Oriental, NC

We've spent the past three nights here in Oriental North Carolina along with Heesook, Don and Christopher. We're staying at the Whittaker Creek Marina and it has turned out to be a great stop for us. The surroundings are very pretty and the people are really nice here...the kind of folks who wave to you when they drive by. They also go out of there way to help you. A mechanic has showed up when called. The girls and I stopped by the grocery store with our Burley and I ended up getting a larger load of groceries than thought. Ended up, the cashier walked away from her register and loaded us and Burley into her pick up truck to drive us back to the marina. Kathleen here, a liveaboard person, has driven Mattias around for errands and the girls and I to the doctor and pharmacy some miles away.
The weather has warmed and we can get into shorts in the afternoons while we still need heat at night. Mattias has been getting the boat fixed up further. He used the original electric chart that came with the boat and a volt meter to figure out how to repair the heater. Some puffs and chugs from the heater later and voila!, it's fixed! So nice to ditch the space heater and just flip the switch on the thermostat. The heat not only is a comfort for us but helps to dry the condensation that builds in the boat. Mattias is also putting on the new alternator when it comes back from the mechanic today. He took the propane tank in for refill and to be safety updated. Also got the dingy blowed up, which the girls enjoy goofing around in, and will purchase an outboard motor today for it.
Since the weather is so nice, the first day Heesook and I took the kids for a long walk to find a park. We saw some really unusual Victorian houses with wrap around porches along a neighborhood near the water. Stopped for lunch at a pizza/sub place. She had to head out early as Christopher and Hanna were scrapping. He's a year younger but they are pretty similar in temperament that they don't always get along but I am trying to get across to Hanna that he just likes her and that has seemed to get her attention! Yesterday we sat out at a communal picnick table and the kids worked on craft projects.
We've had a couple of evening bonfire potlucks and last night was especially festive with some other marina people included. Don and Richard purchased 60 pounds of oysters fresh off the fisherman and set off to prepare an oyster feast of raw and grilled. Liv tried the raw one and wasn't brave enough for the whole thing. I finished that for her. So yummy! We all liked the oysters that had been grilled. So smoky and good! The other night I made a lasagna and Heesook, Don and Christopher came for dinner. We all managed to squeeze around our table and it was a nice evening.
The guys will continue to put finishing repairs on the boats today and if repairs get done then we can anchor outside of Oriental tonight. Liv is getting medicated for a bit of bronchitis and annoying ear infections that didn't clear since Annapolis. We slept in this morning and are relaxing now. Liv is organizing and Hanna is watching a dvd. Since we don't have propane yet, we have the hot water for coffee on the grill. A long wait for coffee!
The connection is very low this a.m. so I will post pictures later.

More later,
Carrie

Belhaven, NC to Oriental, NC

We got going today around 7:30 a.m. after a good night's sleep in Belhaven Marina. It was a typical day of travel going through the Alligator/Pungo canal; Bay River, Pamlico Sound and finally the Neuse River. We heard that the Neuse could be choppy if the winds were right and there was some splash over the boat. We are in "shrimp boat country" and probably confused a fisherman with our route as it appeared he was traveling the same or opposite tack as us. We couldn't tell and he did not pick up the radio as we tried to contact him to tell him our course. Well, we tried!
We arrived to the Whittaker Creek Marina at around 2:30 this afternoon. Our friends on Patience V had also arrived and the kids quickly got together for a dvd on their boat. Don and Heesook had arranged to meet with some other friends staying here and about 11 of us gathered around a campfire for a potluck cookout. It has been some days since we've been to a grocery store so we were low on provisions. I whipped together an Uncle Ben's rice dish pulled together with chicken, tomatoes and a cheesy curry sauce. Our oven doesn't do any browning so the finishing touch of breadcrumb/crumbled cheese looked more messy than appetizing--but it all went so it couldn't have been to bad! Don and Heesook picked up some shrimp while in Oriental and their friend, Andrea, prepared a tasty dish with the shrimp sauteed with smoked paprika and olive oil. Nummy stuff! I will have to read up on my sailboat cookbook to have items on hand for these potlucks...
So we are settled here for a couple days. Mattias had a guy here today to consult about the alternator and heater that need repair so we'll see him again tomorrow. Would be nice to ditch the electric space heater in lieu of the one installed on the boat so we can anchor out for variety and to save money which would be a good idea!
This marina, as most, has complimentary bikes so tomorrow we hope to hook up the Burley and bike into town to check it out .

More later,
Carrie
P.S. The server is slow tonight so no pictures. I'll post them later!

