DURANT ISLAND, NC TO ELIZABETH CITY, NC

Friday, May 15th, 2015

Day 284
Miles Traveled: 34
Total Miles Traveled: 3758


  We awoke to the calm winds that had been predicted.  This was important for our day as we were about to cross the Albemarle Sound.  This sound is very large, but not very deep.  This combination can lead to very rough waters with just a little bit of wind.  Most mariners suggest not going out on this body of water if the winds are over 15 mph.  After leaving the anchorage, we fell in line behind "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser".  As we left the Alligator River and entered the Albemarle Sound, the sea conditions were as we had hoped - 1-2 foot waves.  We had a pretty comfortable ride on the intimidating Albemarle.

Albemarle Sound

Albemarle Sound with "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser"

  It was about a 14 mile trip across the Albemarle Sound.  Since we only go about 7.5-8.5 mph, it took a little under two hours.  There were many crab pots scattered throughout the sound, so we had to keep a close watch on where we were going.  Crab pots are cages for catching crabs. They are placed on the bottom and attached to a float with a line.  If you run over one of these, the line can get wrapped around the prop and stop you dead in the water.  A diver would have to go underneath the boat and cut the line loose.  There is risk of damage to the prop and shaft if this occurs.  It wouldn't be quite as difficult if the fisherman would make the floats a bright color.  Often they are dark blue or green and blend in with the water itself.  We have encountered these over and over again along the waters of the ICW. 

  After crossing the sound we entered the Pasquotank River.  Along the shores of the Pasquotank stands an old naval blimp airdock which used to house blimps that would patrol the coastline in search of German U-boats.  The wooden hanger burned to the ground in 1995, but the steel hanger still remains, and is used by a private airship manufacturer.  

steel hanger for airship manufacturing

airship on the hanger grounds

  The Pasquotank River took us to Pelican Marina which was within walking distance of downtown Elizabeth City, NC, known as the Harbor of Hospitality.  We arrived just in time to enjoy the first day of the North Carolina Potato Festival.  Some local restaurants were serving food.  We enjoyed some potato skin pizza (which was very good).  To our disappointment, there were no other potato treats, except for the typical fair-food french fries.  Angie tried a fried Ho-Ho (which was very good).  In addition to rides for the kids, there was also live music.  We enjoyed listening to a local bluegrass band.   

North Carolina Potato Festival

Potato Festival

bluegrass band at the Potato Festival

Fun at the Potato Festival with "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser"
Dan, Dan, Craig, Jacque, and Donna

  Overall, it was a very enjoyable day.  We were thankful that we had such good weather for our day on the Ablemarle Sound and at the Potato Festival.