BELHAVEN, NC TO DURANT ISLAND, NC

Thursday, May 14th, 2015

Day 283
Miles Traveled: 55
Total Miles Traveled: 3724


  After a nice sunrise, we left Dowry Creek Marina and headed back onto the Pungo River.

sunrise at Dowry Creek Marina

  We then entered the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal which took us to (you guessed it) the Alligator River.  The man-made 20 mile canal was completed and opened in September 1928.  It was the last remaining link to complete the Atlantic ICW from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL.

Alligator River-Pungo River Canal

  The Alligator River was not as welcoming as the calm waters of the canal.  We encountered some 2-3 foot waves, not quite as high as on the Neuse, but enough that we rocked like a rocking horse.  We had the waves on our bow (which Seahorse likes).  

Alligator River - some whitecaps and waves

  We found a relatively protected anchorage from the northeast winds behind Durant Island.  We were joined by Craig & Donna on "Mighty Fine" and Dan & Jacque on "Horizon Chaser".  Craig was kind enough to bring his dinghy over to our boat and takes us back to his for "docktails" with them and "Horizon Chaser".  After telling some tales, we all went back to our boats to grill some dinner.  This anchorage gave us a beautiful sunset, like so many other anchorages we have stayed at in the past. 

sunset at Durant Island anchorage