The predicted seas for the Albemarle was 1-2 feet with winds of 10-15 from the NE. Not a great forecast, but we decided to attempt a crossing of the infamous Albemarle Sound. Sometimes I think I’d like to take those NOAA weather guessers out to experience their predictions. We successfully negotiated the nasty shoals just north of the Alligator River Bridge and then began experiencing winds of 20 with higher gusts. Waves ran 3-4’ (seemed like mostly 4’) with a short period between making it a bone jarring, very rough and slow crossing. Donna stayed in the cockpit as conditions below were intolerable. Buddy took refuge in his cubby hole under the dinette next to the hull. Being at the center of the boat, he got lots of rocking action but wasn’t tossed about so much. Surprisingly, he did not get seasick today.
Conditions did not get much better until we reached the upper portions of the North River. The sky remained overcast and the temperature cool all day. It took a sweatshirt and my heavier foul weather gear to stay comfortable against the wind and spray. We heard several boats calling Sea Tow and Towboat/US for assistance during the day. Rough conditions seem to always increase the occurances of equipment failures.
When we reached the anchorage area at Buck Island, we decided to continue on to Midway Marina at Coinjock, NC. Doing so would put us about an hour and a half of travel time closer for tomorrows run home. Considering the number of restricted bridges and the lock to be timed, we needed that advantage.
We arrived at Midway Marina about 1600 and got a tie -up on the face dock. After straightening up the interior of the boat, we proceeded to the showers for a cleanup before dinner.
We went next door to Crabbie’s Restaurant for dinner. The service left something to be desired, but our NC BBQ dinners were delicious and plentiful. Back at the boat, we watched a little TV before we both fell asleep. What a day!
Location: Midway Marina, Coinjock, NC - MM 50
Distance Traveled: 34 mi
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