Classic Albemarle conditions and erroneous weather forecast. It was supposed to be a motoring trip down the Sound to the Alligator River into 5kt headwinds and smooth seas.
Instead it was rocking and rolling into 15-20kts of wind off the port bow, with 2-3ft steep waves, typical of the shallow Sound. Fortunately, the waves were coming from a 60deg angle so we could cut through without being slammed on the bow and stopped dead.
Still, 5hrs of uncomfortable motor sailing.
Eventually, we were able to make the 90deg turn into the Alligator River and all was right with the world. Now it was downwind sailing with 15kts aft of the beam. We secured the engine and had a great sail down the river for the next 4 hrs.
There's not much to see along this section of the ICW. It is 85miles across the Albemarle, down the Alligator River then through the Alligator-Pungo Canal before you get to Belhaven.
The farthest we can transit with daylight this time of year is about 60 miles, so we have to break up the trip into 2 days.
We spend the night anchored just before entering the Canal - basically in the middle of nowhere.
Another pretty sunset. We are back on the ICW and with all the boats heading south for the winter. There were 5 other boats anchored alongside us and another 6 anchored at the next anchorage spot down near where the sun is setting. Back to the maddening crowds.
