Head south at 10 am, delayed at one of the many lift bridges but still made lock opening for the dismal swamp canal at 11:30. Very narrow canal thru woods for 22 miles strait as an arrow. Tied up at North Carolina welcome center with 12 other sailboats. We were rafted 3 boats abrest but it was a great spot. Showers much of the day. Quiet nite.

Sun - We awoke early at sunrise in order to get thru the canal with the other boats who were rafted up at the welcome center. The first lock was 8:30 and there were 10 boats in the lock together. We continued down the canal to Elizabeth City, NC. This was the 1st time we have tied piers with no docks. It was a good thing that it was not windy. The harbor master was a little perplexed to have 10 boats try to dock all at once. It is great that the town provides this service for free. We then took a bike ride to see what was around. I did some laundry, then a boat community proceeded to have a wine and cheese party.

Sorry about no picures I am having trouble uploading them.