Coinjack, NC to Belhaven, NC

Day 1 Coinjack, NC to Alligator River Marina
We traveled a good 34.5 nautical miles today totaling 7 hours from Coinjack, including travel across the Albemarle Sound to Alligator River. The sound was about 14 miles in distance; shallow at 7-9 ft. under the keel and the waves were choppy at 2-3 feet. The water was brown the color of coffee, coke or swamp water! Midway thru the ride Mattias noticed the rpms were reving as they had been for the last day or so. Could be an alternator/starter/battery problem that he'd need to figure out on a dock somewhere. Put up the main sail as the jib wasn't getting us along quick enough. Our friends on Patience V went on to anchor an hour or so ahead of us. We settled into Alligator Marina so Mattias could figure out the problem. The view was peaceful and very beautiful from the marina. Our boating neighbors saw a sea otter pair perched on a stump so we went to the waterside to take a look but didn't see them. "Miss Wanda", the marina owner drove Mattias to the Napa auto parts in the closest town of Columbia, NC some 12 miles away. He got some parts to repair the problem but not all. Was able to rewire part of the battery and disconnect the second battery to alleviate the problem until we can get a part.



Day 2 Alligator River Marina
Mattias had the boat apart for more repair so we spent the second day in Alligator Marina. The winds were expected to be high in the afternoon making for uncomfortable travel anyway. Folks that came in on the Lady T from the Albemarle sound today said the waves reached 6 ft. Happy it wasn't us! Were happy about the marina rates. Aside from the free dock at Great River Bridge, we paid here $1.00 per foot. Cheapest we've paid so far. Would enjoy to anchor as there are a great many locations but with no heat and temps heading down to the 30's, it makes for personal misery!
Day 3 Alligator River Marina to Belhaven, NC
An uneventful day motoring a good 45 miles. It was quiet on the waters and cold. For the best part of the day we motored down the Alligator River and Pungo Canal. A straight route with funky waves that reminded me of being in a man made water park. Another shallow route with 9 feet under the draft pretty much the whole ride. We had to dodge tree stumps in the water and some shoaling but that was the only peril. We got a later start today and arrived after 4 p.m. when the sun was setting. Boy when that sun goes down it gets nippy. We have an early morning tomorrow to head to Oriental, NC which is supposed to be a quaint town.

Off to bed, Carrie

Hampton, VA to Great Bridge, VA to Coinjock, NC (home of the 32 ounce prime rib!)

Day 1 Hampton, VA to Great Bridge, VA
We were anxious to get moving out of Hampton and headed on what is called the Hampton Roads harbor, then to the Elizabeth River, with Norfolk, VA on one side. Norfolk is the world's largest naval base and shipbuilder. Photos show one of the many warships we encountered along the way. Ships were either in a state of movement, exercise or being repaired. It was a hugely interesting course on the way to our destination of Great Bridge, VA for the night.

Norfolk is also considered ground zero for the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Before embarking on this cruising journey, I had never heard of the ICW so I'll assume the same of my readers and attempt to educate you on what it is all about.
The ICW is a navigable route of water that runs all the way from Boston to Texas at the Mexican Border. The waters are all interconnected and can be rivers, sounds, canals, or creeks. This was actually an idea of Thomas Jefferson during the Revolutionary War as a means to create better transportation routes between the Colonies that were inland and protected for National Security. There are different monikers for which route you are taking. Our route is called the ICW and runs from ground zero at Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL which is about milemarker 1090. There are mile markers all along the route to aid in navigation.
So, aside from watching the naval activity, this day we encountered many bridges that either had to lift for us, or that we could safely pass under. The novelty wore off until we passed under a roadway bridge near our final destination whose road was made of those metal grates. Imagine traveling underneath that thing with cars passing to give you the shivers!
We traveled the Virginia Cut route since the ominous sounding Dismal Swamp is closed. Too shallow anyway from what I hear. Went through a lock too. We were right behind a single handed sailor whose boat waves the Belgian flag. We got to our destination at about the same time as "everyone" else. The marina was full and with no other options close by, we asked another boat if we could tie up (raft) next to his. Not a problem. We then gathered our stuff for a walk to the grocery store (best we've seen on trip). Hauled our packages back and met a Father and Son out on the dock outside their boat. Family boats are scarce this time of year so it was a treat to meet them. Luckily, we clicked and ended up sharing a potluck dinner on their boat which happened to have a large, covered outdoor deck, and bonus, it was a little warmer than our boat as we have no heat outside of the marina hookups.
So, young Christopher age 3 and something, his mother, Heesook and his father, Don from Kingston, Ontario in Canada have become new friends. They are on a similar travel course as us but will go on to the Bahamas. They are sailing for over 1 year and have a similar story to ours--a break from longterm job too seek new possibilities and the attitude of why wait to see the world?!

