Coinjock Marina NC

November 2nd Thursday we leave SH Bluewater Yachting Centre and start our journey into the AICW - Atlantic Intercostal Waterways. By the time we pumped out the head and filled with fuel we were later leaving than we would have preferred. Before you cruise down the AICW you have to travel through the 10 nm stretch called the Hampton Roads area. It is here that the worlds merchant fleet loads and unloads cargo. It also feel weird as the boat cruises along there are cars traveling the tunnel underneath us. It takes a lot of concentration to make sure you are honoring the correct markers and of course staying our of the Navy Ships way !This particular one is the George W Bush.

At mile marker Zero NH cruises into the Elizabeth River and starts its journey into the AICW. Our first challenge is waiting for the bascule bridge to open followed by the chase to make it to the lock and after that making the opening of the next bridge on time. We gather a flotilla of probably eight boats - a mix of sail and motor - all heading for the same place! 

At mile marker 7.3  you can decide to take the Dismal Canal or the Virginia Cut route ( which is the way NH goes ). The route winds 13 miles on the headwaters of North Landing River ( which is a very wide section but has a very narrow channel ) on to Currituck Sound and into Coinjock Bay. NH did assist a sailboat that went aground so it was a good feeling to have made another boaters day just a little better. Nana and Nandad arrive into Coinjock Marina Mile Marker 49.4 after leaving Hampton at 9.45 am - a long day. 

After washing down the boat and watching the marina fill up with other boats we were rewarded with an excellent dinner at the restaurant which is famous for its steak and prime rib. Tomorrow we will head off early and try to make it to Beaufort Mile Marker 134.