Norfolk, VA to NC

 An aircraft carrier docked in Norfolk near the start of the ICW.

   We pulled in to Norfolk and got fuel at the mouth of the ICW.  Our first bridge opening was accompanied by a thunderstorm but things went well and we became pros at it after a couple of days.

Modern looking destroyer passing us at Norfolk

 Going through the Virginia cut was a breeze.  Went aground trying to get into an anchorage up a creek but a quick unfurling of the jib and rogue gust blew us free.  We had to sail out late in the dark to get to a sheltered anchorage in Coinjock bay.
   Next day I was contemplating crossing Albemarle Sound during a small craft advisory.  While a Pearson 10M is a pretty seaworthy vessel I prefer to avoid rough passages whenever possible.  We wound up running for cover around noon on the heels of a major storm.  Was a good thing we did not attempt Albemarle sound as deadly tornadoes were breaking out and Tornado warnings were in effect all around us.  We wound up spending two nights up Broad Creek before things died down and we were ready to chance the sound.  The crew grew restless but fortunately good food, movies and drink helped us sit out the storm.  I lost my well traveled fedora the next morning as we entered Albemarle Sound.  Fortunately that was all and aside from some nasty chop we made it to the Alligator river with no further issues.

Virginia Cut

 
   Pamlico Sound was beautiful and if my crew had not been pressed for time I would have liked to have visited Ocracoke Island.  We pressed on to Beaufort, NC where my crew went ashore for some Southern cuisine and frosty beers.  Beaufort lays claim to an archaeological dig site for the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's infamous ship.  Am not sure how valid the claim is as I did not visit the museum.

Replica ship in Beaufort

Inlets typical of NC ICW

  I can see why Blackbeard made NC his stomping grounds as its a gorgeous network of islands, sounds and inlets.  Loads of dolphins played in the shallows while squadrons of pelicans strafed overhead.  I was again tempted to tarry awhile, the people seemed warm and the entire vibe was just wholesome.  Will have to return to NC at some point.
  The only bump in the road was a wrong turn sending us a few hours up a creek into Marine training grounds - heard lots of gunfire and saw a lot of military boats before we noticed we had gone off course.  Unfortunately a shoal lay on the way back to the main channel which could only be crossed at high tide so we spent the night swimming and McGyvering up a shade rack for the cockpit.  By now the sun was far more intense than the pasty frozen North we had left just a short while ago.