May 16-17, 2024 Pungo Creek (Belhaven) and Elizabeth City

Thurs.  May 16, 2024 - Beaufort to Pungo Creek Anchorage (Belhaven)   7.8 Hours    67 Miles

We went ahead and spent a third night at Homer Smith Marina.  Forecast called for rain but all we got were a few isolated showers.   Engines were just about due for oil changes, so decided it was as good a time as any.  Takes a few hours and nine gallons of oil altogether.  (Yes, that's gallons, not quarts) Removing and replacing the two oil filters on the outboard side of the starboard engine is the most difficult as you need to be a bit of a contortionist to get to them.  All said and done still better than paying someone for routine service and a good use of that extra day.  Martha had time to get a load of wash done and then work on a sewing repair to the canvas cover for the front sun pad. 

Partly sunny day with highs expected in low 70's.  Our morning start was a bit cool with NW breezes keeping us bundled up while enjoying the fresh air running from the flybridge. Once out of Beaufort and past the houses along Adams Creek things returned to more inland woods and nature scenery.   Glad to be past all that shoreside development. 

Adams Creek  - out of civilization and back to nature

Big flotilla of looper boats headed out early planning for Belhaven.   We got a little later start, but with our extra running speed caught up to them as they were entering Belhaven.   We opted to anchor out since we've been to Belhaven several times.  Took a left turn into Pungo Creek.  Good protection from the NW wind but had to anchor further away from land than we hoped due to numerous crab pots.  

Ultimately it was a good spot, wind died down, fired up the grill and cooked a couple steaks for dinner.  Early to bed for a sunrise start in the morning.  

The fleet at RE Mayo Seafood dock 

Pirate ship at RE Mayo - customized old Chris Craft Constellation

Sailboats joined us at anchor in Pungo Creek

 

Journey for May 16, 2024

May 17, 2024   Belhaven to Elizabeth City     9.3 Hours   87 Miles

Only downside to our Pungo Creek anchorage was the nasty sticky mud bottom and jellyfish tentacles that attached to the anchor chain as we hauled it up.   Lots of water from the washdown system and slow retrieval of chain got it all clean.   Long day ahead so out the creek at 6AM.  Unfortunately, the Alligator-Pungo canal heads due east straight into the rising sun.  Brutal!  

Dawn breaks to start a long day

Giving way to blinding glare as we head to the Alligator-Pungo canal

Several sailboats motoring north got an earlier start than us but allowed uneventful slow passes.  Once out in the Alligator River we are in open water for an extended time and head to the comfort of the pilothouse.   Up the length of the Alligator River, through the swing bridge, then across the Albemarle Sound and eventually up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City.  Seas not bad despite the north breeze.  Mostly a 1' chop on the bow with some 2' waves when first entering the Albemarle Sound. Approaching Elizabeth City we see the bright colors and lights of carnival rides, game booths and food tents at the waterfront park where we usually tie up. 

Food vendors and game hawkers on the street

Rides aplenty for all ages at the park

Coast Guard rescue mission demonstration on Sat.

Too much activity for us there so we go through the bridge where one spot is remaining at the free dock at Mid Atlantic Christian University.  To access it we need to crab sideways.  Motoryacht in front and sailboat behind us.   Feels like we only have a few feet of extra space but manage to slide it in without issue. Docked and secured by 3:30. 

Crab walked our way in sideways between these boats.  Sure felt tighter than it looks.

More looper boats arrive later in the day and tie up at Jennette Bros dock.  Another batch arrive by noon on Sat. The NC Potato Festival in Elizabeth City starts tonight.  We'll stay here a couple nights as more rain and wind are expected. We need to decide on moving forward on the protected Dismal Swamp route but with potential log strikes or backtracking around to the Albemarle-Chesapeake Canal with potentially nasty seas.  Couple of good breweries in town worth visiting as we ponder this dilemma.  

 

Journey for May 17, 2024