We had a relatively easy trip from Wrightsville Beach to here. Surprising because our Pamlico and Albemarle Sound passages have been awful in the past. We went to the Mile Hammock anchorage with only one delay for a bridge opening, the others we timed well. It's a short day because there are no other good spots further on. That makes the next day longer, of course.
For the first time northbound we passed up the Cedar Creek anchoring spot we like to go to Oriental for the second time. A couple of boats at the free dock were nice enough to move a bit to make room for us at the end of the 'T' but we were not able to find a sports bar open so we could watch the UConn WBB team at the Final Four. Closed for Easter of all things. Fortunately we are able to watch games on our phones now. A small screen but we hold it right up to our faces.
After that win we headed out into the Neuse/Pamlico/Pungo system for a long day but it was nearly perfect and painless. We anchored in the south end of the open part of the Alligator River with other boats that had been following us. Then the Alligator and Albemarle passages were pretty calm, too. Even the Pasquatank River up to Elizabeth City was nice. We took ICW Route 2 so we could find a TV to watch the Finals of WBB. We found a sports bar in Elizabeth City and we were Champions AGAIN!!!
We then went north on the Dismal Swamp Canal on a rainy day but only to the visitors center and park. A guy we met at the Oriental dock was still with us and joined us at Elizabeth's Dock at the Deep Creek lock the next day, too. Lockmaster Robert Peel was not there on arrival but we chatted with him the next morning after his day off before we locked through. We managed to hit a tree again heading up to Deep Creek. Last Fall southbound it was because we were going around an obstruction in the water and couldn't avoid the overhead tree. This year it was just inattention on the helmsman's part. And canal narrowness. And poor canal maintenance. And helmsman's brain fade. Sigh.
We took a short trip up to Hampton City Docks because of forecast storms and winds but an added benefit for the expense was filling our fuel and water tanks, showering and doing most of our laundry. We also had the experience of having an aircraft carrier call us on the VHF radio to suggest we clear out to the other side of the channel as she was getting underway from the Naval Base. Running us over would have caused a lot of paperwork. For them.
In the past we have called warships to ask about their intentions or security zones but to be called by them was new. BTW... we moved over. A lot.
After Hampton, VA we entered Chesapeake Bay in really nice conditions and went to Reedville then Solomons before getting up here to Annapolis. In Annapolis we do shopping, sightseeing, shopping, repairs, dining, shopping and when we get time, shopping. We again went to the Naval Academy to observe their traditional noon ceremony and also enjoyed the silent drill team demonstration afterwards. As interesting as when we there at the same time Michelle Obama was. We're also here for the Spring Boat Show and I had the chance to talk to some people about engines, catamarans, liveaboard life, paddle boards, safety and food.
We're getting underway in a few days for our last legs to Mystic. Unsure yet if we will do overnight passages or in which direction, towards NYC or Montauk. Not likely Montauk.
