On Thursday 4/26, we left the Hurricane Boat Yard in Bayboro, where we recomissioned the boat. The boatyard is near the headwaters of the Bay River, which is appropriately named as it widens to nearly 5 miles across in its 10 mile journey to the Pamlico Sound. As we motored along we were accompanied by seagulls and herons.
As we joined the AICW just south of Hobucken, NC. we began to encounter other boats also traveling north. The waterway meanders through farmland and canals and is used by pleasure craft as well as commercial fishing vessels. After crossing the Pamlico River, we traveled up the Pungo River to Belhaven. An overnight stop there found us enjoying dinner at Spoon River, and dockage at the historic River Forrest Manor.
The next morning we traveled to the headwaters of the Pungo River to the Pungo-Alligator Canal. This is an 18 mile long canal that connects to the Alligator River. Once again the headwaters quickly widen to about three miles across, however, the channel remains narrow with many turns. Our first bridge opening was the Alligator River Bridge where we were delayed for about 30 minutes due to bridge repairs. Once through, we docked at the adjacent marina for the night. Here we met two other looper boats that were in progress.
The next morning found us crossing the Albemarle Sound to the Pasquotank River. An overnight stop in Elizabeth City at the free docks. Once again we met additional loopers including a father and son team from Minnesota on a 30' Cape Dory sailboat. There are very few sailboats doing the Great Loop.
Sunday morning was cold and windy but if we were to be in Norfolk by Monday, there was no option other than to bundle up and head north. With the wind on our nose, we hailed the Elizabeth City Bridge for an opening and set out. The Pasquotank River winds like a broken watch spring until you reach the Dismal Swamp Canal. This is another man-made canal that is arrow straight for fifteen miles. This is where the South Mills Lock raises you eight feet to the level of the swamp and turns you out into a setting that seems to be back in time. The canal is narrow with very little development, and the trees almost form a canopy over it. Lots of bird watching and weaving around fallen trees. We found another free dock provided by the City of Chesapeake, complete with bathroom facilities.
After a cold night and an equally cold morning (41 degrees), we departed the dock and motored north to the Deep Creek Lock and Bridge which would lower us back down to sea level. It was early this day that the boat decided to do a little bit of self destruction and allow the canal water to join us inside the boat. Once through the lock and bridge we made our way to Chesapeake Yachts where we tied to their face dock and made temporary repairs. Once we were able to stop the water flow into the boat, and refrain from the constant use of both electric and manual bilge pumps, we decided to move on the five miles to Norfolk and the AGLCA Rondezvous and wait until afterwards to haulout for permanent repairs
Check out the photos under the Locations tab.
