Belhaven to anchorage to Coinjock to Chesapeake, VA

Yes, it has been a while since we posted.

View in Oriental

The trip to Belhaven takes you out into the Pamlico Sound.  Mostly open water with a few narrow bits.

When we arrived at Belhaven we elected to stay at the town docks.  They were supposed to have water, didn't, but never mind.  Very sturdy docks and a pleasant location.  We walked into town for dinner at the tavern and had a great dinner.  Jim & Debbie, burgers which they said were delicious.  Sandy tried the shrimp & grits that the owner was pushing.  She liked them but they will never become her favourite.  I had the Ahi tuna, which was first class.  A huge portion.

The next morning we set off after lunch as there were boat chores to do.  We wanted to get closer to Coinjock so that we could get there at a reasonable time. We found an anchorage off the ICW. There was an old unbouyed channel leading to it.  Jim got his dinghy down and did a little bit of exploring.  Turns out it lead to a grain elevator and a lumber mill.  The product is now shipped by truck.

Along the Pungo river

Drift Away following along

The next morning off to Coinjock.  There were a lot of flies along the way, and they did bite.  A little bit like when we did the Chicago Mackinaw sailboat race.  We survived however and got into Coinjock early in the afternoon.  Reservations were made for dinner with a 32 oz. prime rib medium rare cut for each couple.  It was as good as I remember.

We got this picture without running aground!

The day was very hot and humid until around 4:00 then a thunderstorm rolled through with the cold front.  The temperature dropped 10 degrees in ½ hour.  The rain poured when we were having dinner, so we had to stay for dessert to avoid getting wet. Too bad!

A freedom?

Today we left at 8:00 and proceeded towards Norfolk, VA. We crossed the Currituck Sound.  The wind was blowing 15 - 20 but the waves were only 1 to 2 feet so no problems.

We have stopped at Toprack Marina.  Terrific fuel prices and only $35.00 a night.  Weather is cold, overcast and windy so we think we will hole up for a few nights.  I am trying to get a Wi-Fi booster ordered and shipped here.

We will be having dinner on Drift Away this evening along with Kathy Gilmour and her husband, Bob Parsons.  Should be a good time.

It will then be off to the Chesapeake to do some exploring that we did not have time to do on the way down.