Today was our day to cross Albemarle Sound, one of the larger bodies of water that we need to cross on the loop. It is not actually that wide, but it is shallow and there are horror stories about boats getting caught in big waves. We left Alligator River marina early, and luck was with us. The weather was just as predicted, light winds and waves of 1-2 ft. It was cloudy and hazy, not sure how much was actually cloud and how much was smoke from the forest fires southeast of us, given that the breeze was from the southeast. The prevailing theme for us today was crab pots, Albemarle Sound was full of them, we dodged them all day. As we left Albemarle Sound and travelled up the Pasquotank River, we passed a huge coast guard station, apparently the largest on the east coast. Several planes and helicopters flew over us as we travelled. Arrived at Elizabeth City just after lunch. Several other boats came in behind us, one of them was General Delivery, Louis and Louise from Montreal. We had not seen them since Fort Lauderdale. Blue Angel and Sea Estates are also here.
Elizabeth City is known as the city of hospitality for boaters. Several years ago, a couple of men started bringing rose buds to all of the boaters who tied up at the town's free docks; they became known as the rose buddies. Those men have since died, but the town continues the tradition. They hold a wine and cheese get together for boaters at 4:20 in the afternoon, several people from the town are present to welcome everyone, and every woman gets a rose. Even as we walked around town, people were so friendly. One lady offered to drive us anywhere we needed to go. People in stores asked if we were off of the boats and were eager to welcome us to the town. Went out for dinner with Jim and Gloria, Louis and Louise and another couple from France who have been travelling with Louis and Louise. Windy tonight, waves are rocking the boat. If the weather is fit in the morning, we plan to move on.
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| On the way up the Pasquotank River, we passed a WWII dirigible hanger, now used to build blimps. The picture is somewhat foggy, because the air was really hazy as we passed here. |
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| Out to dinner with Jim and Gloria, Louis and Louise, and the couple from France |
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| Being welcomed by the town at the wine and cheese reception |
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| The old dirigible plant, now used to build blimps |
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