Day 2 Great Bridge, VA to Coinjack, NC
This day was an easy trip to Coinjack. I was happy to be leaving VA and can't say the people there were particularly friendly. Not that they were unfriendly, but unhelpful, disinterested, bored, reserved, or some label I can't put my finger on. Was it me? Was I having a bad day? Were they having a bad day? Too many people, too many times most folks were the same. So, my opinion is now formed. Sorry Virginians you could take a lesson or two from Minnesota nice!
The day was pretty much spent traveling 4.5 knots down the Elizabeth River into the Currituck Sound. All a big swamp but actually quite pleasing to the eye. You may have heard about a cruise ship that ran aground this morning and had a huge hole bringing in water. Well, that was on the same waterway as us and we passed right by it and then the Coast Guard passed by us carrying some passengers to safety to be met by news crews. Liv said we were filmed and was happy to be on t.v.! The waters were calm today so I was in the cabin cleaning up and missed all the action!
Arrived here at Coinjock early. Due to the ferry incident the waterway was closed at the lock we just passed and then opened later. It was quiet here until around 5 p.m. when massive cruiser boats came to dock. We treated ourselves to a Prime Rib dinner, then a nice shower and folding laundry from this afternoon.
None of gorged ourselves silly expect for maybe Hanna who ate up all her steamed shrimp and baked potato! Bring on the meat!
A big day tomorrow so best hit the hay!
More later,
Carrie

Deltaville VA to Hampton, VA

Day 1- Monday
We were ready to leave Deltaville and with Mattias' finger feeling better, we got an early start today. With all the happenings of the day before, we forgot to remove the kid's carseats from the rental car on Sunday so had to wait until the marina office opened at 8 a.m. where our keys were left. After that, we immediately headed out of the marina. It was a gorgeous sunny day with Southwest winds that picked up some in the afternoon. We had another 45 nautical miles to do this day so with that in mind, motored some and had the jib up the entire way. There was plenty of military traffic in this area of the Chesapeake Bay and on our 6 1/2 hr. sail, we enjoyed watching the boats and listening to the radio. "Reminders" from the warships told boats that got a little too close that they were required to stay a distance of at least 500 yards, if not 1000 yards away from any military warship traveling in the area. One innocent sailing vessel was reprimanded and was told to move now or there would be swift military action. The sailor replied feebly back to the menacing ship and quickly got out of the way. We are now out of Chesapeake Bay and entered Hampton Roads. We arrived Hampton Public Piers at around 2:30 p.m. and set up for two nights.
Day 2- Tuesday
We decided since were were still in the area to visit Yorktown, the last of the Colonial Triangle of Williamsburg and Jamestown. The American victory at Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolution and secured independence for the United States from the British. It was a rainy morning so we watched the orientation film and toured the museum to see the tents that George Washington used for his headquarters among other things. Took a 7 mile driving tour and saw the major battlefield sights as well. It's pretty interesting to tour these sights considering they are so close to current inhabitants and traffic use and the areas the soldiers covered are immense. Today rounded out our history lesson for the Chesapeake Bay part of this trip. We got back to modern life by a shopping fix at Costco and Walmart to do some provisioning for the boat.
We are sailing again tomorrow and need to figure out the best destination tonight.

More later,
Carrie

A great start, and then....

Woke up early and discovered it was daylight savings time. In actuality it was 5:45 a.m. but we got the coffee and breakfast started, kids woke up and got dressed. It was record time and ready to go on our way to Hampton, VA. It was a beautiful sunny and calm morning. Several other boats in this marina were also heading out today as the weather had been so windy previous. Mattias was out loosening some lines that were wrapped on the pilons. He came in and mentioned that he doesn't really like pilons but prefers cleats to tie up lines. In the next five minutes he peeked in the cabin again to say that he had a sliver under his fingernail and needed something to remove it (got it from the pilon). Well, the sliver was more like a plank, all the way under the nail to the quick. My clipping and plucking did nothing. I wasn't brave enough to offer up a whisky shot and do the deed myself (as our friend Dr. Doug did on Andrew when he had a fishhook in his finger). We knew the next stop was the doctor. Who's open in tiny Deltaville on a Sunday? No one, so we climbed back into the rental car that thankfully the agency did not pick up the day before and drove some 30 miles to the nearest ER in Glouscester, VA. Long story short, the doctor, (who happened to be from St. Louis Park and previously worked at our Family Practice Clinic in Edina before retiring), gave Mattias a few shots under the fingernail to numb it. By the third, Mattias was being restrained by two nurses, gauze in mouth while the doctor could loosen the nail to remove the sliver fragments. A couple tetanus and penicillan shots and then a vicadine sedative by mouth later and he was good to go. So now he has to walk around with the hand elevated as if giving us the "bird"! We hope to have a better start tomorrow when we will attempt Hampton again...
More later,
Carrie

 

Day at Colonial Williamsburg, VA

 
 
 
 

The winds were quite strong by the waters today so to be prudent, Mattias stayed behind at the boat while the girls and I drove an hour to Colonial Williamsburg. When we arrived, they were outfitted in costumes of Young Misses and were able to participate in several activities including gardening at the Colonial Gardens, picking up a letter at the post office and going to the printer to place an advertisement for a woman needing a nanny for 10 naughty children. The girls also learned some manners such as the proper way to curtesy (sp?). We visited the DeWitt Decorative Arts/Rockefeller Folk Art Museums and created some Christmas Ornaments as well. It was a fun day and we were not hampered by winds on our trip.
We intend to be in this Deltaville location until at least Sunday when the winds and waves are intended to die down. On the coast the waves are expected to be over 30 feet tall. Luckily we are inland! More later, Carrie