22 Apr 14

The morning dawned clear and cool, but very pleasant; wind W 5-10, just as forecast. The water level is up and we are fully afloat again after 4 days sitting on the bottom. We are busting out of this place at last! After we pumped out the holding tanks, we got away before 10:00 and headed for Elizabeth City. The wind stayed W to SW, so we managed to sail about half the way across the Albemarle Sound and up the Pasquotank River, arriving in Liz City about 16:00, where we tied up at the Mariner’s Wharf (free) dock, operated by the city; pretty basic and no shore power, but the price is right. We had a quick walk around the downtown area, but not much to offer in the way of diversions or gourmet restaurants; so, dinner aboard. The solar powered “Ra” is parked next to us. They are doing the Loop solely on electrical power; check out their web-site (www.solarboatchronicles.com) for the details. Looks like we will be going through the Dismal Swamp generally in their company.

23 Apr 14

Another beautiful day in paradise. We chilled in the morning and had a late breakfast. Then, we rode our bikes to the grocery store to get a few essentials. After lunch, we visited the nearby Albemarle Museum. Late in the afternoon, a number of yachts came into the marina (with the advent of good weather, everybody is on the move). We met Charlie and Anita on “Raison d’être” and Neal and Terri on “Abraxas”. Terri and Neal organized the group of us to go to dinner together at Crystal Creek Restaurant, just a few yards away on Water Street. Afterward, everyone came back to our boat for an after dinner drink.