Day 193 - April 24, 2013: A Long Day to Elizabeth City

Today proved to be our greatest mileage day yet on the loop. We didn't plan it that way; it just unfolded as we went. This area of the ICW is known for two broad water crossings that can be as treacherous as any waters on the Great Loop, so we needed to be careful.

It was early, and the wind was still low and on the stern as we crossed the Pamlico River. This made this first crossing go smoothly. Next, we traversed the Pungo River past Belhaven to the Pungo River - Alligator River Canal. This canal is a man-made ditch, 20 miles long, with only one small bend full of stumps and fallen trees. Winds were not a problem here, and we found it to be a desolate area with much wildlife.

Pungo River - Alligator River Canal 

Deer drinking along the shore

Our plan was to anchor in the Alligator River just short of the second crossing called Albemarle Sound. As we approached the anchorage, the winds were still on our stern, but rapidly building with gusts to 30 mph, and they were forecast to be as high tomorrow but on the nose. Although we had already traveled 70 miles in 7 hours, I decided today was the more favorable crossing and pushed on. It proved to be a good decision despite the high waves. Our final destination became Elizabeth City, and we arrived at dusk, having traveled 103 miles and 12 hours! We went to the free city docks and got some well-deserved rest.

High winds and waves on the stern while crossing the Albemarle Sound.