11/10/16 Mathews Point

We had a few chores to do in Solomons Island, one of which involved Ken climbing the mast to change the anchor light.

This was done with more ease than on Release, and I was able to do it instead of hauling Francie up the mast on a halyard.
   We have had a busy few days after leaving Solomons on Saturday.  Saturday we pulled into  Godfrey Bay near Deltaville, a nice beach for Skipper.  Sunday we had a very good day and traveled through Hampton Roads, Norfolk,and Portsmouth to Great Bridge VA where we tied to a free dock.

 This fall we are taking the Virginia cut as the Dismal Swamp route is closed from the hurricane and high water. The dock is located after the lock and Great Bridge.

 There was a very nice walking path we were able to enjoy.  Up early Monday and we were off before 0600 to make the Centerville 0630 bridge opening.  This bridge is closed from 0630 till 0900 and would have delayed us had we not arrived  when we did. We traveled past Coinjock and then some shallow places to the Albermarle Sound, which has a lot of fetch and was rolling pretty well. We continued across the Albermarl Sound to an anchorage in South Lake on the Alligator River.

 Tuesday we once again left at o dark thirty and  traveled to Belhaven NC, another good anchorage. Our passage Wednesday involves the Neuse River which has not often been friendly to us. We very surprised to find it quite comfortable all the way to Oriental.  After ducking our heads in the harbor and not finding docks available to shop the consignment store, we left.  We caught up with friends Cori and Dale on HiFlite at Mathews Point Marina.

 They are leaving next week for St Thomas and points south, nine to twelve days of open water, quite an adventure. They have loaned us charts for our trip next year on the Great Loop. We will leave friday for points south and warm weather