Pungo River, Albemarle Sound, Alligator River, Pasquatank River

Having left busy Oriental we decided to anchor for a quiet night at Pungo River/Alligator Creek. Just us and a sailboat, water lapping, casting the fishing hook (with no luck), awesome sunset...sweet dreams.

Sunset at Pungo Anchorage

Sunrise Just Before Leaving 

OK....Just Had to Throw in a pic of Missy on Dave's Cooler

Having left the anchorage at Alligator Creek we traveled threw Alligator River. The wind piped up from the south making it difficult for our northerly course. The winds & waves hit the stern making it slew back and forth. After a frustrating slow bridge tender we finally arrived at the Alligator River Marina where we topped off our fuel and moved into a nice quiet slip.

While we were fueling we saw the "Traveler" coming in. (we met Rob & Barb from Sarasota Fl briefly in Oriental Marina). The four of us enjoyed a nice southern home cooked dinner at the Marina and talked about crossing the Albemarle Sound together. OK, so what's the big deal about Albemarle Sound???
It is a big body of water and wind has a long way to build intensity into the waves. Having only one direction to go you have to pick the right time to cross it. Also at our speed it is a two + hour crossing. In addition there are hundreds & hundreds of crab pots which can entangle your propeller so you have to dodge them throughout the trip. OK ...that sounds a bit stressful! So since rain was predicted for the next day we discussed staying another night at ARM.

The next morning Rob, Barb, Ron and I enjoyed breakfast together. As we were walking back to the boat we observed a quiet calm in the weather. So Barb & I asked the Captains, hey what do you say? .... Should we go or should we stay?
Within 30 minutes we untied our lines and took off! Next stop Elizabeth City, NC. :-)

The Captains made the right call... a perfect crossing!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob & Barb at Alligator River Marina