Riding the Mechanical Bull Blindfolded Across Albemarle Sound

Date:                                  April 30, 2013

Days on the Cruise:             36

From:                                Alligator River Marina, Columbia, NC

To:                                    Coinjock Marina, Coinjock, NC

Statute Miles:                    36.7

Time:                                4.2 Hours

Cumulative Miles:             1,182.4

On Board:                         Chuck, Susan, Maggie, Trooper, Peanut

We are in Coinjock, NC tonight near Nag's Head

Coinjock showing the Mid Atlantic States Position

Amanda and Ben and baby Charlotte are all doing well. Here is a picture of Mama and baby girl.

Today was a big surprise weather wise, and it affected our "short" trip across Albemarle Sound. We planned to leave at 10:00 this morning. It was partly cloudy at the marina, so we decided to leave early, and we got off at 9:40. By the time we cleared the marina and got out in the Alligator River, banks of fog rolled in and we were soon in a very reduced visibility situation. It took us a while to wind around the shoals at the junction of Albemarle Sound and the River. I turned the radar on and we poked along in 1/2 mile visibility. The radar would show red "targets" that we would watch and when we got close enough, we could actually see the channel markers and other boats. The AIS also helped identify the boats that were equipped with this technology, as was a big sailboat, "Mandalay", that decided to anchor outside the ICW and wait for the fog to lift.

We saw a bunch of red targets in front of us as we got out into the Sound, and when we got within a half mile of the targets, we found five sailboats all in a row cruising the channel across the Sound. So it went like this for more than an hour, maybe an hour and a half. We got into stronger winds and higher waves the farther out in the Sound we went. The autopilot was hunting back and forth as the waves built to 3', so I increased speed to maintain my course. Finally about half or sixty percent of the way across Albemarle, we broke into the clear to heavy overcast, but no more fog.

One of the five sailboats. Note the waves breaking on her bow.

The crossing in the fog was very rough. Because we were going into the wind and waves, we were bounced around instead of rolled. Not being able to see through the fog and being bounced like a mechanical bull, gave me visions of being an urban cowboy at Mickey Gillie's riding a bull blindfolded. In fact, Susan and I are still rocking from the ride this morning. As we ate dinner in Coinjock, we both had the rocking sensation. Sea Legs anyone?

Me and da boid are sick of these rough rides!

After Albemarle, we got into shallow winding creeks and a long canal that connects to Currituck Sound. We are staying at Coinjock Marina in Coinjock, which is along this canal. Anyone know what "Coinjock" means?

The marina is just one very long fixed face dock parallel to the canal. boats are packed in tightly. The five sailboats that we passed in Albemarle are all here, and the big sailboat, "Mandalay" with John and Debra from Annapolis on board who we were with last night at Alligator River Marina is also here.

Coinjock Marina

Coinjock Marina

"Blue Moon" at Coinjock

Coinjock Marina

Boats behind "Blue Moon" at Coinjock

Susan cleaned the Isenglass today!

The Coinjock Marina is famous in cruising circles for the Prime Rib at the waterfront restaurant at the Marina. It did not disappoint tonight. Susan had the Ribeye which was also very good. The portions are big, and we both have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. All in all, Coinjock is a great stop. The face dock is very easy to get onto and secure the boat, and the dock hands are hard working and professional.

Tomorrow we continue to Norfolk. We expect to enter Virginia and conclude the day's voyage about 7 miles from Norfolk. We have about a 5 mile slog up Currituck Sound with 15 mph winds from the NE forecast.

Oh, and "Coinjock" means Mulberry in the Native American  vocabulary!

Thanks for Reading!