Thursday October 31st, 2019

The forecast was for headwinds getting stronger as the day progressed.  The first part of our travels would be heading down the wide open Alligator River, so we set off at first light to get the first part over with before the strong winds kicked in.  The plan worked reasonably well as we entered the Alligator River - Pungo River canal.  The winds, although still headwinds, were less in the canal and the water was flat, so we were able to motor at around 5 knots.  The canal has 2 dead straight sections, the first 7.5 nm long and the second 11 nm long – not the most interesting trip we’ve ever taken. 

When we exited the canal the fun started.  Winds were up to 25 knots on the nose, with large waves slowing the boat every so often to 3 knots.  Then the waves would calm a little and the boat would get going.  The more distance we made and the closer we got to the far shore, the flatter the seas became since the wind had less fetch to build up the waves.  Eventually we reached the turning point toward Belhaven, bore off and managed to unfurl a well reefed genoa.  Suddenly we were doing 6-7 knots.  What a difference the wind direction makes!

We had called a few marinas in Bellhaven, but those with laundry facilities were either full or hadn’t called back, so we docked at Dowry Creek Marina, 035° 31’.977N 076° 32’.160W, about 4nm before the town of Belhaven.  This turned out to be a great decision, very friendly people, very reasonable prices, free laundry, boaters lounge, free loaner car, etc. etc.

We borrowed the car and went into town for dinner.  Had an excellent meal at Spoon River.  There were several really scary looking kids in town!

All in all an excellent day, with great progress.

Ships log: 7208.2, Trip: 43.7, Trip Total: 548.7