Hatteras Island

Started today early with a 7:35 AM departure. First wonderful part of the day was beening waked by a f---ing Sport Fisher going about 30 mph heading for the Oregon Inlet. No slow pass, nothing!!! Our morning coffee went everywhere. Luckily Toby was up on the pilot house seat and not out on the bow. Bonnie's dress was ruined and paper charts doused. The most dangerous part of cruising is the 'other' boaters, with Sport Fishers the worst. Bonnie believes that they seem to be making up for thier anatomical short-comings. I agree!

While our original float plan was to make Oracoke Island, the weather was worsening with 19 knot winds and 3 -5 ft. seas. Decided to stay overnight at Hatteras. Good thing, as this thunderstorm came upon the marina shortly after we docked and cleaned up the boat.

Nice litlle marina, with quaint shops and next to the car ferry station.

A day at the Beach!

Rented a car and went to Pea Island beach. Toby
loved playing in the water. Dinner later at Awful Authers in Kitty Hawk; great food and drink.

The rental car was great, as it gave us the opportinity to see town and run on the beach.

Across the Albemarle Sound to Manteo

A smooth crossing of the Albemarle Sound, albeit crab pots every 100' in the middle of the channel. Made Manteo Waterfront Marina at 12:30PM.

After two nights at 'free docks' without power, it is good to have air conditioning again. Weather has been hot and humid; a typical North Carolina July.

Plan on staying two nights, rent a car and go to the beach.

Dismal Swamp to Elizabeth City

Planned to make the 11:30 AM lock to depart the Dismal Swamp, but due to low water levels in the canal, lock times had been reduced. Waited at the visitors center several more hours. Made the afternoon lock at 3:00. I'm not good at waiting!









Toby has become quite the 'boat dog', going outside unassisted (not approved) and enjoying nature and breeze while underway.

Docked at the 'free docks' in Elizabeth City by 6:05 PM, tight fit; but no problem.

Dismal Swamp

We have been looking forward to the return trip via the Dismal Swamp Canal. Connecting the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia via the Elizabeth River and the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina via the Pasquotank River , this is the oldest continually operating man-made canal in the United States. Digging began in 1793 and progressed slowly since the canal had to be dug completely by hand. Most of the labor was done by slaves hired from nearby land owners. It took over12 years of back-breaking construction under highly unfavorable conditions to complete the 22-mile long waterway.

Made the 'Southbound' lock at 2:30, but had to wait until a 3:00 opening; no problem we're cruising.

Stayed at the free docks and the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center, storms are expected overnight.

Heading Southbound - Rough Passage

Dylan returned home today from Williamsburg Station via Amtrak. He was excited to travel via train for the first time on a longer passage. We were excited to be alone. We love our children, but know how to enjoy each other without them.

At 12:30 we cast off to return to the Norfolk area, with a planned destination of Hampton Roads. With steady winds from the Southeast, the Cheaspeake Bay began building as we moved further south.

By the time we reached Bluewater Marina in Hampton Roads, even Toby had enough of 'bluewater' cruising!

But, after a good boat washing and dinner; we all went for a dinghy ride up the Hampton River. On Laughing Turtle we carry a 9' dinghy with 2hp motor on our stern.

Kid Day – Busch Gardens

Today was break from the water. We all went to Busch Gardens, including Toby (kennel at the park). Personally, Bonnie and I have out grown roller coasters by at least a couple of years. But, it was good to get off the boat a walk and we did do a few roller coasters. For Griffen, the newest and scariest, Dylan was on his own.
Upon on return, we were pleased to find that a concert was on the schedule for the marina. From the vantage point of Laughing Turtle, we had the best seats in the house.