We started the Intracoastal Waterway in Portsmouth, VA. With our touring guides and Skipper Bob in hand, we knew all the bridges and the best anchorages. Invaluable sources. Our first call to a bridge was the Gilmerton Bridge, where Happy Together had a private bridge opening.
Our next large challenge was the Great Bridge locks. Our first locks. We tied up where instructed, and waited for the high water to lower. When done, we went under the Great Bridge and tied up on free docks. This is like going on I-95, and sleeping at a rest stop. I am learning the cruising life is sometimes marinas, sometimes anchorages, and sometime free docks.
The next day we travelled through shallow canals and swampy scenery to Coinjock, NC. We tied up at the Coinjock Marina, known for their Prime Rib. Gary ordered the Prime Rib, and rated it one of the best he ever ate. Who knew? We met John and Jane from S/V Dejarlo who knew great anchorages in the ICW, and were nice enough to let us follow them to the nice anchorages.
We left Coinjock for a short motor to a very sweet anchorages called Camden Bay. The next morning we kept on our way on the ICW towards Alligator River and even got to motor sail through the Albermarle sound. Seeing trees, birds and shallow waters. We anchored right before the Alligator River, waking up to the thickest fog I have ever seen.
We motored through the Alligator River swing bridge, to Belhaven, NC. Tropical storm Zeta was coming our way and we wanted to be on anchor waiting for the storm to pass. Belhaven was written up as a safe haven in large winds. We contacted the Belhaven harbor master who told us exactly where to anchor. He was right.
We walked around Belhaven, which was very empty. We bought supplies in the local Ace Hardware, and returned to the boat. The next day we experienced winds up to 40 knots, as we held tightly to our anchor spot. Our Rochna anchor really held us tight. We played Scrabble and worked on our projects, as we could only sit out the high winds. Right now, Lesley is the Scrabble champ on Happy Together.
We were treated to a beautiful sunset, with spectacular colors, as Tropical Storm Zeta moved from the North Carolina coast.
The Great Bridge locks
Look at the locks, all boats tied on one side.
We made it to Coinjock Marina. Gary's ear is large from a mosquito bite
No wake zone, some of the large power boats ignore this sign.
Typical ICW swampy view
Gary does most of the shallow water ICW driving
A rare ICW mile marker
The Alligator RIver Swing Bridge
The ICW goes on for miles and miles and miles.
Playing Scrabble as we sit out Tropical Storm Zeta
We finished the good treats from the Chesapeake Bay
