Day 1 - Oct 27,2013

We spent the night aboard on the 26^th so we could get an early start today. A number of friends and family stopped by to say goodbye and wish us well.

Donna at the helm

 

 

Entering the Great Bridge Lock

 

We started the day with a quick breakfast and then departed the PYC facility at 0715. It was quite chilly as we motored past downtown Portsmouth. There were 11 cruiser boats in the Crawford Bay anchorage, 6 in the North Harbor, 4 in High Street Landing, and 5 along the face dock at Ocean Marine. In addition there were 4 cruisers ahead of us in the river.

Our first holdup was at the #7 railroad bridge (next to the Gilmerton). The bridge is normally open, but was down waiting on a long coal train. We were delayed over a half hour which made us miss the opening at the Steel Bridge. Total lost time slightly over an hour.

Traveling on, we enjoyed the warm sunshine and light southbound traffic until we entered the North Landing River. Faster motor yachts caught up to us and provided lively wakes. The southerly breeze picked up and the temperature dropped as clouds began to arrive.

Due to the lost travel time earlier in the day, we decided, rather than risk trying to find a suitable anchorage in the dark, to take a slip at Midway Marina and docked alongside around 1730.

Donna fired up the pressure cooker and we dined on an excellent pork roast and vegetables. After such a delicious and filling meal, I’m finding it hard to stay awake as I write this blog entry. So, I’ll just close with the days technical details.

Location: Coinjock, NC, Mile Marker 50
Distance Traveled: 50.6 Statute Miles
Max Speed: 7.1 MPH
Avg Speed: 5.0 MPH