The weather is predicted to start getting bad later in the day and progressively get worse over the next couple of days. Our usual fifty mile day will put us in an area without secure anchorages or marinas. With this in mind we opt to start a little late, move about 30-35 miles and go to a marina.
It was overcast with light winds as we entered the Alligator-Pungo Canal. At the end of the 20+ mile canal, the winds were already blowing 15 mph and gusting from the east. Once out of the canal the wind allowed me to roll out the jib and motor sail in the Pungo River for a while. We decided to pull into Dowry Creek Marina at mile 132 since we visited there in 2008 and really enjoyed the stay.
By 1315 we were secure at the dock and enjoyed some down time and the availability of wifi. With cell phone and wifi working again, we were able to catch up on emails and then attended an impromptu happy hour in the boaters lounge.
We're back on the boat for the evening. Everything has been secured and we are awaiting the wind and rain that is supposed to start after midnight.
Buddy is not happy as he is not allowed on deck in the marina. He has a tendency to jump to the dock, run down the pier and hop aboard any high dollar trawler.
Here' the specs for today:
Departed: 0745 Stopped: 1320
Location: MM 132, Dowry Creek Marina, Pungo River
Distance Traveled: 27 mi
Tomorrow's Destination: Undecided, depends on the weather.
Day Two - Nov 9, 2009
We had a great run across the Albemarle Sound and into the Alligator River. Despite all the fuss about the shoaling and relocated marks on entering the Alligator, we just followed the marks and had no problems. We really hoped to make it to the Pungo River today, but there just wasn't enough daylight so we stopped off Tuckahoe Point in the Alligator River. There was only one boat there when we arrived, but by the time we were anchored and had a glass of wine, there were seven anchored for the evening.
Specs on the day:
Departed: 0645 Stopped: 1507
Location: MM105, Tuckahoe Point, Alligator River, NC N35°40.298' W76°05.698' Depth 7.5'
Distance Traveled: 49 mi Average Speed: 5.7 mph
Tomorrow's Destination: Undecided, depends on the weather.
Departure Day - Nov 8, 2009
We slept onboard so we could get away early. Friends and family showed up as we were about to leave so we finally shoved off around 0715. Out in the Elizabeth R. the race was on to keep up the pace and match the bridge openings. Gilmerton and North Landing bridges kept us waiting a little, but otherwise the bridges and lock transit was good. We did miss Donna's parents at the Great Bridge Lock and my sister at Pungo. It was a beautiful day for going south. We got a glimpse of a beautiful eagle perched in a tree along the waterway. We couldn't get the camera fast enough so the picture is a long distance shot.
Here, the first real trial of the new windlass and chain worked well.
Specs on the day:
Departed: 0715 Stopped: 1720
Location: MM 56, Buck Is, North River, NC N36°16.024' W75°57.391' Depth 6.0'
Distance Traveled: 57 mi Average Speed: 5.7 mph
Tomorrow's Destination: Entrance of the Alligator R.-Pungo R. Canal
Pre-Departure Activities
Today has been a whirlwind day. It has been a long day too, loading everything on the boat, finding time to attend the Portsmouth Boat Club Oyster Roast, and getting Buddy on board and settled. We're sleeping on board tonight in hopes of getting an early start. Tomorrow's the big day and the weather forcast looks good. Good night all.
October 2009 - Crunch Month
October has been hectic for both of us. Lots of effort going into getting ready for the trip. Work on Ninkasi proceeds slowly. Met with Howdy on the bow roller design and we decided the plate version would work better than a tubular type. The roller plate was delivered, minus the rollers and retaining pins, so I could finalize the locations and drill the mounting holes in the plate and the deck. Then the plate was off for powder coating and another week delay.
As usual I'm keeping track of other cruisers and any ICW problems on the Cruiser's Net. That's where Murphy hit the schedule with a big problem. The Ben Sawyer Bridge just north of Charleston is being replaced from 11/13 to 11/23 and the Intracoastal will be closed. We now have to leave by Nov 1 or earlier to make it to Charleston before the closure.
By the time the powder coating was done the rollers and pins had arrived and actual installation began. After several days of the usual progress impediments, the windlass, bow roller, chain and rode are installed. It's now the 27th and the anchor locks are not yet installed and we get another Murphy blow to the schedule. The bridge replacement has been moved up and there is no way we can get there before the waterway closure. Reluctantly, the decision is made to move our departure date to Nov 8.
As usual I'm keeping track of other cruisers and any ICW problems on the Cruiser's Net. That's where Murphy hit the schedule with a big problem. The Ben Sawyer Bridge just north of Charleston is being replaced from 11/13 to 11/23 and the Intracoastal will be closed. We now have to leave by Nov 1 or earlier to make it to Charleston before the closure.
September 2009
I ordered a Lewmar windlass and the wire needed to install it. While waiting for windlass, I continued to work on the roller prototype. The more I worked on it, the more frustrated I became. Seeking help, I talked with Cary (local boat service) and showed him the prototype. He immediately produced a picture of his previous Columbia 34 and a nice looking custom bow roller which had been made by Howdy. With picture and prototype in hand I went back to see Howdy. Work is finishing on the big project and hopefully he can work on the roller next week. August 2009
The next project is a biggy. I want a bow roller and windlass on board before we head south again. Ninkasi was never designed to have either according to the Hunter folks. I find pictures of homemade attempts at these installations, but I an not impressed with any of the bow rollers. I decide to install a horizontal windlass in the anchor well and turn the bow roller over to professionals. I contact Howdy Bailey (famous local yacht builder) who though semi-retired is still doing marine work. He’s backed up with lots of work but I manage to get into his work queue.
We took Ninkasi on the club cruise to York River and two weeks later to Cape Charles. Unfortunately, while we were gone Howdy came to look at our boat. Before I found out, he was already involved in a big job over in Norfolk. Out of frustration I started prototyping roller platform ideas.
We took Ninkasi on the club cruise to York River and two weeks later to Cape Charles. Unfortunately, while we were gone Howdy came to look at our boat. Before I found out, he was already involved in a big job over in Norfolk. Out of frustration I started prototyping roller platform ideas.
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