GREAT BRIDGE, VA TO COINJOCK, NC

October 28, 2011  Friday

We woke up this morning to a cold from that was moving through the area: overcast skies and cold for this part of the country.  Donning foul Wx gear and bundled up, we departed at 0830 hrs for Coinjock, NC which is 38 miles distant (36 deg. 21.1' N x 75 deg. 56.8' W)

The ICW is very scenic and well protected, however, anytime there is an open bay or sound, the wind and fetch can set up a nasty chop.  So far it has been well marked with red and green day markers.  The controlling depth in the ICW is 12 feet. There is no water outside the designated markers.  As were were motoring to our first bridge this morning, another yacht tried to overtake us on our starboard side. Phyllis made the comment that he was very close to the edge of the channel. Just then he grounded and came to an abrupt stop.  Fortunately, most of this area has mud and sand so no damage was done.  The worst thing that can happen in the ICW is to hit an underwater stump or obstruction.  There are plenty of those around and sometimes with the most vigilant navigation you hit something.  I have tried to document all recent reports on obstructions and shoaling and mark them on the charts but new ones pop up and are not known until some unfortunate boater nails one.  It's what keeps the repair shops thriving in this economic market.

We chose to tie up alongside some pilings at the Mid Way Marina and Hotel in Coinjock, NC.  We no longer need shore power since our Solar Panels and Wind Generator are cranking out more than enough amps.  This is a strong cold front that is blowing thru the area and there aren't many good places to anchor.  Right now as I write this (0830 hrs EDT) it is gusting over 30 kts from the N.  This system is going to last through tomorrow and part of the next day : gale warnings are being issued.  All those yachts in Portsmouth and Great Bridge stayed put today and we only saw two other yachts and a few power boats navigating with us.  Phyllis and I took turns at the helm and kept our home safely in good water despite a strong cross breeze that necessitated crabbing down the channel.  She is going to become a good helmswoman and competent navigator.

We'll see what kind of WX greets us in the morning and the options I have for anchoring in the late afternoon.  I'd like to make 40 or 50  miles.  This would put us almost half way through our ICW journey:  Norfolk to Beaufort, NC is 205 miles.  Once we're in Beaufort, NC, we'll have to wait on a Wx window and then make a direct sail for Charleston, SC.